Furniture leather maintenance

Furniture leather in maritime environments and hotels – use and maintenance

For furniture in maritime environments and hotels, it is important to follow the supplier's recommendations for use, care and maintenance of furniture leather. It is the individual furniture manufacturer, retailer and supplier of the leather itself who can guarantee which loads, cleaning methods and maintenance routines the particular quality can withstand. This is especially important in environments with high frequency of use, varying climate and regular cleaning.

Skin – a natural material

Furniture leather is produced from the hides of cattle and is a natural material with unique variations. Scars, insect bites, differences in structure and variations in color are natural characteristics. How visible these are depends, among other things, on the quality of the leather and the surface treatment it has received.

Over time, leather furniture will change its appearance and develop a natural patina. In maritime environments and hotels, this is often considered part of the material's character and visual quality, and is something to be aware of when choosing leather furniture.

Different qualities of furniture leather

Leather used in furniture is mainly from cattle, such as cow, ox or buffalo. Cowhide is the most commonly used, as its availability is stable and its properties make it well suited for furniture production. The process from rawhide to finished furniture leather consists of several steps, and the end result is affected by both sorting, processing and the desired surface.

Aniline leather

Aniline leather is minimally processed after tanning. The surface is open and natural, and marks such as scars and insect bites are visible. The leather is very soft, comfortable and breathable, and is considered the most exclusive quality. Production volume is limited, and the price level is high. The color selection is largely determined by the tannery's available assortment.

Semi-aniline leather

Semi-aniline leather is more processed than aniline leather and has a thinner protective dye layer. This provides increased durability and better control of color, while preserving much of the leather's natural expression. This quality is often a good compromise between comfort, aesthetics and practical use in hotel and maritime environments.

Corrected skin

Corrected leather is the most processed and has a protective surface that provides a smooth texture and a wide choice of colors. This type of leather is more resistant to wear and easier to maintain, but has less breathability than aniline and semi-aniline leather.

Precautions for use

In environments such as cabins, lounges and hotel rooms, some areas are more vulnerable than others. Armrests and headrests can be affected by grease and sweat, which over time can cause dark spots and wear. Chemicals from, for example, hand creams and hair products can also damage the surface.

Dust and dirt from clothing and daily use can cause wear and tear if not removed regularly. Direct sunlight can cause fading and drying, and heat from technical equipment can cause color changes and reduce the lifespan of the leather. Using covers, pillows or blankets can help protect exposed surfaces.

General maintenance of furniture leather

Proper maintenance requires that you know the quality of the furniture leather in question. The maintenance instructions that come with the furniture should always be followed, as these are adapted to the material's properties and surface treatment.

Cleaning and stain removal

Water-soluble stains should be removed as quickly as possible with a clean, white, soft cloth or sponge, well wrung out in lukewarm water. For daily cleaning, regular vacuuming with a soft brush and light wiping with a damp cloth are recommended to remove dust and dirt.

Chemicals should not be used on furniture leather. If stain removal or cleaning beyond normal cleaning is required, it is recommended to contact the supplier or furniture manufacturer for guidance tailored to the specific situation.

Furniture leather has the best lifespan when it is protected from direct sunlight, drying out and heat sources, and when cleaning and use are done in accordance with the supplier's recommendations.