Leather tufted sofas blend luxury and endless stylishness. Durability is also a guarantee with leather sofas, with a consumer report indicating that they can last more than a decade.
The design, seams, tufted material, and removable cushions enhance the aesthetic value of your leather sofas. But their intricate design also calls for extra care to preserve their delicate finish over time.
This complete guide will help you care for your leather tufted sectional sofa and get the most out of it. It covers cleaning techniques, regular maintenance, proper conditioning, and stain removal.
1. Create A Maintenance Routine
After buying a high-quality leather tufted sectional sofa, the first thing you need to do is to create a maintenance routine considering the unique challenges of tufting and general leather care.
Remember, the most common causes of the decline in the quality of your leather tufted sectional sofa are accumulated dust, delay in clearing spills, and gradual drying.
Among the things you should do regularly, therefore, are;
Dust And Vacuum Your Sofas Regularly
Your sofas’ tufted design makes them easy targets for dust and debris accumulation, especially along the seams and in the crevices. A vacuum with a brush attachment can help you gently remove dust from the crevices and the sofa’s surface. Better yet, you can use a microfiber cloth. Do this weekly.
Timely Manage Spills
Use an absorbent cloth to blot out spills immediately. Avoid scraping or rubbing the spills; these practices can encourage seepage of the liquids deeper into the leather. Scrubbing and rubbing are the common causes of stains and wear and tear.
Schedule Cleaning And Conditioning
Special leather cleaners are available to help you save the hassle of testing out cleaners you’re unsure of. Ensure you also apply leather conditioners bi-annually. Using leather-specific cleaners and conditioning will help replenish the natural oils on your sofas while maintaining their suppleness.
Keep Your Leather Tufted Sofas Away from Environmental Hazards
Direct sunlight and heat sources like fireplaces and radiators can cause your sofa to fade, crack, and even dry out over time. The tufted areas are particularly unwelcoming to these heat sources.
2. Clean Daily And Weekly
With your leather tufted sectional sofa, you need to have a daily cleaning plan and a weekly cleaning plan.
As a daily practice, ensure you also quickly dust off your sofas using a dry microfiber when cleaning your house. By doing so, you will minimize dust buildup. Uncleared dust can accumulate in the crevices and settle into the fibers, dulling your sofa.
Also, anytime you notice the most minor spill on your sofa, clean it immediately.
On your weekly cleaning routine, dust and vacuum all your sofa’s exterior surfaces. Vacuum the crevices and specifically target the areas between the seams and the tufted buttons. Secondly, wipe down your sofa’s surfaces.
3. Practice Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is also essential, especially if you do it twice a year. To deep clean your tufted leather sectional sofa, follow these steps;
Prepare for Deep Cleaning
Remove any loose debris. You can do this by vacuuming your entire sofa and paying more attention to the tufted areas, as particles easily gather there.
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
You can make one at home if you do not have a unique leather cleaning solution. Use warm water and a mild soap. Dilute the non-detergent dish soap in water using the correct ratios. For instance, for your 5 oz of warm water, add a 1/2tsb of dishwashing soap in your spray bottle and shake well to mix.
Clean Your Sofa And Let It Dry
Once your cleaning solution is ready, lightly mist your sofa’s fabrics with it. Use a damp cloth to wipe all the surfaces. Put more effort into cleaning every seam at the tufted area and buttons. Do this until you’re satisfied that the areas are clean.
After this, you can let the sofa air dry naturally. Avoid using heaters or fans to dry your sofas at this point, as this could cause cracking on the leather surfaces.
4. Have A Protective Post-Cleaning Routine
After cleaning your leather tufted sectional sofa, condition your sofas. Conditioning will help restore your sofa’s flexibility and natural luster.
To do proper conditioning, follow these steps;
- Apply the conditioner strictly adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a soft cloth to make the application and ensure it is evenly distributed.
- Buff up to get the shine. After applying the conditioner, gently buff your conditioned areas using a microfiber towel to restore your sofa’s natural luster. Buffing will also help with the even distribution and penetration of your conditioner.
- Protect against heat and direct UV. Avoid exposing your sofas to direct sunshine, especially after conditioning them. Instead, use leather protection products with moisture retention techniques and UV protection.
5. Practice Preventive Care
In addition to the above care, you need preventive care to keep your sofas longer. Simple preventive measures like the ones listed below can go a long way toward enhancing your sofa’s durability.
Avoid using harsh chemicals. Instead, use specialized and manufacturer-advised cleaning products. Harsh chemicals can strip your sofas of natural oils, causing cracking and discoloration.
Maintain a well-controlled humidity and temperature to keep your sofas from absorbing too much moisture and drying out. If your pets have sharp claws, please keep them away from your sofas.
Final Thoughts
With this diligent care routine, you will surely enjoy those leather-tufted sectional sofas for many years. But remember that even with this routine, some call for professional assistance.
So, seek professional intervention when you have deep-seated stains, structural damages, and cracks and need high-value investment protection.
Above all, remember that your sofa’s appearance and longevity depend on your consistent care and maintenance routine.
