Maintain furniture leather

The supplier's advice on the use, care and maintenance of leather furniture should always be followed, because it is the individual dealer, furniture manufacturer and supplier of the leather itself that can vouch for what the individual product can withstand and require.

SKIN – A NATURAL PRODUCT

Furniture hides are made from hides from cattle. As is natural, there will be scars, insect bites, color variations etc. How much of these natural marks show on the furniture leather depends on various factors, e.g. which treatment the surface of the skin receives. Furniture leather will often change its appearance after prolonged use. Anyone who buys leather furniture must know how to appreciate this form of patina.

THE DIFFERENT QUALITIES OF FURNITURE SKIN

Leather used for furniture today is usually from cattle - cow, ox or buffalo. Most parts from cows because the supply of such skin is relatively stable, and because the size and properties make cow skin well suited. There are many steps in the process from slaughtering the animal until the skin is on the furniture. For the tanneries that supply the furniture leather, it is important to know what the customer (the furniture manufacturer) wants from, among other things. quality and surface treatment. Prices vary widely, depending on quality class or sorting, and desired properties.

Aniline hides: Aniline-dyed hides are sorted out early in the process and such hides have hardly been processed after tanning. The scar is original, and insect bites and wound marks will appear on this type of skin. Occasionally, aniline leather gets a thin color pigment or final layer over the base colour. These skins are very soft and comfortable, they have preserved their breathability and are considered to be the "best" quality. Aniline leather makes up only a small part of the total production in a tannery and the price is very high. As a rule, the color selection is not determined by the furniture manufacturers, but they must choose from the selection the tannery can offer.

Semi-aniline leather : Semi-aniline leather is slightly more processed than aniline-dyed leather, and is a cross between aniline leather and corrected leather. A little more color is used here, and the furniture manufacturers can determine the colors to a greater extent. Often these hides are also artificially grained.

Corrected hides: Corrected hides are the least expensive and most processed. Here, the furniture manufacturers can order exactly the shade of color they want, from completely black to white. Due to the surface treatment, such hides do not have the same breathability as the aniline hides.

PRECAUTIONS FOR FURNITURE LEATHER

  • Armrests and neck cushions in particular are exposed to grease and sweat which can result in dark spots, and over time break down the furniture skin.
  • Chemicals from, for example, hair gel and hand creams can cause similar damage.
  • All dust and dirt from, for example, clothes, damages the furniture if it is not removed.
  • Pets absolutely do not belong in the furniture!
  • Sunlight will cause fading and dry out the furniture leather. Influence from other heat sources will also lead to a risk of drying out and changing the color of e.g. light skin (avoid placing a PC with a hot PC battery directly on furniture skin).
  • The use of covers, blankets and sofa cushions is a good help in preventing injuries.

GENERAL ABOUT THE MAINTENANCE OF FURNITURE LEATHER

It is important to follow the supplier's advice on the use, care and maintenance of leather furniture, and it is important to know the quality of the furniture leather in question. Maintenance instructions attached to the furniture should always be followed - most furniture manufacturers send their own product information with each piece of furniture.

STAIN REMOVAL AND CLEANING OF FURNITURE LEATHER

  • Water-soluble stains should be washed away as soon as possible with a clean, white, soft cloth or sponge well wrung out in lukewarm water (preferably boiled water).
  • Regular cleaning and removal of dust should be done frequently using vacuuming with a soft brush and dusting with a clean, white, damp cotton cloth.
  • Do not use chemicals on furniture leather. If there is a need for stain removal, cleaning, etc., contact the furniture dealer who can provide guidance in the relevant situation.
  • Leather furniture thrives best if it is protected from sunlight, drying out and heat sources.