Cleaning Leather Tips

The Whole Truth (and Nothing But) About Leather Furniture: American Leather ...

June 8, 2011

DALLAS, TX, June 08, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- If you're like most consumers, when it comes to shopping for new home furnishings, there may be some lingering doubts about what furniture is best for you and your home. And if you are like many furniture buyers, you may be unsure if leather furniture is right for your home, or even how to find the leather that best fits your decor and lifestyle.

To help consumers in this buying process, American Leather, a leading Dallas-based manufacturer of premium leather and upholstered furniture, has addressed the most common myths and misperceptions about leather furniture - and the REAL truths that will have consumers making their next purchase in complete confidence:

Myth: Leather furniture just doesn't last!

FACT: The truth is, leather furniture is something you buy for a lifetime. Since leather is a natural product, aging brings out its natural patina making it even more beautiful over time. And since leather furniture is something you can enjoy for years to come, this is a purchase that makes a sound investment -- and one that gives you excellent returns, time and time again.

Myth: Leather furniture is too expensive!

FACT: You don't have to be rich to enjoy leather furniture - just smart. Since leather is a product that lasts four times longer than fabric, leather furniture is a great investment for your home that you can enjoy for many years to come. After all, don't you deserve beautiful comfort that lasts?

Myth: Leather furniture is too hard to care for!

FACT: This couldn't be farther from the truth. Just use a conditioner every 6-12 months and wipe up spills as they occur with a clean cloth. You should actually avoid using your normal cleaning supplies--like soaps, detergents, solvents, etc. Can it get any easier than that?

Myth: Leather furniture is easily damaged by kids and animals!

FACT: Unless your dog thinks your new leather couch is a chew toy or your cat thinks it's a scratching post, your leather furniture is as safe as any other furniture in the house. For more peace of mind, buy furniture with a pigmented finish coat. It helps protect the leather so you can let your pets and your kids sit on the couch with no more than the usual worries.

How to clean leather purses — purse cleaning tips – Fashion's ...

It’s a fact of life: stains happen . Still, finding a stain is on your designer handbag (which might have been an investment you’d hoped to get some mileage out of), can be tough to take sitting down. We hear from customers with blemished bags nearly every day, so we understand these incidents are traumatic, and purse cleaning is expensive to boot.

Unfortunately, purse cleaning, especially cleaning a leather purse, isn’t as simple as washing a basic tee. Fair warning: cleaning designer handbags can be risky, and if you’re not careful, it’s all too easy to transform a salvageable bag into a total loss. So, treat your bag with care and always test a new product on an inconspicuous area first.

When cleaning your leather purse, remember that all genuine leather was once a living hide. First and foremost, animal skins needs to breathe. If you suffocate your purse with the wrong cleaner, or allow a stain to become embedded, the leather will dry out, crack, or fade. For this reason, it’s important to steer clear of most synthetic cleaning products, especially ones that are petroleum-based. It’s also important to clean your leather purse with a cloth that won’t delaminate or crumble. Use a microfiber cloth like this to wipe your bag — never use soggy paper towels .

So, how to clean your leather purse? Let’s get started. It’s easiest to clean your handbag before it gets heavily soiled, so try to freshen up your leather purses regularly. The best way to do this is using baby wash and those previously mentioned microfiber towels. Heavily dilute the wash (a drop or two will do in 8-12 ounces of water) and mix the solution in a spray bottle. Never spray any cleaning product (even watered down) straight onto your leather bag; rather, spray the solution onto your towel , then gently wipe the bag. Try to go with the grain of the leather, and use smooth, even strokes. Pay particular attention to the areas of the bag you most often touch, such as the handle and clasp, as those sections are the most likely to be saturated by body oils. It’s also a good idea to condition your bag periodically with a moisturizer specifically tailored to leather purses.

If you have a major stain, don’t despair. In the cleaning business, we refer to two types of stains: wet stains (which can come out with water) and dry stains (which must be removed by, you guessed it, dry cleaning). A wet stain is a stain with a water-soluble contaminant. Ketchup is a common water-based stain. Wet stains can be removed at home, but “dry stains,” typically greasy blemishes caused by oil, paint, wax or lipstick will need professional attention.

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