how to keep leather sofa clean

Leather care is pretty basic and starts with preventive maintenance. These simple steps will extend the life of your leather furniture:

• Heat and light are not your furniture's best friends. Try to keep leather upholstery two feet or more from direct heat and remember that leather (especially aniline and nubuck) will fade if near windows, under skylights or in direct sunlight.

• Keep your furniture dust and dirt free. Dusting and occasional vacuuming with a soft brush will prevent dirt and dust from being ground into the leather.

• Deal with spills and soil gently (never scrub), but as soon as possible. Permanent stains can result if food and liquid is not wiped away immediately.

• To clean nubuck and suede, blot (don't rub) excess liquid immediately with a clean white cloth or sponge. Allow area to air dry naturally, then brush lightly with a suede brush to restore the nap.

• Always use a clean cloth or sponge to clean up spills.

• It's important to blot spills, instead of trying to rub or scrub them away...then allow to air dry.

• Body oils will stain leather, but they gradually blend into its surface giving both patina and character.

• Because of the lack of surface coats, pure aniline leathers are less stain resistant and should be handled with extra delicacy.