Caring for leather furniture: Our guide with expert tips

A piece of genuine leather furniture is more than just a simple seat. It is a statement, a centerpiece of the room, and often a lifelong investment. It creates an atmosphere of warmth and luxury. But how can you care for your leather furniture so that it truly lasts a long time? Leather furniture care is important so that your leather furniture develops a unique patina over time and thus becomes even more beautiful.

With a little knowledge and the right techniques, you ensure that your furniture pieces retain their elegant appearance for decades. In this comprehensive guide, we show you how to properly care for and clean your leather furniture.

The first step: Know your leather

Not all leather is the same. Before you reach for cloths and care products, you should know what material you are dealing with. Most leather furniture manufacturers provide this information. Often, you will find a note on a label. Basically, we distinguish three main types of genuine leather:

• Smooth leather (aniline leather): This is the most common type for upholstered furniture. The leather is coated with a protective color and top layer. This makes it relatively durable and easy to care for. Liquids initially bead up and do not immediately soak in.
• Aniline leather (open-pored leather): This leather is either undyed or only dyed with soluble dyes. The natural pore structure is visible and tangible. It feels soft and warm but is also sensitive to moisture, grease, and dirt.
• Suede leather (Nubuck or Velour): Here the surface of the leather is sanded, giving it a velvety texture. Suede leather is also very sensitive and requires special care, usually with brushes and impregnation sprays.

This guide mainly focuses on common smooth leather, as it makes up the majority of high-quality leather furniture.

The regular routine: Gentle basic care

The best care for leather furniture begins with a simple but consistent routine. Think of leather like your own skin. It also needs regular attention to stay supple.

1. Dusting (weekly): The biggest enemy of leather surfaces in everyday life is dust. Combined with skin oils and friction, it can act like fine sandpaper and dull the surface over time. Once a week, take a dry, soft cotton cloth or a duster and gently wipe over all surfaces. Avoid microfiber cloths, as they can damage the protective layer on some types of leather.
2. Lightly damp wiping (monthly): For a somewhat more thorough cleaning, you can slightly moisten a soft cloth every four to six weeks. It is important to use only distilled water for this. Regular tap water contains lime, which can leave unsightly edges and stains. The cloth should be only lightly damp, definitely not wet. Wipe quickly over the leather without rubbing.

The intensive treatment: Cleaning and caring for leather furniture

Depending on usage, your leather furniture deserves an intensive care treatment two to four times a year. This process consists of two steps: first thorough cleaning, then nourishing care.

Step 1: The deep cleaning

For this, you need a special leather cleaner. Do not skimp and choose a high-quality care product to properly maintain your leather furniture. Always test the cleaner first on an inconspicuous spot, for example on the back or underside of the piece of furniture.

• Apply some cleaner to a soft sponge or cloth. Never directly onto the leather.
• Work in large, gentle movements from seam to seam. This prevents the formation of edges.
• Do not apply strong pressure. The cleaner should dissolve the dirt, not the rubbing.
• Then wipe off the dissolved dirt and excess cleaner with a clean cloth moistened with distilled water.
• Let the furniture dry completely in the air. Do not use a hairdryer and do not place it in direct sunlight.

Step 2: The nourishing leather care

After the leather is now deeply clean, its pores are open and it "thirsts" for moisture and re-fatting. Without this care, it will become brittle, cracked, and lose its color over time. Therefore, good leather care is essential for your leather furniture.

• Apply the leather care cream or lotion thinly and evenly with a soft, lint-free cloth. Less is more here.
• Allow the care product to absorb well. Depending on the product, this can take several hours. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• After absorption, you can gently polish with a clean, dry cloth. This gives a subtle shine and removes excess product.

This treatment keeps the leather breathable, elastic, and resistant to the challenges of everyday life.

Caring for leather furniture with home remedies

Countless tips circulate on the internet about caring for leather furniture with home remedies. However, great caution is advised here! While some gentle methods may work, others cause more harm than good.

• What works (with caution): For a quick interim cleaning, a mild solution of distilled water and pH-neutral soap (e.g., curd soap) can be used. Moisten a sponge with the solution, wring it out well, and gently wipe the leather. Then be sure to wipe again with a cloth moistened only with distilled water to remove soap residues.
• What you should not do: Avoid aggressive substances such as shoe cream (often contains solvents), cooking oils or milk (can become rancid and attract bacteria), harsh cleaning agents, or solvents. These attack the protective layer of the leather and can cause irreparable stains.

The biggest mistakes in leather care and how to avoid them

1. Too much water: Leather and water are not friends. Always wipe with a slightly damp cloth.
2. Excessive rubbing: When dealing with stains, people tend to scrub frantically. This only pushes the dirt deeper and damages the surface. It is better to gently dab.
3. Wrong products: A shoe care product is not suitable for your couch. Invest in specific leather care products for furniture.
4. Heat and sunlight: Never place your leather furniture directly next to a heater or in direct sunlight. The leather dries out, becomes brittle, and the color fades.

A piece of leather furniture is an investment in comfort and style. With proper care and treatment, it can bring you joy for a lifetime. Regular and careful maintenance may seem time-consuming, but it is the key to preserving the unique beauty and value of your favorite piece. Your leather sofa will thank you with every cozy evening.