However, if you want your leather furniture to last a long time, you need to take adequate care of it. First, ensure that your furniture is not placed near air conditioners, heaters, or scorching Perth sun all day.
Direct sunlight can form cracks and decrease the lifespan of these types of furniture. Make sure you treat your leather with a leather conditioner regularly. Finally, avoid storing leather furniture in plastic at all costs.
This article will inform you on how to clean and maintain leather furniture.
When to Clean Leather Furniture
Stains should be cleaned as soon as it happens. Because once the stains are set, it will be hard to remove them. When it comes to older stains that have had more time to dry and set, using a softer cleaning procedure may not be as effective.
To avoid dirt accumulation, it is recommended to get your leather furniture cleaned regularly. Maintaining and cleaning leather furniture is easy if you follow the manufacturer’s directions. Your furniture’s particular kind of leather has its own set of care guidelines.
However, do not try to remove a stubborn stain by scrubbing. You may end up doing more damage by tearing the leather material. Make use of the professional cleaning services instead. For example, several firms offer leather couch cleaning in Perth. So, if the stains seem persistent, you should hire the pros to clean and care for your leather furniture.
Cleaning The Leather Furniture
Let us learn about the cleaning procedures of leather furniture.
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Cleaning the Surface
To begin cleaning, grab a vacuum cleaner and attach the brush attachment to the end. Then, gently brush the surface, paying particular attention to the wrinkles and folds of the sofa, where dirt tends to collect.
After you have removed all the dirt and dust from your leather couch, you will need to wipe it down with a damp cloth. Use leather wipes or baby wipes for a quick clean
Here are some other DIY solutions to help clean up specific situations.
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Removing Soil
It is possible to clean leather furniture using white vinegar and olive oil. It is as simple as applying the vinegar immediately to the stained area. To get the best results, focus on cleaning up the tougher stains. Then, using a microfiber cloth, add some olive oil to the leather and buff it. That will keep it supple and silky.
Alternatively, you can combine the two components equally in a bowl and wipe the mixture using a plain paper towel. After that, use a clean cloth to remove any remaining oil by wiping it all over the leather.
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Removing Dirt and Residues
Clean your leather with mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Warm water and a 1/2-cup soap solution make an effective cleaning solution. Dab a microfiber cloth in the mixture once it has been well blended.
To clean your leather furniture, wipe it with a moist towel. Then, remove all the dried debris and dust with a vacuum before applying this cleaning product.
Be sure to wipe it dry right away after using this approach to eliminate the soap residue drying on your furniture. Next, apply a tiny amount of soap to a moist cloth and massage it over the stain to remove it. After that, use a moist towel to wash off the leather and then dry it off.
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Removing Stains
Lemon juice and cream tartar mix can be a great remedy for stains on leather. Using a microfiber cloth, apply a soft paste to the stained area. You can use this solution to remove tough stains from your leather furniture, such as coffee or wine.
Reapply the solution, if necessary, after allowing it to settle for three hours. Then, to restore its shine, wipe it down with a damp cloth once the process has been completed.
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Dark Stains
Dark stains on light-colored leather may be removed using lemon juice and cream of tartar. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, use a wet sponge or a damp sponge dusted with moisturizing soap to remove the paste.
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Watermarks
The leather’s water stains may be erased by rewetting. Then, a hairdryer can blow it dry. Never dry leather in the sun.
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Tints
Remove ink stains from leather by gently wiping with rubbing alcohol. Then dry it with a hairdryer. If the stain persists, use a non-oily cuticle remover. Leave it overnight, then wipe it clean.
Caring The Leather Furniture
Now let us learn some tips on how to care for your leather furniture.
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Homemade Leather Conditioner
When your leather furniture loses its shine, you may need to use a product to restore it. You can make your natural leather conditioner at home instead of spending money on harsh commercial treatments. Use a 1:1 ratio of cocoa butter to beeswax (the mixture) and then a 2½:1 ratio of almond oil and the mixture to make your leather conditioner.
Despite the time it takes to apply beeswax on leather, it is very effective. The oils must be melted before the rest of the ingredients can be included. This can be applied to your leather after it has cooled down. The lemon’s natural oils also help avoid cracking and deteriorating.
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Avoid Sunlight
Some people like to have outdoor dining. Some of them consider leather furniture as a unique decor. However, constant exposure to direct sunlight will quickly deteriorate leather furniture. Sunlight ages and cracks leather, causing it to fade. So, keep your leather furniture away from the sun while arranging it. Place them away from windows.
If you cannot prevent it, purchase window curtains to protect your leather. Anything that blocks away the sun will benefit your leather.
You can obtain reflective window film to reduce glare if you do not want to cover your windows with curtains. When not in use, cover your furniture with a blanket or sheets. These sheets will protect the leather from the sun’s rays.
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Prevent It from Drying
Perth is quite sunny, and during the summer, it might get very dry. Aside from fading, the sun can also dry out leather. This is because leathers have natural oils that can be evaporated by heat. When the moisture evaporates, the leather stiffens and cracks.
Keeping your leather out of the sun is not enough to prevent this. Get it cleaned 3-4 times a year to prevent drying out. Always use the proper chemicals. The correct leather cleaning chemicals keep the leather’s oils moist and supple. However, the improper chemicals might do more harm to your leather than the sun.
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Store it Carefully
If you need to put leather furniture into a storage unit, get it professionally cleaned before storing it. Also, make sure the leather is completely dry before storing the furniture. Place a plastic sheet under it to combat moisture seeping in. Never wrap leather furniture in plastic, as this will cause moisture to build up and ruin the leather.
Conclusion
These are some of the best home remedies for cleaning leather furniture of stains, mold, mildew, and grime. Whether you live in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, or anywhere else, you can use these methods to clean and have a shiny new look on your furniture. Also, get professional help when necessary. Good Luck!