A Brescia leather lounge is undoubtedly a luxurious piece of furniture and a timeless investment that you want to protect from getting marred by grime and grease stains. Thankfully, routine leather cleaning is simpler than you might think.
Leather is a natural, breathable material that ages beautifully over time and requires regular attention to maintain its charm. But which leather cleaners or special cleaning solutions are truly essential? Can household products like baking soda and white vinegar help or harm your leather lounge when trying to restore its former glory? Should you dab leather conditioner or apply it in circular motions?
We’ll address these questions and break down leather cleaning into easy-to-follow steps, sharing expert tips to revitalise those well-worn pieces.
Basic Maintenance
Dust leather lounges and other leather furniture with a dry cloth, and apply a leather conditioner monthly to keep the material soft and moisturised. This routine helps prevent cracks, stains, and discolouration.
Household Products for Leather Cleaning
Most leather cleaning methods involve common household items alongside a few specialty products. Follow these steps to banish stains from leather surfaces:
1. Gather materials
- Saddle soap
- Water
- Leather conditioner
- Leather cream
- Soft cloth (like a microfiber cloth)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swabs
2. Start with soap and water
For light, mild stains, use a clean, damp washcloth dipped in soapy, warm water to wipe away the stain. You may need a specialty soap, often called saddle soap.
3. Thoroughly dry the leather
After cleaning, ensure you’re not leaving excess surface moisture. Carefully dry your leather lounge with another clean, dry cloth to prevent mildew. For best results, leave the area undisturbed overnight.
4. Apply leather conditioner or cream
Remoisturise the material by applying leather conditioner or cream with a clean cloth. Allow it to absorb, then buff it to shine. Leather conditioner acts as nourishment for your leather lounge and maintains its overall health.
Choosing the Best Leather Cleaner
Leather cream typically comes in colours to help restore the look and shine of different leather hues. However, if the colour in the tin does not exactly match your leather lounge, test it on a small area first and wait to see the results before applying it to the rest of your furniture.
If you’re unsure which products – leather conditioner, serum, or cream – are best for your lounge, consider this:
- Leather conditioner is a regular base treatment that moisturises and keeps leather supple deep down.
- · Leather serum rejuvenates and adds a protective coat.
- · Leather cream achieves a soft shine and often contains pigments to restore an item’s original colour, commonly used on shoes and boots.
For darker stains that seem impossible to remove, such as ink marks or coffee spills, a cotton swab dipped in alcohol can do the trick. Apply the alcohol directly to the stain spot, preferably using small, circular motions to prevent spreading. But be cautious – you could worsen the stain if you are not careful.
A mixture of equal parts white vinegar and warm water is also effective for maintaining your leather items, especially for wiping away grime from decorative leather cushions on your Brescia Furniture piece.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Leather
Furniture leather is more delicate and less protected against water and other liquid stains than the one used in handbags or shoes. Keep liquids away from your leather lounges, and avoid very wet (water-based and overly oily) cleaning products. Use the driest one possible and spread it over the leather; don’t pour it. Leather creams and shoe polish contain drying agents to prevent greasy residues or deep staining.
If you accidentally use something too oily (or discover a grease stain), try applying some baking soda to the spot (cornflour can work too). Rub in a circular motion and leave for a few hours to absorb the grease. Then, wipe away with a soft cloth.
Additional Tips for Leather Lounge Care
Now that you’re versed in leather cleaning, here are more tips to ensure your cherished piece of furniture lasts a lifetime:
Treating distressed leather
For specific distressed areas, find a treatment suitable for your leather type. A leather serum and cream can be applied with a cloth to soften leather and smooth scratches. Leather Masters is ideal for most leathers and protective against everyday soiling.
Regardless of your choice, a light touch is important. Remember, less is more when applying any product to leather. For coloured leather lounges, be extra cautious, as any product will likely darken the leather.
Embracing the lived-in look
Aniline-dyed leather furniture, where dye penetrates the entire material, is durable and meant to look lived-in. Rather than covering and sealing the surface with a coloured coating, dyes and waxes are worked into the leather by hand. Aniline-dyed furniture wears in, not out. It’s easy to live with and develops a rich patina over time.
Strategic furniture placement
Climate conditions, such as extreme temperatures and lack of moisture, usually lead to leather cracking. Placing a leather lounge directly under air conditioning, next to a radiator, or before a fireplace will dry out the leather. Sunlight can have a similar effect, so avoid positioning your leather lounge right next to windows or glass doors or use light-blocking curtains.
Keeping pets off leather furniture
Cats, and sometimes dogs, may use leather as an expensive scratching post, so train them to stay off the lounge. Pet scratches are the most common reported damage by customers calling the Brescia Furniture office.
Professional help for cuts or tears
If the leather gets cut or torn, don’t risk further damage by attempting repairs yourself; seek professional assistance.
Visit our Showroom for More Luxury
With these tips and regular maintenance, your Brescia leather lounge will remain a luxurious centrepiece in your home for years. If you are looking for a piece of furniture to complement your lounge, we look forward to seeing you in our showroom at Cabramatta, where you can explore our stunning collection.
Read Also:
Leather Lounges and Sydney Bedroom Furniture: Creating a Harmonious Look
The Ultimate Sleep Haven: Top Bedroom Furniture Essentials