Whether it’s a stained sofa or armchair, good upholstery cleaning is the most effective way to get materials back to their best. Leather upholstery is still a popular choice across the country, thanks to its sophisticated look and luxury feel. However, to maintain its longevity and beautiful appearance, special care and attention are required.
Cleaning leather can be tricky, with irreparable damage caused if unsuitable methods or products are applied. To keep your furniture in tip-top condition, here’s our guide to the dos and don’ts of leather upholstery cleaning.
DON’T soak stained leather
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when cleaning leather is soaking it with water or cleaning liquids. Leather is porous, so excessive moisture can result in discolouration, stiffness and mould growing beneath the upholstery. If you spill something on your leather furniture, blot the stain gently with a dry, clean cloth, absorbing as much liquid as possible. Avoid scrubbing or applying too much pressure, as this can spread the stain and cause damage.
DO dust and vacuum leather upholstery regularly
Regular dusting and vacuuming are essential to the cleanliness of any household, but they’re also great for maintaining the appearance of your leather sofas and chairs. Dust and dirt particles can gather on leather surfaces, including the creases. This is sometimes why you see scrapes and wear on the surface over time. To dust your leather furniture, always use a gentle, dry cloth or the soft brush attachment on your vacuum.
DON’T use abrasive cleaning materials and chemicals
Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes to clean leather upholstery. If you don’t stick to this, it can lead to significant damage. Avoid using scratchy sponges, scrubbing brushes or any cleaning products containing alcohol, ammonia or bleach. Unsuitable substances will strip away the leather’s natural oils, causing dry, cracked and discoloured areas. Soft microfibre cloths and specialist leather cleaners are great for upholstery cleaning.
DON’T use any products without testing first
However, before applying any product to your leather furniture, always test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the upholstery. Patch tests can determine if the product causes any adverse reactions, like discolouring the leather. Apply a small spot of the product and wait at least 24 hours to check for negative effects.
DO hire a professional leather cleaning service
Alongside your regular domestic cleaning, did you know some companies also offer upholstery cleaning? They’ll have the knowledge, expertise and resources to restore and condition leather upholstery properly. They can also tackle stubborn leather stains and deep-seated dirt requiring advanced care. Hiring a professional is the safest way to clean leather sofas and prolong their life. Your cleaner can also recommend leather protector products to help stop dirt from sinking into the material.
Use our leather upholstery cleaning services
At Efficient Cleaning, we offer professional leather cleaning in South West London and Surrey locations like Hampton and Morden. You can find leather cleaning prices on our rates page or get in touch here.
