Common Leather Care Misconceptions
Myth: DIY Leather Cleaners Are Safe and Effective
The internet is full of DIY solutions for everything, including leather care.
Contrary to Google’s beliefs, concoctions made from dish soap or vinegar can be damaging to your leather furniture.
The following image shows a sofa that fell victim to a homemade cleaner, resulting in the removal of a significant patch of color.
“There was a dark quarter inch spot on the seat cushion. I tried to clean it off with soap and water, and the dye came off making a 7 inch area that is lighter in color. It looks terrible. Can you fix this?“ - Brent D
Myth: All Leather Care Products Are Created Equal
Not all leather is manufactured or processed the same. Different leathers such as aniline, full-grain, or nubuck have unique characteristics that need to be treated differently.
Using a one-size-fits-all approach can lead to damage to your leather upholstery.
Myth: Saddle Soap Is a Stain Remover or Cleaner
While saddle soap has been described as an effective cleaner, it can backfire, especially on leather furniture.
We've seen numerous cases where customers have stained their furniture further by using saddle soap and other similar products like leather creams, wax polishes, and spray polishes.
Look at the image below of a cushion that suffered from a saddle soap application!
“The whiter stains are a result of my attempt to lift the stain by using white vinegar and water and the dark stains are a result of the stain itself and my vain attempts to lift it with saddle soap.”
Myth: Leather Furniture Stains Easily
Contrary to popular belief, leather furniture is quite resilient when it comes to spills and stains.
Most leather types provide a barrier that prevents spills from soaking in, allowing for easy cleanup.
That said, certain leathers, like unprotected or aniline, are more susceptible to staining.
It's important to be more cautious with things such as eating habits and wearing lotion when laying on your aniline couch.
Professional treatment is available to enhance your leather's defense against spills and stains, so you can enjoy your Saturday night Chinese takeout on the couch with a little less worry.
Learn More About Protective Top Treatment Here
Trust Leather Pros For Your Leather Care Needs
At Leather Pros, we're here to help you keep your leather furniture looking great!
Our team provides premium cleaning and conditioning services tailored to your specific type of leather upholstery.
With over 25 years of experience in leather furniture repair and upholstery, we've seen it all and know how to handle any leather-related issue you may have.
Whether it's a pesky set-in stain from wine, fried chicken, oil, or any other stubborn substance, we've got you covered!