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Mukilteo, WA – With leather furniture’s increased popularity in office settings, cleaning professionals need to know the most effective ways to clean and maintain leather.
“The first thing they should know is that there are actually four types of leather used on furniture,” says Doyle Bloss, Marketing Director for U.S. Products. “And this can impact how the leather is cared for and cleaned.”
The four types of leather are:
1. Protected leather, which has a very uniform appearance with a strong protective layer that helps prevent staining and is relatively easy to maintain
2. Aniline or natural leather, which is susceptible to staining but can usually be cleaned effectively
3. Nubuck, which is aniline leather that has been brushed, sanded, or scratched to create a specific look or feel; nubuck furniture should be vacuumed frequently to remove grit and dust
4. Suede, which is the flesh side of the hide; like nubuck, suede should also be vacuumed frequently
“If possible, always try cleaning leather simply by vacuuming it, using a crevice tool attachment, and/or wiping [the leather] with dry towels to remove dust,” continues Bloss. “Do not use furniture polish or solvents, and never use chemicals such as bleach or ammonia on leather.”
Bloss adds that should a spill occur, cleaning technicians should wipe it up as soon as possible, “but use as little water as possible, and never soak the leather with water and detergent. This can damage and stain the leather.”
A common problem with leather furniture is the buildup of small scratches over time. Cleaning professionals can often remove these blemishes by gently buffing the leather with a microfiber cloth.
Finally, cleaning professionals should be sure to inform their clients that leather should be professionally cleaned approximately every 18 months. Regular professional cleaning and maintenance extends the life of leather furniture and keeps it looking its very best.
