Leather Care

Leather Product Knowledge

Leather is a natural product derived from animal hide. It has distinguishing features unique to living products, and in amongst the beautiful grain you may find some markings or flaws on the skin. These are natural characteristics and proof of its natural origins. Animals, just like humans are subject to a few bumps and grazes during their lifetime and these markings are inevitable and are the visible distinction between the aesthetic appeal of natural coverings and synthetics.

Leather Maintenance

In general, unprotected leathers are highly absorbent and hydrophilic, meaning they have the propensity to absorb water based substances and oils. Liquids, foods, household substances, fatty oils and the oil from perspiration can all break down and damage the leather.

Leather in its purest form (called aniline leather) is typically the most expensive, as it is manufactured using the best quality hides and will appear luxuriously soft and supple. The leather will breathe naturally and allow air to pass through and ventilate the furniture. However, aniline leathers typically have no protective treatment and are difficult to keep clean and maintain. Therefore, such leathers, including nubuck and suede, are likely to require additional care in the form of leather protectors, cleaners and nourishers.

In general, the more manufactured the form of leather, the more likely it is that additional protective treatments have been applied, and therefore, less care and protection is required. The following table forms a general guide as to the level of care required for different forms of leather.

Types of leather

Semi Aniline Leather Leathers are dyed and have a pigment or protection layer applied and mostly exhibit similar characteristics to aniline leather, but could be from lesser grades of hide, have diminished breath-ability and are much easier to clean and maintain, using a basic leather cleaner, nourisher and protector.
Corrected Grain or Buffed Leather Manufactured using hides with imperfections that have had the surface of the hide mechanically corrected before the pigmented layer is applied and embossed with a grain pattern before a top protection coat is applied. A soft leather cleaner and a protective cream are suitable for use on corrected grain leather.
By Cast Leather By cast leather has a synthetic top layer, with a mill-applied protection. A waxon product can be used to rejuvenate the surface if damaged from wear.
Combination Leather A combination leather product is made from a combination of leather hide and PVC. On a combination leather lounge, the seat cushions, back cushion and arms will all be manufactured using leather hide, whilst the back and sides will be manufacturing using PVC. A soft leather cleaner and a protective cream are suitable for use on combination leather, although a damp cloth is recommended for use on the PVC portion.
Bonded Leather Bonded leather is created by combining leather scraps and fibres, together with adhesives and other bonding materials. Although different to pure leather, the result is a highly durable product, which requires little protection and maintenance other than a soft leather cleaner or damp cloth.

 

Although care will differ between the various forms of leather, some general suggestions will apply to the majority of leather products:

  • Regularly brush or vacuum away dust and grit, clean leather with warm water using soft cloth or sponge in a circular motion and allow drying away from direct heat.
  • Do not dry clean. Do not machine wash. Do not use detergent, solvents, abrasives spray packs, unidentified leather cleaners, suede cleaners, or furniture polish.
  • Avoid over exposure of leather to direct sunlight, intense heat or weather.

By Dezign offers a range of leather cleaner and leather protection products, including the Multimaster 5 Year Leather Protection Plan to assist you in caring for and extending the life of the leather furniture.

  • Print this page
  • Send to friend