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Cleaning Leather Furniture

Once you get your sofa home and that fine leather seating gets the heavy usage it invites, how do you clean the leather to keep it looking new? [Note: Ad or content links featured on this page are not necessarily affiliated with IICRC (The cleantrust) and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by IICRC (The cleantrust)].

 

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There are several types of leathers and finishes and no two should be treated and cared for in exactly in the same manner. Leather types range from pigmented leathers with a very durable finish to Nubucks that are incredibly soft and many other categories in between.

Leather furniture is a fast-growing segment of the furniture industry, with numbers approaching 30% of the retail market.

Many do-it-yourself or over-the-counter cleaning products can create problems with leather. This fact, combined with the numerous types and sub-types of leather being used on leather furniture, may create cleaning and care issues for consumers and professional cleaners without proper training.

 

Use of general household cleaning products, chemicals and abrasives are not recommended as they can break down the leather’s protective surface and cause damage. Never use harsh chemicals or cleaning agents (such as furniture polish, ammonia, detergent soaps or dish soaps with grease cutters) on your leather furniture. Avoid all products containing solvents, silicones, or oils, as they may negatively affect the leather’s surface.

For cleaning lightly soiled finished/protected leathers, use low-moisture and neutral-pH methods such as a sponge dampened with a professionally-formulated, water-based cleaning product that effectively removes day-to-day dust and soil from the surface of leather without affecting the leather’s finish composition (See sidebar, Leather Cleaning Products - note: these are not endorsed by the IICRC). Aniline, Nubuck and Suede leathers are more absorbent and hence more difficult to clean properly. Always test first in an inconspicuous location before using any product on an exposed surface.

 

Leather Cleaning Products

 

Note: These products are not endorsed by the IICRC, and are provided solely for informational purposes.

cleantrust-Certified technicians can address cleaning of finished (protected) and unfinished leather. Unfinished (Aniline, Nubuck, Suede) leather may be dyed different colors, but it does not have a protective finish applied. When leather is unfinished, it is susceptible to soil absorption and damage by cleaning solutions. For this reason, technicians who have advanced training and experience with this material should clean unfinished leather.

When cleaning finished leather, the main concern is control of both pH and cleaning agent application so the finish is not damaged and natural oils in the leather are not removed. High alkaline cleaning solutions can damage leather finishes, as well as the leather itself. However, in heavy soiling situations, an alkaline cleaner may be the most effective agent to use. Technicians and customers should make decisions about the aggressiveness of the cleaning process to minimize the negative effect cleaning may have on the leather.

Due to the nature of leather, different procedures and solutions should be used to clean it safely. Cleaning solutions should be chosen on the basis of soil levels and the likelihood of damage or change in the leather's original appearance or finish.

See also the IICRC technical article on Leather Care.

Certified professionals are trained to recognize different types and sub-types of leather. They are often able to respond with custom cleaning techniques and procedures that minimize or eliminate problems, while restoring the leather to a clean, sanitary state that enhances the decor of any home.

Use the Locate a Pro feature on the IICRC website to find cleantrust-Certified leather cleaning companies in your area.

Cleaning Leather Furniture :  Created on February 3rd, 2010.  Last Modified on January 21st, 2014

 

About IICRC

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a certification and standard-setting nonprofit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. The IICRC serves the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Japan, in partnership with regional and international trade associations.

The mission of IICRC is to identify and promote an international standard of care that establishes and maintains the health, safety and welfare of the built environment.

The IICRC, with industry-wide participation, certifies - and develops certifications and standards for - inspection, cleaning and restoration. The IICRC also serves as a valuable consumer referral source for IICRC-Certified technicians and firms. There are currently more than 53,000 active IICRC-Certified technicians, many with multiple certifications, and more than 6,000 IICRC-Certified Firms around the world.