How to Care for Leather Sofas

Do not smoke near your leather sofa. Repairing cigarette burns is difficult, and ash from a cigarette can cause your leather to discolor.

Do not spill liquids on your leather sofa. Liquids seep right into the leather, causing it to discolor. It can also cause mold to form.

Make sure you don't have sharp objects in your pockets. A poke from a ballpoint pen may rip right through the leather. Also, be careful you don't sit on sharp objects like scissors or needles. Not only may it hurt you, it could hurt your furniture. A hole in leather furniture is difficult to repair.

Do not place your leather sofa in direct sunlight or near a heat source like a radiator or fireplace. The heat may cause your leather to dry up and consequently crack or split, and the sun will also discolor it.

Use a slightly damp cloth to clean small stains. Check your sofa's care guide first. See if it is acceptable to gently blot away small spills or dirty spots. Do not use too much water, as it will damage the leather. You can also purchase leather cleaner from the store and add a small dab to your rag. Follow the directions on the label when applying to your leather furniture.

Add a conditioner or oil to your leather sofa a few times a year. It is essential you read your manufacturer's instructions before adding any kind of conditioner or oil. You can purchase products designed to do this. Others say you can put petroleum jelly on a rag and gently rub it in. Remove the excess when done.