Extending the Life of Your Leather Furniture
Leather furniture adds a classic, upscale appeal to any home -- but not when the leather is cracked, worn and split. Because leather pieces typically come with a hefty price tag, they are a significant financial investment for you. Make a wise economic decision by taking the appropriate measures to extend the useful life of your leather furniture
Furniture Placement
The placement of your leather furniture in a room can impact its longevity. Avoid situating leather pieces under skylights, alongside windows or next to sliding doors. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause your leather furniture to fade and dry out, resulting in unsightly blemishes, such as spots and cracks. Window coverings -- blinds, shades, shutters, draperies or window film -- can provide a protective barrier to shield leather pieces from harmful UV rays. Maintain at least a 2-foot clearance between leather furniture and interior heating sources, such as radiators and heating vents, to keep the leather from drying out.
Cleaning
Wipe down your leather pieces weekly with a clean dry cloth to remove dust particles from the surface areas. You can also use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently get rid of dust. Clean your leather with a mild soap, such as saddle soap, mixed with water. Dip a non abrasive sponge into the soapy mixture and rub it softly over your leather furniture. Wring the sponge out before you begin cleaning the furniture to avoid messy drips that may stain the leather. Avoid harsh chemical cleansers that can strip the leather of its original color.
Conditioning
Apply a conditioner to your furniture to restore the leather's natural oils that keep it soft and supple, resulting in a longer life for your leather pieces. Leather conditioner also provides an additional barrier to stains from accidental spills, sweating glasses and other liquids. Choose a leather conditioner, such as mink oil or some other product designed especially for leather, to add revitalizing moisture to dry leather pieces. Typically, you should condition your leather furniture once every one to three months, depending on how often the furniture is used.
Other Ideas
Implement preventive measures that prolong the life of your leather furniture. For example, keep corrosive substances from coming in direct contact with the leather pieces. This includes the chlorine from swimming pools, animal flea and tick treatments, bleach, ammonia and hair products. When you make a habit of sitting on the arm or back of a leather sofa or armchair, you can cause structural damage to the furniture, which shortens its existence. Move your leather furniture by picking it up because pushing or pulling it can wreak havoc on the upholstery.
If you find that your furniture no longer works for your home, consider selling it on consignment or donating it to a local charity. Then, we welcome you to shop Wearhouse and More – where you will find high-quality furniture at affordable prices!
