According to those in the know, leather is designed to last a lifetime. While that could be debatable, still, mistreating your leather can cause it to age much faster than you might like. To take care of leather properly, the first and foremost rule to remember is “less is more.” This is the case not just sometimes, but always. Some common leather care mistakes newbies often make include:
1. Using inappropriate cleaners
The most common mistake when it comes to leather cleaning is using inappropriate cleaners. Leather cleaning is a gentle art. Any cleaning product with a high pH damages the leather fibers. This results in excess drying and causes those unsightly cracks you might notice on a leather couch or sofa.
Another problem many make the mistake of doing is using general household cleaners that aren’t well-suited for leather. Leather is basically skin — sensitive skin at that — meaning it’s never a good idea to use something such as a countertop cleaner on your recliner. Put another way, it means use cleaners that are actually meant for leather or pay the price!
2. Ignoring the manufacturer’s instructions
This may seem obvious when we say it, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using anything to care for your leather. The label tells you all you need to know, including the type of leather it is and the things you need to do to avoid damaging it.
3. Using too much water
Water has infinite benefits, but alas… cleaning leather is not one of them. Using too much of it means that it can be absorbed into the leather, causing it to become soggy. This results in the growth of mildew and bacteria. Mold and mildew can truly destroy leather from inside out, without giving you much warning until the damage is done.
4. Doing too much moisturizing
If you keep moisturizing and conditioning the leather without cleaning it beforehand, or at least wiping off the dust, you could lose your leather furniture sooner rather than later. The moisturizers will clog the pores, making it impossible for the dirt and grime to come out, and instead pushing it deeper into the fibers. Then the clogged pores will dry out the leather and cause irreparable damage. Conditioning should be relegated to every three to four months, no more than that.
5. Scrubbing your leather
As mentioned, caring for leather requires a gentle touch. Regardless of the cleaning products and methods you employ, if you scrub the leather, it will cause scratches, discoloration, and even cracking. Definitely not a good thing.
