Leather care guide
What kind of leather you actually own, how to look after it, and the point at which damage is better handled by a specialist than a shop-bought kit.
Identifying your leather
Aniline leather
The most natural-looking leather, dyed right through with no protective coating. It feels soft and warm, shows natural markings, and darkens where you touch it. A drop of water soaks in quickly — which is why it stains and fades easily.
Semi-aniline leather
Aniline leather with a light protective coat. It keeps much of the natural feel while resisting everyday marks better. Water sits for a moment before absorbing.
Pigmented (protected) leather
The most common leather on family furniture. A pigmented surface coat gives an even colour and good durability. Water beads on the surface. Most colour repairs and recolouring work is carried out on this type.
Bonded and faux leather
Shredded leather fibres bonded to a backing, or a fully synthetic coating. It tends to flake or peel rather than crack. It can often be improved, but it does not behave like a real hide — worth a phone call before you decide.
Caring for leather furniture
- Dust and vacuum with a soft brush attachment every couple of weeks — grit is abrasive and wears the finish.
- Wipe spills immediately with a dry, light-coloured cloth. Don't rub, and don't use washing-up liquid or baby wipes.
- Keep leather out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Heat and UV are the main causes of fading and cracking.
- Condition a couple of times a year. Leather that loses moisture becomes brittle, and brittle leather cracks.
- Rotate and plump cushions so wear spreads evenly and foam keeps its shape longer.
- Be careful with new denim on cream or light-tan leather — dye transfer is one of the most common problems we are called out to.
- Never use household cleaners, solvents or 'all-purpose' sprays. They strip the protective finish and the damage underneath is far more expensive to put right.
When to call a specialist
Cracking, seam splits, claw damage, dye transfer, colour loss, sagging cushions and ingrained soiling all need professional treatment — shop-bought kits usually leave a visible patch that is harder to correct afterwards. Most damaged leather furniture can be professionally restored for considerably less than the cost of replacing it, and most repairs are completed in your home.
Speak directly with a leather restoration specialist on 07817 960646 — most quotations can be discussed immediately over the phone.
Need an answer now?
Call a technician directly on 07817 960646. Calls are answered immediately wherever possible.
- No call centres.
- No waiting for callbacks.
- Speak directly with a leather restoration technician.
Flexible appointments 7 days a week — daytime and evening arrangements available.