FAQ

Caring For Your Leather

Tips in caring for your leather

Leather is virtually maintenance free, provided that it is cared for properly. If you follow these simple instructions, your leather furniture should last a very long time. If you need to clean your leather, Sulfaro Furniture can supply a quality leather cleaning product that will meet all your maintenance needs. Read below for instructions or call us on 03 9872 4608. These rules are suggestions based on a wide variety of common problems and situations that can occur in and around leather furniture.

Pets

Common pets such as cats and dogs can be very hazardous to leather. They can have very sharp claws and some animals like to use furniture as scratching items to keep their claws sharp and healthy. Also, some pets will generally have sharp claws and just by being on the leather, they can scratch the surface of the leather very easily and leave permanent scratches just by being on the leather.

The second common problem is where a pet is allowed to sleep or rest on leather furniture. Some pets are fed highly processed food (full of preservatives) and this causes the natural oils within the animal’s skin to react with the top surface coat of the leather and over time, cause the leather to break down in the area where the animal is sleeping. If your animal sits on leather furniture, put a blanket or cushion between your pet and the leather and try to avoid direct contact.

Direct skin contact

Generally speaking, the average ph of human skin is acidic (ph 4-5.0). Therefore, prolonged direct contact with leather will accelerate the breakdown of the surface of lacquer that acts as a protective barrier. Additionally, human sweat is very acidic and will even further accelerate this process.

Normally, leather will start to discolour in areas that have been in contact with human skin. For instance, at the front of the arm of a chair or sofa and in the headrest area. This is very common. Please avoid direct contact if skin is sweaty.

Medication can cause the ph of the human skin to alter and therefore cause a breakdown in the leather. If taking medication, please avoid direct contact with the leather.

Saltwater and Chlorine

Saltwater from swimming pools and / or chlorine is very harmful to leather. Please avoid sitting on leather furniture with clothes or skin that has come into contact with swimming pool water. This will cause discolouration very quickly.

Sharp Objects

Sharp objects such as jewellery, belt buckles, shoes, watches etc. can all cause harm to your leather. Please be careful when using leather furniture to ensure nothing sharp will catch and cause damage to the leather.

Sunlight

Natural light will cause the leather colour to change over time. The brighter the room, the quicker the time it will take for the leather colour to change. Light is intensified when it passes through glass so avoid having direct sunlight on leather, particularly if the sunlight is passing through a window. This will cause possible discolouration very quickly.

Maintenance and Care

Directions of use of our Leather cleaner.

Regular cleaning with a recommended leather cleaner is advised particularly if the furniture is in regular use.

Apply a small amount of the leather cleaner to an area which is not seen. (e.g. the base of the inside arm below the cushion line). This will serve as a pre testing area.

It is important to clean a whole panel rather than just one spot for a more consistent finish. Circular movements are preferable to back and forth strokes ‘rubbing’. Clean excess cleaner with a damp cloth and leave to dry for 30 minutes. Use a damp cloth and warm water to remove dust and use the cleaner sparingly.