Leather Sofas & Loveseats

Cleaning

• One of the advantages of leather sofas and love seats over their upholstered counterparts is that they don't require extensive cleaning on a regular basis. Remove dust with a dry, soft cloth and vacuum under cushions and in crevices to remove dirt. No other regular cleaning is necessary.

Conditioning

• Every six to 12 months, it's a good idea to condition your leather sofa or love seat. This restores moisture and keeps the leather soft and supple. Over time, regular conditioning will prevent cracking and will help prevent color fading. Use a product designed specifically for conditioning upholstery leather. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and apply the conditioner evenly across the entire couch or love seat. If you live in an especially arid climate or your leather furniture gets heavy use, consider conditioning more frequently to keep it in top shape.

Placement

• While some upholstery is made to withstand fading from sunlight, this is not the case with leather. If leather sofas are placed in direct sunlight or near a window they will almost surely fade. Leather is also sensitive to temperature and humidity, which means it's important to arrange your furniture so that it is not near radiators or heat vents.

Stains and Spills

• Leather is also superior to upholstery when it comes to spills and stains. There is no need to shampoo them out, but they must be cleaned up immediately. Blot up spills with a dry cloth and then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Do not use detergents, cleaners that contain alcohol, ammonia or any cleaners not designed specifically for leather furniture. Such cleaners can cause fading, staining, drying or cracking. Generally, leather does not require any type of cleaner, and a damp rag is sufficient. Stains that cannot be removed with a damp rag should be removed by a professional, although some stains will fade into the leather over time.

Damage

• Unlike upholstery, leather sofas and love seats are susceptible to scratches and are punctured more easily than fabric. Avoid using or placing sharp objects on leather furniture, and pay special attention to clothing that has metal brads or fastenings that could come in contact with the leather. Pets may also accidentally leave scratches on leather with their claws. Light scratches can usually be buffed out, but deep scratches and punctures are not easily repaired.