Furniture leather maintenance

The supplier's advice on the use, care and maintenance of leather furniture should always be followed, because it is the individual retailer, furniture manufacturer and supplier of the leather itself who can vouch for what the individual product can withstand and requires.

SKIN – A NATURAL PRODUCT

Furniture leather is made from the hides of cattle. As is natural, there may be scars, insect bites, color variations, etc. How much of these natural marks show on the furniture leather depends on various factors, including the treatment the surface of the leather receives. Furniture leather will often change its appearance after prolonged use. This form of patina must be appreciated by anyone who buys leather furniture.

DIFFERENT QUALITIES OF FURNITURE LEATHER

Leather used for furniture today is usually from cattle – cow, ox or buffalo. Most of the time it comes from cows because the supply of such leather is relatively stable, and because its size and properties make cowhide well suited. There are many steps in the process from slaughtering the animal to the leather being on the furniture. For the tanneries that supply the leather for furniture, it is important to know what the customer (the furniture manufacturer) wants in terms of, among other things, quality and surface treatment. Prices vary widely, depending on the quality class or grading, and the desired properties.

Aniline hides: Aniline-dyed hides are sorted out early in the process and have hardly been processed after tanning. The grain is original, and insect bites and wound marks will be visible on this type of hide. Sometimes aniline hides are given a thin color pigment or finish over the base color. These hides are very soft and comfortable, they have preserved their breathability and are considered to be the "best" quality. Aniline hides only make up a small part of the total production in a tannery and the price is very high. The color range is usually not determined by the furniture manufacturers, but they must choose from the selection that the tannery can offer.

Semi-aniline leather: Semi-aniline leather is a bit more processed than aniline-dyed leather, and is a cross between aniline leather and corrected leather. It uses a bit more dye, and furniture manufacturers can specify the colors to a greater extent. These leathers are often also artificially grained.

Corrected hides: Corrected hides are the most affordable and most processed. Here, furniture manufacturers can order the exact shade of color they want, from completely black to white. Due to the surface treatment, such hides do not have the same breathing properties as aniline hides.

PRECAUTIONS FOR FURNITURE LEATHER

  • Armrests and neck cushions in particular are prone to grease and sweat, which can result in dark stains and, over time, break down the furniture skin.
  • Chemicals from, for example, hair gel and hand creams can cause similar damage.
  • All dust and dirt from clothing, for example, will damage the furniture if it is not removed.
  • Pets definitely don't belong on the furniture!
  • Sunlight will cause fading and drying out of the furniture leather. Exposure to other heat sources will also lead to a risk of drying out and discoloration on, for example, light leather (avoid placing a PC with a hot PC battery directly on the furniture leather).
  • Using covers, blankets and sofa cushions is a good way to prevent injuries.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MAINTENANCE OF FURNITURE LEATHER

It is important to follow the supplier's advice on the use, care and maintenance of leather furniture, and it is important to know the quality of the furniture leather in question. Maintenance instructions attached to the furniture should always be followed - most furniture manufacturers send their own product information with each piece of furniture.

STAIN REMOVAL AND CLEANING OF FURNITURE LEATHER

  • Water-soluble stains should be washed away as soon as possible with a clean, white, soft cloth, or sponge well wrung out in lukewarm water (preferably boiled water).
  • Regular cleaning and dust removal should be done frequently by vacuuming with a soft brush and dusting with a clean, white, damp cotton cloth.
  • Do not use chemicals on furniture leather. If you need stain removal, cleaning, etc., contact the furniture retailer who can provide guidance in the specific situation.
  • Leather furniture thrives best if it is protected from sunlight, drying out and heat sources.