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Maintaining Leather

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-410 -- More Projects »
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Mix about a teaspoon of a very mild soap, such as dish soap, with water in a spray bottle to use to clean leather furniture. Spray a light coating on the leathe, then buff to retain the leather's original patina.
Upholstery expert Dave Ross shares tips on how to keep leather furniture looking its best.
  • The top-of-the-line leather is full grain, also called natural grain leather, which has been aniline-dyed. This means the dye actually permeated the hide. This leather gets softer with use, but it will fade and stain. Full grain aniline-plus is much more durable. It has been sprayed to resist liquids and grease.

  • White leather may yellow with age.

  • Keep leather out of direct sunlight or it may dry out, causing it to crack and fade. Keep it at least two feet from heat sources such as vents and radiators.

  • Before cleaning leather, check to make sure the leather upholstery is washable by placing a couple of drops of water on an inconspicuous spot. If the leather does not absorb the water, the leather is washable. If the leather does absorb the water, do not wash the leather. Keep this leather well dusted or vacuumed and wipe down with a barely damp cloth when necessary.

  • Wax won't be absorbed by leather and isn't good for the finish, and neither are detergents. Use only real soap products on leather.

  • Products such as saddle soap should be used as little as possible because they break down the leather and take years off the life of furniture.

  • Another way to clean dirty leather is to use a mixture of gentle soap flakes such as Ivory Snow and water. Apply only the suds with a damp cloth, then dry with a soft cotton cloth.

  • If it's necessary to use a conditioner on leather, be sure to use a specially formulated mixture.

  • Dust leather furniture often. Apply hide food every once in awhile, making sure to rub it in really well, as it will stain.

  • Suede, sherling and split cowhide don't have a protective finish on them and therefore will absorb stains. These types of stains are often impossible to remove. After purchasing furniture upholstered with any of these leathers, treat with water repellent.

  • Ultrasuede is a more durable option for suede.

Guests
Dave Ross
Master Upholsterer / Upholstery Shop Owner, David's Upholstery
Phone: 715-392-9475
Fax: 715-392-1608
Also in this Episode
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-410
•Maintaining Leather
•Hair Spray Uses
•Campfire Cooking
•Tip of the Day
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