Leather Care Guide
Caring for Your Leather Furniture
Quality leathers and fine materials bring lasting comfort and timeless style when cared for properly. Our guide offers general advice to help preserve the natural beauty, suppleness, and lifespan of your pieces.
Note: As leather types, finishes, and treatments vary by manufacturer, always follow the specific care instructions supplied with your product for warranty coverage.
Understanding Leather Upholstery
One of the pleasures of choosing leather furniture is the natural variety available, each type offering its own distinct grain, feel, character, and care requirements.
Whether selecting aniline, semi-aniline, or corrected grain leather, keep in mind that every hide develops its own unique patina and wears beautifully over time.
Understanding Different Types of Leather
Leather upholstery comes in a range of distinct finishes, each offering its own character, feel, and maintenance needs:
- Aniline Leather – Exceptionally soft, luxurious, and natural in appearance, displaying full hide beauty and natural markings. Expect minimal surface protection, making it more susceptible to staining and fading.
- Semi-Aniline Leather – Combines a soft, natural feel with added surface protection. Expect enhanced durability and resistance to everyday wear, making it well-suited for busy family homes.
- Nubuck Leather – Lightly buffed for a velvety texture, rich color depth, and tactile finish. Expect greater sensitivity to spills and staining, requiring specialist care.
- Pigmented Leather – Durable with a protective surface coating, offering a consistent appearance and good wear resistance. Ideal for easy maintenance in everyday living spaces.
- Waxed & Oiled Leather – Rich, natural look with a tactile, relaxed feel. Expect marks and scuffs to blend back into the finish naturally, developing a beautiful lived-in character over time.
- Antique & Vintage Leathers – Intentionally designed to age gracefully throughout their lifetime. Expect each piece to evolve uniquely with everyday use as it develops extra depth and patina.
Leather Care Recommendations
✓ Do
Everyday Care
- ✓ Dust regularly with a soft, clean cloth
- ✓ Vacuum gently using a soft upholstery attachment
- ✓ Remove dust and debris from seams and crevices
- ✓ Keep leather clean and free from abrasive dust particles
Positioning & Protection
- ✓ Position furniture away from prolonged direct sunlight
- ✓ Maintain a consistent room temperature
- ✓ Take extra care with heavily dyed clothing (like new denim) on lighter leather
- ✓ Protect leather surfaces from sharp objects, jewellery, pet claws, and metal accessories
Spillages & Cleaning
- ✓ Blot spills immediately using a clean, dry absorbent cloth
- ✓ Absorb as much liquid as possible and allow the area to dry naturally
- ✓ Only use specialist leather care products approved by the manufacturer
- ✓ Always test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first
✕ Don't
Positioning & Environment
- ✕ Don't position furniture close to radiators, stoves, fireplaces, heating vents, or conservatory glazing
- ✕ Don't allow prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
- ✕ Don't place sharp or abrasive objects on leather surfaces
- ✕ Don't ignore dye transfer risk from unwashed or heavily dyed fabrics
Spillages & Cleaning
- ✕ Don't rub or scrub the affected area when a spill occurs
- ✕ Avoid household detergents, solvents, bleach, and chemical cleaners
- ✕ Avoid abrasive cleaning products or harsh cloths
- ✕ Avoid using excess water when cleaning leather
- ✕ Don't apply direct heat to dry a wet spot quickly
Cushion Filling Guide
The comfort and character of a sofa or chair is largely determined by its cushion filling. Different fillings respond to everyday use in unique ways and require tailored maintenance:
- Foam – Supportive and holds its shape well with minimal effort. Requires occasional dressing and rotation.
- Foam & Fibre – Offers a balance of support and softness with good shape retention. Requires regular dressing and occasional plumping.
- Fibre – Soft, comfortable, and provides a relaxed appearance. Frequent plumping recommended to maintain shape and loft.
- Feather & Down – Ultra-soft, luxurious, and sink-in comfortable. Daily plumping recommended to restore volume and appearance.
Everyday Cushion Care
✓ Do
- ✓ Plump, smooth, and dress cushions after use to minimise creasing
- ✓ Sit centrally on cushions where practical
- ✓ Rotate loose cushions and alternate seating positions to distribute wear evenly
- ✓ Redistribute cushion fillings periodically
✕ Don't
- ✕ Sit on cushion edges for prolonged periods
- ✕ Sit on sofa arms
- ✕ Stand or kneel on cushions
- ✕ Apply concentrated weight to one area repeatedly
- ✕ Continuously use the same seat position where alternatives are available
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