Leather Care
Leather is warm and inviting and is one of the few materials that actually gets better with age. Continued use only makes it more comfortable and with some leathers, will add a desirable patina. Leather is a natural material with each hide being as unique as you are. Premium leather hides used for upholstering furniture will show non-uniform surface qualities. Variations in texture are not flaws and will not affect the leather’s durability. Common surface variations include scratches, wrinkles and healed scars. It is strongly recommended that the general care instructions be followed closely. With regular care, your furniture purchase will last for many years to come.
6 leather care tips
1) Remove all cushions and stack in a clean spot
2) Fluff the back cushions from all sides
3) Swap back pillow positions and smooth into place
4) Replace seat cushions and tuck into sides until smooth
5) Using a clean, dry cloth, wipe sofa to remove any dust
6) Apply a small amount of conditioner to the cloth and wipe over all cushions
Regular Maintenance
When possible, rotate cushions and pillows regularly to distribute wear and increase longevity.
Clean leather periodically with a dry cloth to remove residual dust and prevent dirt buildup.
We recommend the use of Diamond Kote Leather Conditioner for most leathers. For best results, this conditioner should be used 4 times per year. The conditioner will not only moisturize leather but also create a barrier between the leather and the oils from skin. Conditioner greatly helps to reduce wear and helps to keep leather looking clean. Always pretest Diamond Kote Leather Conditioner in a small inconspicuous area to be sure that this is the right product for your leather furniture.
Protection
Leather furniture should be protected from exposure to sunlight and heat, which may cause the leather to fade or lose its soft, supple feel.
When arranging leather furniture, it is important to protect it from extreme hot and cold temperature fluctuations. These fluctuations can cause a drying effect that can add to the breakdown of protective finishes.
A humidifier should be used in the home to ensure that leather does not dry out and become damaged.
Prevent sharp objects such as rings or buckles from coming into contact with your leather as they may cause scratches or tearing.
Spills & Spot Cleaning
Most liquids will initially be repelled by the leather but if left standing over an extended period of time, will be absorbed. Blot liquid immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth.
If your leather is protected by the Diamond Kote Protection Plan, contact Diamond Kote prior to attempting to remove a stain yourself.
Butter, oil or grease spills should be gently wiped with a clean, dry cloth. These stains can be hard to remove initially (particularily with wax pull-up finished leathers) but the spot should dissipate into the leather over time.
For stubborn stains and spills, use a cloth lightly dampened with warm water to blot the stain and remove it. If this does not work, mix mild soap with water, then blot to release the stain and blot again with a dry cloth (avoid scrubbing).
Do not use harsh cleaners or solvents, as they can abrade the finish or topcoat off the leather. Never allow liquid to accumulate on the leather.
For additional leather care, please contact a leather cleaning professional.
Understanding the Nature of Leather
All leather will stretch to some degree with use. Leather is elastic and its shape reflects the amount of use an area gets. Just as new shoes need some breaking in, so does your leather furniture. Stretching is not a defect but an inherent natural quality of leather.
Pet damage can occur to leather. Keep in mind that leather with a protected finish is the most appropriate leather for a home with pets and can be repaired more easily by a leather repair professional.
Leather with wax pull-up finishes will gain a patina after a very short period of usage. This is a desired effect of this type of leather.
Wax pull-up finishes are most prone to scratches. Although scratches will be visible, the leather itself has not been damaged. Only the coating of the leather has been affected. Wax pull-up leather is coated with upholstery grade waxes and oils. These oils will move around with friction. For light scratches, rub the scratch vigorously with your fingers. The oils from your fingers, along with the friction and heat that builds up will move the color around in the leather often erasing light scratches entirely.
