Leather Cleaning

Leather cleaning can be relatively easy but it can also be done very badly resulting in long term damage and re-soiling. Cleaning is an essential part of caring for your leather furniture. It not only removes dirt and oils (which can, over time, break down leathers protective coating and pigments) but will also help to maintain the moisture balance in the leather. This is important for keeping the leather supple and makes it less likely to absorb spillages.

There are many types of leather finishes. Some leathers can be cleaned, others can only be “restored”.

Pigmented, Aniline-Dyed, and Pull-up Leathers (smooth leathers)

A wipe over with a damp cloth on a regular basis (every week/two weeks) is recommended to remove surface dust and dirt and add moisture to the leather.

Pigmented and Aniline Dyed leathers should be protected.

Suede, Nubuck
(textured “velvet” finish leathers)

Regular dry brushing is recommended to remove surface dust and dirt. A barely damp cloth may be used as long as entire panels are cleaned at a time so water marks do not occur.

Restoring Leather

Aniline dyed leathers may need to have the dye topped-up as sunlight strips the colour out of the fabric. At VCRS we have these skills and some of our work is shown here.