Know Leather Furniture Limitations
The more processing that leather goes through, the easier it cleans. Cleaners can bleach dyed leather furniture. Natural full-grain leather and top-grain leathers are affordable, durable processed leathers that clean well. More costly aniline leather has the least amount of processing, full aniline has a surface finish, and semi-aniline leather is heavily processed.
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Think Before Cleaning Your Leather
Keep all leather furniture out of direct sunlight and at least 12 inches from heat vents. Vacuuming is safe for leather sofas and leather chairs. Use a soft brush to avoid scratches. Minor scratches can be buffed out using a chamois and a drop of distilled water. Blot spills on leather furniture with paper towel or a soft cloth before they set.
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Clean leather furniture monthly with a slightly damp cloth. Mild soap (Neutrogena or Ivory, for example) with a neutral PH can be used on areas with built-up dirt and body oils (not for aniline leather). A small amount of shaving cream on a damp cloth will attack stains and soften leather. To clean blood from leather, dab on hydrogen peroxide and wipe clean after it bubbles. Use mink oil and lanolin products with caution; they can stain some leather. Spot-test all products on an out-of-sight area.
Commercial Cleaners for Leather Furniture
First and foremost, follow the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning leather furniture. Some commercial leather furniture cleaners are:
- Leather CPR Cleaner and Conditioner: removes dirt and grime and hides scratches.
- Liquid NIKWAX: removes dirt and conditions leather furniture.
- Leather Vital: nourishes and softens leather, penetrates dry cracks.
- Guardsman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Mousse: cleans, softens, and remoisturizes finished leather.
- Obenauf's White Jaguar Leather Cleaner: natural plant ingredients release and lift dirt - non-toxic, non-petroleum, and biodegradable.
- Obenauf's Leather Oil and Obenauf's Heavy-Duty Leather Preservative: 2 products that preserve, protect, and restore leather sofas and chairs.
