Taking care of your leather furniture

Leather is classy, durable and makes a house elegant and stunning. However, not taking good care of it could give you the opposite results as dirty or won out leather can bring the worst look in your house.
Here is how to take care of your leather furniture.

Regular dry cleaning
Peter Kasirye, a furniture dealer in Kabalagala, notes that leather furniture will need constant dry cleaning to remove dirt or stains that could become permanent with time.
If you are in a dusty place, clean them often. Dry cleaning involves using a dry cloth to wipe off the dirt.
“It’s important that you give extra attention to the curves or designs that could hide dirt.”

Don’t place hot things
Kasirye adds that leather and heat are enemies. Therefore, placing a hot object on leather furniture means ruining it.
Heat creates permanent damage and therefore should be avoided. Flat irons, hot tea cups should never be placed on leather furniture.

Avoid soap and detergents
Eliana Kemigisa, a freelance interior designer, notes that some detergents are too strong and cannot be applied on leather.
Soap, detergents or other types of polish that are not recommended by the manufacturer could ruin the look. Alternatively, use soft soaps.

Avoid direct sunlight
Constant exposure to heat from the sun will fade your leather, leave it weak and worn out. Keep them away from direct sunlight.
“Some people take leather furniture out for cleaning or airing and leave it under direct sunlight not knowing they are doing more harm. If you are to take them out, do so when the sun is moderate,” she adds.

Do not scrub
Kasirye notes that leather is delicate therefore brushes and other hard materials are not needed while cleaning leather furniture.
The hard bristles will bruise and damage it hence losing the look. A brush with gentle and soft bristles can be used, as well as a soft cloth.

Avoid coloured materials
Mary Namukose, an interior designer at Daffur interiors, notes that leather will absorb any kind of colour.
Therefore, using a fading cloth to clean could stain it.
Books, newspapers, pens and other materials with ink will leave stains and should therefore be avoided.

Respect them
They are expensive, delicate and durable therefore worth handling with care.
Kasirye says do not shift them from one place to another all the time because this will result in scratches and wrinkles on the surface.

Watch children
Children jumping

Removing stains
Mary Namukose, an interior designer at Daffur limited, gives tips on how to remove stains on leather furniture.
Water
Water stains can be removed by using a clean cloth that does not lose colour preferably a white cloth to wipe it off. Make sure it’s fully dry to avoid further damage.

Ink
Ink is a strong stain and may be hard to remove, but for a fresh stain you can use a soft soap, Luke warm water and clean gently. Make sure the cloth you are using will not add more damage. Hire a professional cleaner when the stain does not go off.

Food
Food spills can be removed by using a clean wet cloth socked in warm water. The warm water will make the stain soft and therefore easy to clean. The cleaning should be gentle to avoid damage, use a dry cloth to wipe the water after.
Grease
For oils and stains of the like, you can use a soft cloth and remove gently. Do not have to use water because it will create more damage.

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