Leather furniture is expensive but luxurious in appearance and comfort. They are considered trendy and fashionable. As a natural product leather requires only minimum maintenance if properly protected. Under normal conditions, leather can survive the wear and tear of daily use. But to retain its quality and glow, utmost care and attention are required. Most of the potential damages to leather furniture are caused by rough or careless use. Equally important is to keep them away from direct sunlight or excessive moisture. Frequent cleaning of dirt and dust is essential to retain them forever. They are precious possessions, which are to be preserved for  posterity.

 

Usually, damages to the furniture are caused by accidental spilling or dropping of food or drinks on them. Very often children scribble on them with crayons or paints resulting in damage to the lather fabrics. Simple methods like wiping with wet and soft cloth or sponge immediately will save the leather from absorbing the fluids or wax. Mild soap solution also can be used. It will help to remove the stains to a certain extent. Use of tissue paper also helps to avoid scratches while cleaning. Whatever method is used, it is better to apply it on a small area of the furniture, which is not visible outside, to ensure that the cleaning material do not affect the leather fabrics adversely.

 

It is very common for people to use many home-made or easy to use materials like hair spray, nail polish remover or ammonia to clean the stained surface. But take care to see that the remedy is not worse than the disease. Very often, liquid used for cleaning cause more damage to the leather fabric and furniture. Using a 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide solution is found to be very effective in removing the stain, according to those who have tried it. The treatment should be followed by wiping the areas with a tissue paper or soft cloth soaked and squeezed in cold water.

 

It should be remembered that the leather is a tanned product and in the process receive enough protective chemical coatings to preserve its finish. Generally regular wiping to remove dirt and dust is enough to retain its glow. However, to get rid of stains and scratches use specially made products available for the purpose.

 

Kits are available for the care and maintenance of leather furniture. Several types of cleaners, dyes, renovation creams, stain removers, and water proofing creams are in the market. They are ready to use products with instructions about the methods to be followed. The above products are available in matching colours to suit the furniture. Such products are intended to retain the original finish of the leather. The cleaner and the conditioners will preserve and strengthen the original coatings given to the leather during the tanning process.

 

It is better to consult the experts in leather products to retain the originality of the precious pieces of leather furniture rather than trying cheaper methods for the sake of convenience.