Guide: How to care & maintain your leather furniture

Written by Niklas Søgaard the

The ultimate leather guide: How to care for and maintain your leather furniture

 

Are you the fortunate owner of a beautiful piece of leather furniture that adds character and charm to your home? Although leather is a durable material, it requires regular maintenance and care to keep it in good condition. Neglecting your leather furniture can lead to it drying out, cracking and even reducing its value. That's what you want to avoid. Follow the guide below and let us help you!


Before-and-after picture of a vintage BM 2213 sofa by architect Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Furniture, which we have treated with soap flakes and leather grease.


"Patina on leather furniture can significantly increase its value and can make a designer chair worth two to three times more than a brand new one. Patina is a testament to the longevity of the furniture and adds character and authenticity. With regular and proper care, the leather will continue to improve with age, making it a timeless investment in any home or office." - Thomas Schlosser, Director and Owner, KLASSIK Copenhagen.





Step 1: Cleaning your leather furniture

Before you start treating your leather furniture, it's important to clean it properly. This will remove any dirt and grime that may have accumulated over time so that it can deal with the leather treatment afterwards.

 



LIST FOR CLEANING

  • A soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft nozzle
  • A clean, lint-free cloth
  • Soap flakes for furniture (+80% fat content)
  • Lukewarm water
  • Soft, clean kitchen towel


GUIDANCE FOR CLEANING

  • Start by removing dust or loose dirt from your leather furniture using a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft nozzle.

  • Mix soap flakes (for furniture with high percentage of fat) with lukewarm water according to the instructions on the packaging (often ½ dl of soap flakes to 1 liter of water). Whisk the soap well so that all lumps disappear. Use a whisk if necessary.

  • Use a soft, torn cloth to wash the leather with your mixture. Wash in circles. If it's natural leather, avoid too much water, use only the foam. Water dries out the leather.

  • Give the leather time to dry and then finish with a soft kitchen towel.

 

 

Thomas Schlosser, Læder Behandling, Klassik
Thomas Schlosser, director of KLASSIK, treats the cushions of a vintage BM 2213 sofa in natural leather by architect Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Furniture.





Step 2: Treating your leather furniture

If you have used soap flakes as described above, you have actually added grease to the leather. The grease is what moisturizes the leather so that it can remain supple and does not crack. But often you need to add additional grease. Here you can use leather grease.



LIST FOR TREATMENT:

 

  • 100% natural leather grease
  • Two soft, clean cloths

 


GUIDANCE FOR TREATMENT:

  • Rub a generous amount of leather grease into the leather in circular motions with your soft cloth. Make sure to cover the whole leather. The leather will absorb it.

  • Allow the leather grease to soak into the leather. Allow it to soak in overnight if necessary.

  • Once the leather has absorbed the grease, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off the excess grease.




 


PK 22, Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen, Kold Christensen


Step 3: General tips for maintaining your leather furniture

To keep your leather furniture in the best possible condition, there are a few general tips to keep in mind:


  • Avoid placing your leather furniture in direct sunlight or near heat sources. This can cause the leather to dry out and crack. 
  • Never use synthetic cleaners or harsh chemicals on your leather furniture as these can damage the leather. We recommend only natural products, as described above.

  • Vacuum your leather furniture regularly with a soft nozzle to avoid dirt and grime scratching or getting stuck in the leather.




 


 

If you have natural leather/aniline leather, be aware that it is more resistant to grease and liquids than a protected semi-aniline leather. However, regular cleaning and the above care can help to reduce the visibility of these marks.


With regular cleaning and care, your vintage leather furniture can last for many years and continue to look beautiful. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your leather furniture stays soft, supple and protected for many years to come. If you have any questions about caring for your vintage leather furniture, don't hesitate to contact us for advice. Enjoy!