Leather 101

Keep the Cow Happy: Everything You Need to Know About Leather Upkeep

Couch.com believes in keeping the cow happy. Make it sparkle and shine. Your guide to maintaining your leather furniture's charm
a brown leather chesterfield couch with many chemicals and potions to clean it with

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    How Do You Protect Leather Seats?

    Ah, the allure of leather—the touch, the smell, the undeniable charm. If you're a leather aficionado, you know that keeping your prized leather possessions in tip-top shape is a must. We're here to spill the beans on how to keep your leather seats, couches, and more looking as fabulous as the day they caught your eye. Allow us to introduce our leather upkeep essentials!

    Leather seats, whether in your car or at home, deserve some love. Shielding them from the elements is key. Here's how:

    • Sun shield: UV rays can fade and damage leather. Use window shades or invest in a leather conditioner with UV protection to keep your seats safe.
    • Regular cleaning: Dust and debris can wear down leather over time. Wipe your seats regularly with a microfiber cloth or a product like Leather Honey Leather Cleaner to keep them spick and span.
    • Leather protector wipes: Brands like Guardsman offer Leather Protector Wipes that create a barrier against stains, spills, and dirt. They've been in the furniture care game since 1915, so they know their stuff!

    How Do You Prevent Scratches on Leather?

    Scratches can be the bane of a leather lover's existence. But fear not—there are steps you can take to prevent them:

    • Leather conditioner: Keep your leather healthy and moisturized with a high-quality conditioner. Well-maintained leather is more resilient against scratches.
    • Avoid sharp objects: Keep keys, belts, and other sharp items away from your leather. You also want to keep pets claws trimmed and do your best to keep them at bay! Prevention is the best strategy!

    How Do You Stain Proof Leather?

    Life happens, and spills are inevitable. Protecting your leather from stains requires some proactive measures:

    • Leather protector spray: Brands like Lexol offer Leather Protector Spray that forms a protective layer against stains and spills. A quick spritz can save the day.
    • Prompt cleanup: If a spill occurs, don't wait. Blot the area gently with a clean, absorbent cloth to prevent the stain from setting in.

    How Do You Take Care of a Leather Couch?

    Your leather couch is the crown jewel of your living space. Give it the royal treatment:

    • Regular dusting: Dust your leather couch and all its nooks and crannies regularly to prevent dirt buildup and scratches.
    • Condition and moisturize: Leather, like your skin, needs moisture to stay supple. Brands like Lexol and Leather Honey offer effective leather conditioners to keep your couch happy.

    Does Real Leather Fall Apart?

    No need to worry—high-quality real leather from reputable brands like Hancock & Moore is designed to stand the test of time. Real leather's durability and natural aging process often enhance its beauty.

    Should I Moisturize My Leather Couch?

    Absolutely! Leather needs hydration to maintain its luster. Using a leather conditioner like Leather Honey or Lexol can keep your couch looking and feeling its best.

    Will My New Leather Sofa Soften?

    Certainly! Choosing a new leather sofa is an exciting decision that adds style and elegance to any living space. As you settle into your brand-new leather sofa, you may notice that it has a firm feel at first. However, don't worry! This initial firmness is completely normal and is due to the high-quality materials used in its construction.

    Over time, as you and your loved ones enjoy relaxing on your leather sofa, you will start to witness its transformation. Just like a fine wine that gets better with age, your leather sofa will also soften and become more comfortable with time. The supple texture and subtle patina that develop over the years create a sense of warmth and coziness, making your leather sofa a cherished spot for relaxation and gathering.

    Embrace Leather Care Like a Pro

    With these tips, you're armed with the knowledge to keep your leather seats, couches, and more in impeccable condition. Whether you're cruising in your car or lounging on your favorite West Elm leather couch, proper upkeep will ensure that your leather investments bring joy for years to come. So go ahead—keep that cow happy and your leather will thank you with timeless beauty and comfort.

    A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard stands on a beach during sunset. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with small white dots. The ocean and sandy shore are in the background, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    Alex Back
    Couch.com CEO & Founder
    Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.
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