Genuine leather furniture contributes to the elegance and general appeal of interior space. Also, when you purchase pieces with this material, you can expect long-term service. Unfortunately, leather sofas, ottomans and recliners are not maintenance-free products. If you would like your beautiful upholstery to maintain its appeal, you must uphold proper maintenance and care practices. Here are important guidelines for increasing the service life of your leather furniture:

Vacuum the Surfaces

You should vacuum your leather furniture on a regular basis. This practice eliminates dust particles and debris from the surfaces and crevices of the pieces, protecting the smooth leather. Dust particles have abrasive properties which will cause scratching when left unchecked. When vacuuming, you should make sure you use a soft brush attachment. Also, choose the lowest operating setting. These precautions will minimise the risk of accidental damage to the furniture.

Wipe the Leather

Vacuuming will remove dust deposits, but you should not neglect to wipe the leather for optimal cleanliness. Ideally, you should use a damp cloth to clean the leather, eliminating spots, spills and stains. Microfiber cloths are the most beneficial because they are soft and lint-free. If necessary, you can use a commercial cleaner to improve the cleanliness of the leather. However, you should choose a leather specific product and test it on an inconspicuous area before use.

Condition the Leather 

If your leather upholstery is neglected without nourishment, the material will dry out, become brittle and sustain cracks. Therefore, you should plan to condition the leather periodically for optimal performance. Conditioners can be purchased in general purpose stores, and they are usually easy to use. Typically, you will only need to apply some conditioner on a cloth and then wipe the leather. Make sure you cover the entire surface to avoid uneven discolouration. 

Protect from Adversities

Leather is a sensitive material; exposure to harsh conditions will result in furniture damage. Therefore, if you would like to prolong your upholstery service life, you should protect the pieces in your home from adversities. Leather will experience fading when exposed to direct sunlight due to UV radiation. Ensure that your furniture is shielded to prevent this detriment. The material will also experience accelerated degradation when exposed to harsh chemicals. So, you should only use cleaners and conditioners intended for leather.

Finally, you should protect your leather recliners, sofas or ottomans from pets which can leave permanent scratches. Also, you should note that spills can cause stubborn stains, so you should practice immediate cleaning. Contact a recliner lounge and general furniture store for more information and assistance.