How Often Should You Put Leather Conditioner on Leather Furniture?

Routine Maintenance

• Many leather manufacturers recommend conditioning leather furniture a minimum of every six months. You may want to consider conditioning more often if your sofa is used frequently or if one cushion is used more often than another. Condition leather furniture placed near a window or in direct sunlight quarterly, as the sun can dry out the leather.

Climate

• Like your own skin, leather reacts to its surrounding climate. If you live in a hot and dry climate you should condition your sofa every four to six weeks. If you are in a humid area, conditioning every six months combined with routine care is sufficient.

Type of Conditioner

• Leather is acidic, measuring an average of 4.5 on the pH scale. Using an incorrect cleaner or conditioner on leather may damage its internal fibers and reduce the lifespan of your sofa. Use only a conditioner that is pH-balanced to leather. Avoid cremes and oils that leave a sticky residue. Test an inconspicuous area before applying a conditioner to the entire sofa.

Types of Leather

• Not all leather is created equally. There are four basic types: Aniline leather is a natural leather. It is dyed and left uncoated, making it more difficult to maintain. Protected leather is painted or colored at the factory and available in a wide range of colors. The coloring offers the hide some protection and is generally easier to maintain than aniline leather. Nubuck leather is soft leather made by roughing up the smooth texture of the hide. It has a similar feel to suede. Nubuck and suede are difficult to clean and maintain. Bycast leather is created by splitting the leather hide and coating the bottom section with a polyurethane finish. Many leather cleaning products and conditioners are not designed to be used with this type of leather. Consult with your furniture manufacturer or a professional to ensure the conditioner you use is compatible with your type of leather.