Tips on Repairing Scratches on Leather Sofas

Buffing

• If the scratches in your leather sofa are light, you may be able to buff them out with a soft chamois or simply a clean finger. Lightly and gently buff the scratch to gently rub off any uneven texture. In many cases, the gentle buffing will rub the scratch away. If buffing is not enough to remove the scratch, dab a little distilled water onto the scratch and buff again with the chamois.

Home Remedies

• Many options exist in the home remedy department. Some include rubbing a small amount of olive oil or orange oil into the scratches or dabbing them with milk. Shoe polish in a matching color can camouflage scratches, as can furniture scratch remover in a matching color. While your neighbors may swear by these remedies, professionals often warn against them. Test these methods in an inconspicuous spot before using them over the entire piece.

Commercial Products

• Furniture stores and Internet retail outlets often offer scratch removal products for sale. Leather recoloring balm is a pigmented, lotion-like substance that covers scratches; choose the color that best matches your furniture. Leather repair pens also come in different colors and cover scratches. Some conditioning balms may hide scratches, as well. These products differ from store to store and manufacturer to manufacturer, so follow the instructions that come with your specific product.

Professional Treatment

• If do-it-yourself methods don't remove your leather's scratches to your satisfaction, call a professional leather cleaner and restorer. Professionals can often restore even the most worn leather furniture, giving it a like-new appearance.

Prevention

• Although accidents can happen no matter how careful you are, preventing scratches from occurring in the first place goes a long way toward keeping your furniture in tip-top shape. Start by training your pets to stay off your leather furniture. When it comes to your own behavior, do not sit on your leather furniture if you have a pen, pencil or a pen knife in your pocket or if your jean pockets are studded with metal decorations. If you have long fingernails, be mindful of where you place your hands. While sitting on your leather furniture, do not use sharp tools, such as knives, forks, scissors or sewing or knitting needles. Apply a commercial leather conditioner to your furniture once or twice a year. The conditioner will help your leather stay supple and resist scratches.