Leather sofas can be elegant, durable and comfortable. They can also be expensive to purchase new. It’s possible to find a used or pre-loved leather sofa for as little as half the price.
Leather lounges to be cleaned
It is important to check the manual or tag that came with leather lounges to find out how to clean them. These items may not be available so you should contact the manufacturer for advice on how to care for your leather sofa.
It’s a good idea to have these cleaning products on hand.
- Soft cleaning cloths- Good quality microfibre cloths are best for cleaning a leather lounge.
- Saddle soap – This product was specifically formulated to condition and clean leather goods.
- Distilled vinegar This handy household item can remove stains from couches.
- Bicarb soda– You can sprinkle the Bicarb on a couch, or mix it with water to get rid of greasy stains.
- Rub alcohol – You can remove stains from leather couches that have been in contact with wine or ink by gently dabbing them with a cotton ball coated in rubbing alcohol.
- Leather conditioner Also known as ‘leather cream or ‘leathermilk’, this conditioning agent will keep your leather sofa supple and shiny.
How to make leather cleaner
You might be able make a homemade leather cleaner using natural ingredients depending on the type and nature of the stain. These are some common solutions to common problems:
General cleaning
It is important to clean your couch at least twice per year in order to maintain its beauty and care for the leather.
Mix equal parts vinegar with water in a bowl to make homemade leather couches cleaner. Use a soft cloth to soak the solution in. Once the cloth has soaked, you can gently wipe off any spots that have become stained or damaged. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the couch clean.
Removing oil and grease
You can use bicarb soda to clean leather sofas. Because of its absorbent qualities, it is great for removing grease stains.
Simply sprinkle a little bicarb on the stain and allow it to sit for approximately 2 hours before you use it. After the oil has been absorbed by the stain, you can wipe it off with a soft, damp cloth.
Removing ink
To remove ink stains from leather, you need to act quickly. Rubicing alcohol, which is available from chemists, is the best solution. Apply a little alcohol to a cotton ball and gently rub the ink stain. Do not rub the ink stain as it could cause further damage to the leather. Use a cloth to gently dry the leather.
Step-by-step guide
When cleaning leather lounges, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. These instructions are intended to be a guideline only.
- Vacuum Before you start, vacuum your leather couch with the upholstery attachment. This will get rid of dirt that might have gotten into the leather from the cleaning process.
- Use cleaning solution After your couch has been cleaned of dirt and grime, you can use a natural leather cleaner like saddle soap or a vinegar-diluted mixture. Always use a damp cloth, not a soaking wet one.
- Use a soft cloth to clean all surfaces.
- Dry your sofa thoroughly. It may be helpful to use a fan to speed up drying. To avoid mould, leather must be kept dry.
- Apply leather conditioner to your couch.
Tips to maintain your leather sofa
It takes very little to preserve the leather sofa’s quality. These are some tips to prolong the life of your sofa.
Be pet-aware
Couches can be used by cats as scratching posts. Dogs can also cause leather damage by climbing up on the cushions. Your leather sofa will be protected by a designated scratching area for your cat. This will prevent them from damaging the couch’s leather. It is important to train your dog not jump on the couch. You can also place blankets over the cushions to provide a buffer between your pet and the leather.
Moisturize with leather conditioner
Leather conditioners for couches can be used regularly to protect and keep the leather soft. To ensure that the conditioner doesn’t cause discolouration, test the leather conditioner on a small area first. This is especially important when using coloured leather.
Keep dry air and heat out
Leather couches can be damaged by direct sunlight, air conditioning, and heat exposure (such as from a fireplace). Your couch should be placed away from fireplaces and gas heaters, so that it is not directly under an air conditioning unit. To reduce the sun’s exposure, you can cover windows and glass doors with sun-blocking curtains during the day.
Get professional help for cuts and tears
Although leather lounges can be cleaned without professional training, more serious damage should be left to professionals. You can prevent further damage to leather by doing this.
Pre-loved leather sofas for sale on Gumtree
Leather lounges are not only expensive to purchase new, but also require a lot of resources to make. Gumtree allows you to shop for leather sofas and help create a sustainable future. You’ll also be saving money.
A leather sofa’s durability is one of its best qualities. A good cleaning can make a huge difference in the value of a couch that you are looking to sell. With a little love and attention, you can easily sell your couch on Gumtree to reduce your carbon footprint and make some extra cash.
Increase the lifespan of your couch
Your home will look smarter and more stylish if you take care of it. You can try to change the look of your furniture first, and then see if it changes. You can sell the couch if you decide it’s time to replace it. Gumtree has leather sofas in your area that are a great investment.
