Keeping up with the cleaning in your home is a never-ending job and often thankless in nature. While during disinfecting, it is important to remember how important it is to clean the furniture. For most materials, it will require simply wiping and then moving on, but for others, the process is more involved. One material that requires extra effort and attention is leather. Here are some tips for cleaning leather furniture.
Vacuum and Wipe Down
Taking a vacuum cleaner to clean the dust from furniture is a good way to remove most of the dust, pet hair, and other debris that builds up over time. Use the brush attachment that comes standard with vacuum cleaners, and don’t neglect the space between the cushions and the underside. After you finish vacuuming, take a cotton or microfiber cloth to wipe down the piece.
Create a Cleaning Solution
For stains that are nearly impossible to remove, a simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar could be just what the doctor ordered. Dip a rag into the mixture, wring out the cloth, and wipe the problem spots. This should be enough to take care of most of the stains.
Spot Dry
The next tip for cleaning leather furniture is to spot dry your pieces any time they’re exposed to moisture. Keeping your furniture dry is essential, especially when it’s leather. When there are spills, it’s important to avoid spreading them as much as possible. Instead of wiping, take a towel and spot dry the problem sections, taking particular care not to allow puddles to set in as stains.
Care Tips
There are several additional steps that you can take to prevent dirt from building up. One option is to prevent pets from lounging on the furniture. Between the claws and fur, they can cause severe damage. The same can also be said with young children, who can ruin furniture almost as quickly. This is especially important when the couch color also plays a role in hiding blemishes. Finally, keep the furniture away from sources of moisture such as plants, windows, and air conditioning units to further mitigate the opportunity for moisture to ruin the piece.