How to Care for a Leather Ottoman

Leather furniture will give your home a classic and sophisticated look, but it requires special maintenance to keep it looking its best. When it is not taken care of properly, leather furniture can become prone to cracking and fading, especially if it is an item that is used as heavily as an ottoman. Take steps to maintain your leather ottoman to prolong its life and keep it looking attractive for as long as possible.

Cotton or microfiber cloth
Vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment
Distilled water
Leather conditioner

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the ottoman regularly to remove dust and dirt. Use a clean cotton or microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the leather, or vacuum it with your vacuum cleaner’s soft brush attachment. Do not use a coarse brush, because it may scratch the leather.
- 2
  Wipe up any spills on the leather immediately. Blot the spill with a clean cloth moistened with distilled water to prevent the stain from soaking in. If your leather ottoman does end up with a stain, remove it by gently rubbing the affected area with a cloth and warm distilled water, then blot up any moisture and allow the ottoman to air dry.
- 3
  Keep the ottoman out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Heat can cause the leather to dry out and crack, and sunlight may prematurely fade the color.
- 4
  Apply a leather conditioning treatment twice per year. Focus on the areas of the ottoman that experience the most wear and tear, such as the top where people rest their feet. Conditioning the leather will keep it moisturized, soft and resilient.

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DIY Ottoman Cover

Ottomans