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Protecting your Leather Furniture

By: Cheryl L. True

Leather furniture is an investment that many view as a luxury. But if you don't care for your investment it can dry up and crack, leading to tears and splits. Fortunately, a lot of manufacturers can tell you how to care for leather furniture. Read on and learn how to do so. 

Since leather adjusts to body temperature, it’s very comfortable to sit on. It warms your body in the winter and feels cool in the summer. Other advantages of leather are it is stronger than fabric, lasts longer and is ideal for families with kids since it resists spills, children's climbing, and all rough activities. The easiest way to clean leather furniture is to use a water-based foam cleaner with a neutral ph. Avoid saddle soap which is too harsh or wipes with chemicals that can destroy the finish or leave residues on the leather. Don’t use anything with oils, waxes or silicones since these can destroy the finish of the leather. Clean any spills immediately to avoid staining the leather. Better still, protect your leather furniture with a leather protector to prevent spills from seeping into it and cause stains. It's much easier to prevent the stains rather than trying to clean it afterwards. Place leather furniture about two feet away from radiators and heat vents. This can dry and crack the leather. Avoid putting leather furniture in front of windows or in direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the leather to fade and become patchy looking. Clean your furniture with the right leather cleaner. Regular household cleaners can lead to irreparable damage and staining. Get these leather cleaners at the store where you purchased your furniture for the best match. You can also go online if you want to try other brands. Read labels carefully. 

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