How To Easily Clean A Leather Sofa

How To Easily Clean A Leather Sofa Malaysia

It’s true that a full leather sofa is meant to be one major purchase that’s meant to to last a long time. After all, its longevity means it could also be passed down to the next generation as an heirloom. This is why it is essential to maintain and clean it properly.

Cleaning and maintaining a leather sofa is relatively simple. Still, to make sure that it is a thorough clean, it is vital to know the type of leather your sofa is because different types of leather require cleaning methods and materials.

What Materials Do You Need

Leather sofas are durable and low maintenance; hence, the materials needed to clean a leather sofa are accessible and simple. Cleaning materials that are required to clean your leather sofa are:

• Vacuum
• Water
• Soap
• Microfibre cloth
• Specialist product

Steps On How To Cleans Your Leather Sofa

Cleaning a leather sofa is not as complicated as it may sound; in fact, it’s surprisingly simple to clean and maintain your sofa to maximise its longevity. Once you have obtained the materials needed to clean your sofa, let’s look at the steps on how to do it.

Know Your Leather

To ensure that you are using the proper method for your leather sofa set, it is vital to know which type of leather is used to upholster your sofa. There are various ways to check the type of leather; you can checkthe label on the sofa for materials being used, or you can do some research on the sofa online. If the sofa is sold out, or the information is no longer available, you can look for sofas similar to the one you have and check the materials from there.

Once you have the information you need, here are the two types of leather that you should keep in mind:

• Unprotected Leather – Aniline leather is also known as pure aniline, full aniline or unfinished leather. This type of leather has a soft luxurious feel, and the leather is dyed through with aniline dye without surface pigment colour added. It lacks protective coating except for a dirt-resistant treatment, making aniline leather more sensitive to staining and pricier than protected leather. On the surface of aniline leather, natural surface grains and markings can be seen. Other aniline leather includes pull-up leather and nubuck leather.
• Protected Leather – This is one of the most durable leathers on the market; hence most leather furniture is made or upholstered with protected or finished leather. On furniture labels, protected leather can also be known as semi-aniline, aniline plus pigment or pigmented leather. Moreover, protected leather is stain resistant and has a more uniform look than pure aniline leather. Finished leather is topped with a layer of pigment colour after being dyed in aniline dye, giving the leather a soft feel like aniline leather but more durable due to the protective pigment coating. 

Use Vacuum

It is crucial to be gentle with pure aniline leather as the surface is sensitive to scratches. When using a vacuum to clean unprotected leather, remember to use the soft brush attachment. That way, you can remove dust and other particles while gently scrubbing the surface.

For protected leather, try to vacuum it as regularly as possible, depending on the usage, to prevent the accumulation of dust and other particles on the surface and inconspicuous areas.

Warm Water and Soap

Pure aniline leather can be challenging to maintain; hence cleaning it with warm water and a microfiber cloth is sufficient. This method does not have to be done regularly, as vacuuming the surface with a soft brush will do the job. It is also crucial to be gentle when cleaning to prevent any scratches.

Remember to use a mild, neutral-pH non-detergent liquid soap during the cleaning process with protected leather.

1. Add the liquid soap into a bucket of warm distilled water to create the cleaning solution.
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution and test for any discolouration from the soap first on an inconspicuous spot on the leather sofa.
3. Then wipe the sofa from top to bottom before wiping it down again with a different microfiber cloth that has been dampened with plain distilled warm water.
4. Finally, wipe it down again with a dry microfiber cloth.

Use LCK Keralux

Condition you sofa with a commercial leather conditioner once every six to 12 months to keep the leather soft. Avoid using conditioning oils that contain silicone or wax, as it will make the surface of your leather sofa permanently sticky. However, do remember to check the labels before using any commercial products. If you are unsure, seek advice from a professional. We recommend to use Keralux® Leather Cleaner twice a year to maintain the leather. Always try maintenance products in an inconspicuous place first before treating the entire furniture and read the instructions carefully before use.

Use Specialist Product

Condition you sofa with a commercial leather conditioner once every six to 12 months to keep the leather soft. Avoid using conditioning oils that contain silicone or wax, as it will make the surface of your leather sofa permanently sticky. However, do remember to check the labels before using any commercial products. If you are unsure, seek advice from a professional.

Wipe Down

A spill from beverages is bound to happen at home. It is essential to wipe the leather sofa immediately after the accident to prevent the liquid from absorbing into the leather, which will form a stubborn stain.

For pure aniline leather, immediately use a dry white cloth and blot the spill to absorb the substance.

With protected leather, a water-based substance can be wiped off with a dampened white cloth and then left to air-dry. However, with oil-based stain, blotting the sofa with a dry white cloth and allowing the oil to dissipate into the leather over time will do the trick.

Take Care Of Your Leather Seat

Here are a few things to keep in mind to caring for your leather sofa:

Keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight

Exposing your leather sofa to direct sunlight may cause it to age and dry up, leading to cracking and discolouration.

Keep your pets off the sofa

This will prevent scratches and chewing damage on your sofa

Keep sharp objects away from your sofa

Be careful if you have sharp objects on you like belt buckles, watch straps, scissors, or knives on the leather sofa.

See how we can provide high quality leather sofa in Malaysia, try Chesters Collection

Having a full leather sofa set will enhance the space in your home while also adding a touch of elegance. If you require more information before purchasing a leather sofa, contact us at +603-22838322.