
A leather lounge suite might seem expensive, but it is definitely an investment. With the correct care, your sofa will retain its durability over many years. Theo van der Hoven of Alpine Lounge gives advice on how to care for your leather sofa.
Leather is soft, luxurious, long-lasting and comfortable — and it actually improves with age, so once you've invested in a leather lounge suite, chances are you'll never look back. With the correct care, your sofa will provide you with a lifetime of comfort. Maintenance is quite simple, but it is important to buy leather care products approved by the manufacturer of the sofa in question.
Follow these handy tips to get the best out of your leather:
- Use a damp cloth to remove dust and most stains.
- Wipe your sofa down regularly with a clean, dry cotton cloth to remove any dust or other particles.
- If you spill anything on your sofa, remember that if you rub it in, you'll create a stain. As such, it is best to pat the area down until the stain is removed.
- Remove liquids quickly with absorbent paper towels, then lightly dab the area to remove any excess liquid.
- Vacuum regularly with the hose attachment to remove dust and debris.
- Avoid soaking the leather in any form of liquid — even soap or water.
- Regularly apply a leather conditioner (every six to 12 months) to keep it from drying out and developing cracks.
- Keep leather out of direct sunlight to avoid it fading and becoming brittle.
- Scratches made by pets and small cracks can be gently buffed with a microfibre cloth.
- Avoid sitting on the edge of your sofa's cushions or its arms, as this may cause uneven wear.
- Keep leather at least 30cm away from any direct heat source to avoid heat damage.