Leather Care & Maintenance Guide
Leather is a natural material that ages beautifully when cared for — and cracks, fades and stains when neglected. Different leather types (aniline, semi-aniline, pigmented/protected) need different care. This guide covers the routine that keeps leather furniture supple and looking new.
Know Your Leather Type
| Leather Type | Characteristics | Care Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Aniline | Natural, soft, shows texture — no protective coating | High — marks easily, needs gentle care |
| Semi-Aniline | Light protective top coat, still soft | Medium |
| Pigmented / Protected | Durable, uniform colour, easy to clean | Low — most family furniture |
Weekly & Monthly Routine
Dust weekly
Wipe with a clean, dry microfibre cloth to remove dust and grit that causes micro-scratches.
Keep away from heat & sun
Direct sun and proximity to heaters dry out the natural oils, causing cracking and fading.
Condition every 6–12 months
Use a leather-specific conditioner to restore oils and keep the hide supple. Avoid over-conditioning.
Protect with a barrier
A professional leather protector helps resist staining, especially on aniline finishes.
Spot Cleaning Leather
Blot, never rub
Lift spills immediately with a clean dry cloth. Rubbing grimes the stain into the grain.
Use only leather-safe products
Standard household cleaners, baby wipes and alcohol strips the finish and dye. Use a dedicated leather cleaner.
Ink & dye transfer
Denim transfer and ink are difficult — call a professional rather than attempting DIY removal.
Pet scratches
Keep pets off protected leather. Claw marks are permanent and require professional repair.
How Often to Professionally Clean
Have leather furniture professionally cleaned and conditioned every 12–18 months — more often in busy family homes. A professional clean removes body oils and soil from the grain that home care cannot, then re-balances the moisture content and re-applies protector.
What to Avoid
Never use saddle soap, vinegar, baking soda, baby wipes, or all-purpose surface sprays on leather. Each one either over-strips oils, leaves a damaging residue, or alters the pH of the hide. When in doubt, leave it to a specialist.