How to Care for Your Leather Furniture

Leather is an excellent material to consider when shopping for home furniture. Quality leather furniture is durable and long-lasting, fairly easy to maintain, resistant to damage, and has a warm, luxurious look that can’t be beat. The one thing to keep in mind about leather, though, is that its benefits do typically come with a higher cost. While the investment is certainly worth it, it means you’ll want to do everything in your power to make it go as far as possible.

To help you keep your leather furnishings in good condition and maximize their lifespan, we’ve put together an easy-to-follow care guide below!

Don’t Use Soap, Detergent, or DIY Cleaners

Soaps, cleaning solvents, oils, and even excess water can stain, discolor, and damage leather. For regular cleanings and mild stains on your leather furniture, skip these products and opt for just a dry or slightly damp cloth instead. When you want to do a deeper cleaning or tackle a stubborn stain, invest in a specialized leather cleaner.

Dust and Vacuum Regularly

Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on your furniture and make the leather look worn, or even scratch it if its harsher material, such as food crumbs. Dusting and vacuuming once every week or two will help prevent this buildup and any possible ensuing damage.

For dusting, start by gently wiping your furniture with a dry cloth. If stubborn dirt is still sticking, you can try a damp cloth—but be sure to water-test the leather in a non-visible area first to see if it will absorb and stain. After dusting, vacuum the inside of the cushions, between crevices, and along the bottom.

Clean Spills and Stains Immediately

The biggest day-to-day threat to leather furniture is often staining and discoloration. But if you address any food or liquid spills ASAP, you can help prevent this. If you spill something on a leather furniture piece, blot it with a dry cloth. It’s important to blot rather than wipe, as wiping can spread the spill and accelerate absorption into the leather. For oily or greasy stains, apply baking powder on top to absorb the stain.

Deeper stains or stains that have set will likely require a specialized leather cleaner or professional cleaning to remove.

Use Leather Conditioner When the Leather Gets Dry

The oils in leather need to be replenished periodically to prevent cracking, hardness, and distress. You can do this for your leather furniture with a moisturizer formulated specifically for the type of leather it’s made of (treated vs. natural). As always, you should test any product you get on a non-visible section of the leather before applying it to the entire piece.

When you purchase a leather piece from Conway Furniture, you can opt to have your leather treated with a leather conditioner before it gets to you. You’ll also receive a bottle of the conditioner, which you can apply yourself (with a soft, lint-free cloth) when the leather starts to feel dry, usually after at least 2-3 years since the first application.

Position Leather Furniture Out of Direct Sunlight and Extreme Temperatures

Extreme heat, extreme cold, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will cause your leather furniture to dry out, crack, and fade over time. Fortunately, you can be proactive about this by being smart about where you place leather pieces. Avoid situating them near a radiator, air conditioner, fireplace, or directly next to a window or door.

At Conway Furniture, we stock a wide selection of leather furniture from reputable brands you can count on to last. Whether you’re looking for a leather couch, loveseat, recliner, ottoman, or any variations thereof, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the perfect style for your home and with the features you need.

Browse our selection of leather furniture online or stop in the store today to test everything out for yourself!