Leather care for sofas: How to keep your favorite piece beautiful for longer!

Leather is considered a durable and robust material and has a unique and beautiful appearance. Whether in a classic or modern design: a leather sofa reflects the good taste of its owner and gives living spaces that certain something extra. But even the most durable material needs the right care to last a long time. In the following guide, you will find out how to clean and care for your leather sofa so that you can enjoy it for a long time.

Caring for leather furniture: Here's how!

One thing in advance: not all leather is the same! Each type of leather has its own structure and requires very special care andcleaningHowever, they do have one thing in common: they appreciate regular attention. External influences can put a strain on the material. For example, sunlight can cause discoloration and unsightly scratches on the surface of the material. Even normal signs of wear and tear have a chance to take over your favorite piece more quickly without a regular care routine. However, if the leather is given enough moisture in the form of the right care, it will shine with a natural shine every day.

Caring for smooth leather

Smooth leather has a tanned surface. You can tell by the fact that it has a scar-like structure. Because of this, it is also known as pigmented smooth leather. Almost ninety percent of the leather sofas available on the market are made of this type of leather. The reason: the natural material is less sensitive than is the case with rough or suede leather and is also easier to clean.

For the care of smooth leather, aLeather care balmbased on natural wool fat and beeswax.Care lotionslike these have the advantage that they do not linger on the surface due to their sustainable ingredients. They penetrate deep into the material and provide it with moisture all around. The beeswax they contain also ensures that the natural material is sealed without clogging the pores. This protects the smooth leather from UV rays and other external influences and can still breathe. The balm is preferably applied with a soft sponge. This prevents you from scratching the leather unnecessarily.

Caring for suede

Sofas made of suede leather are extremely popular. They captivate the viewer with their unique appearance. The unusual structure of the material makes them beautiful, unique pieces that attract everyone's attention. In direct comparison to smooth leather, rough leather is a little softer. This has the disadvantage that it is more susceptible to stains and also fades much more quickly.

But don't worry: With the right care product, you can give your new sofa the perfect protection. Use a specialSuede impregnation, which you work into the leather over a large area using a soft sponge. In addition to the protective properties, the natural material can also retain moisture better thanks to the treatment. The ultimate solution for natural leather. You should then repeat the care routine at least every three months, depending on the level of wear and tear. You will see: the effort is worth it!

Caring for aniline and suede

Suede is made from the skin of wild animals such as deer or wild boar and has a lot in common with rough leather. You can therefore use the same products to care for the leather. Remember that suede is also one of the more sensitive types of leather.

Aniline leather is also sensitive due to its open pores. Fats and moisture penetrate the leather unhindered and leave annoying stains. In addition, the natural material is very susceptible to discoloration and UV light. A suitableimpregnationis therefore mandatory!

Caring for artificial leather

Artificial leather is a textile material that has a plastic coating on the surface, usually PVC. A special embossing of the material imitates the leather look. When it comes to care, real leather and artificial leather are like night and day. While you should make sure that the natural material is pampered with re-greasing products, all you need to protect artificial leather from the signs of time and fading is a moisturizing emulsion.

The reason is easy to explain. If you were to use products containing fat and oil to treat artificial leather, you could damage the surface of the material due to the plasticizers contained in the plastic. In addition, the artificially produced leather cannot absorb rich care products. The result: an unsightly film on the surface of the material.balmHowever, you should still use a moisturizer, as otherwise artificial leather would dry out and eventually become brittle.

How often should you clean and care for leather sofas?

To ensure that your leather sofa lasts a long time, you should remove dust and surface dirt at least once a week. A soft cloth moistened with lukewarm water is often sufficient for this. Thorough leather care should be carried out every three to six months. This depends on how much wear and tear your leather sofa is subjected to in everyday life and whether it is frequently exposed to UV radiation.

Certain types of leather also need to be sealed regularly. It is beneficial to use products that are free of environmentally harmful ingredients to protect and care for your leather furniture. This way you are not only doing yourself and your family a good service, but you are also making a positive contribution to a healthier environment.

What care is suitable for old and worn smooth leather?

Even old leather sofas made of smooth leather can be brought back from hibernation with a little attention. To make the good piece shine again in its former glory, you should treat it with a leather care product that has moisturizing properties after cleaning. We recommendrich emulsions, which are based on household remedies such as wool fat and beeswax. Once you have sufficiently nourished the good piece using a soft sponge and the right product, you should polish your leather sofa in even movements. The result: small cracks disappear as if by magic and the leather regains a soft texture. Don't be surprised if the color of your couch is a little darker than before. This is normal after the extensive care. After a certain amount of time, your sofa will look the same as before in terms of color.