Amazing pictures of embossed leather from our marketing team photo session.

The damage caused by incorrectly cleaning your leather upholstery can result in a lifetime of regret, as well as having to fork out your hard earned cash for a replacement or professional repairs. Follow the tips below to give yourself the best chance of successfully cleaning your upholstery leather. 

#1 – Know your leather

Get acquainted with your furniture and establish exactly what type of upholstery leather you’re dealing with. Furniture manufacturers should label the furniture with a code that is specific to the type of materials used in its production. These codes are usually tagged on the furniture in an inconspicuous spot, so look carefully. Here are a few of the more common leather codes:

“A” stands for Analine which is raw, unfinished leather. Analine is very delicate, prone to abrasions and should be kept away from direct sunlight.

“P” stands for Protected leather and refers to leather that has been colored and treated with a clear protective coating. These leathers will be more resistant to abrasions and is the most widely used leather type for upholstery because it is hard wearing and durable. 

“N” stands for NuBuck Leather but is also know as Suede. It is similar to Analine leather however the surface of NuBuck leather has been brushed to mimic the feel of velvet. Just like Analine, NuBuck leather is extremely delicate and can be quite pricey. 

#2 – Not all cleaning products are created equal

Some products are marketed as ‘multi-purpose’ cleaners and conditioners, and understandably consumers can become overwhelmed. It is imperative that you get specific, the more specific the better. If you need to clean leather car interiors, purchase automotive leather cleaner. If you want to clean your furniture, purchase upholstery leather cleaner. Furthermore, patch test the cleaning product in a hidden place such as the underside of your sofa prior to attacking a stain or surface dirt with gusto. Patch testing will only take a few minutes, and could possible save you immense heart ache. 

#3 – Avoid excessive liquids

Liquid cleaners can be turned into foam by using a regular household foamer. Using a clean dry cloth, apply your cleaning foam to the required area. Do not use a harsh rubbing motion, small circles work best. Using a new clean dry cloth, remove the cleaner using a blotting motion. Allow the area to dry completely before working a cream conditioner into the upholstery leather. 

**Special considerations for NuBuck Leather 

If the leather hide is not particularly dirty and you only intend to remove surface dirt and dust, using a specialized NuBuck cleaning cloth should suffice. For more serious marks or surface dirt be sure to massage the cleaning foam into the nap of the leather. Once you have blotted the area clean, use a hair dyer on low setting to dry the area while using a soft bristled brush to restore the natural nap. 

#4 – Professional Care

Cleaning leather can be tricky so if you have any doubts or concerns enlist the help of a professional. The techniques used in the production of wholesale leather hides at a traditional leather tannery are wide and varied. A reputable professional will be knowledgeable in all grades of upholstery leather and can take the stress out of maintaining your leather furniture.

Since prehistoric times it seems that leather has always been a highly sort after commodity. Wild cats, buffalo, hairy mammoths, bears and reptiles were hunted for both their meat as a food source and for their skins. During the caveman era, animal skins were used primarily for clothing such as loin cloths and coats to keep warm and dry. Skins were also used to provide shelter from the elements and as carpets, rugs and bedding in their homes. Shoes were also made from the skins to provide foot protection while hunting. Animal skins were even used for decorative purposes, and were seen as signs of stature and standing within their communities.  

Dating back to 1300 BC, Egyptians also recognized the benefits of animal skins, highly sort after for its flexibility, durability and versatility. The use of animal skins spread through Europe with the Greeks and Romans relying heavily on the product for many purposes.

Over time and through trial and error, ways of preserving the skins and prolonging decay were developed. Skins were treated with smoke and bark extracts to improve the durability and softness of the leather. The tannins in bark were known to act as an astringent, drawing moisture out and contracting pores on the skins. This was used for medicinal purposes as well as being applied as a technique in protecting the animal skins from decomposition. This type of bark tanning was a long and arduous process that would often take many months, even up to a year.

The creation and production of leather hides must be recognized as one of the oldest industries know to mankind. As the use of leather increased in popularity in the 1400’s, a leather tannery could be found anywhere that man had colonized. Even in these early stages of civilization, the Europeans were aware of the benefits of using lime to de-hair the skins and remove excess flesh. The liming process is still used in modern leather tanneries today.

Slowly but surely, through experimentation the process of making the leather hides improved and became more sophisticated. Production also became more efficient, lessening the need for so many individual tanneries. As business and industry grew during the late 1800’s wholesale leather hides were sold according to their weight. Prices soared along with the popularity of leather which was manufactured into clothing, saddles and bridles.

Today, leather is still a popular material, admired for its natural beauty, strength and resilience. The soft durability of upholstery leather is highly sort after in the furniture industry, as well as being an iconic material of the fashion world.

Leather may not be the material that first pops into your mind when considering new flooring for your home. But why shouldn’t it? Leather is naturally beautiful and luxurious as well as being durable. Leather tiles can also be colored and dyed according to individual taste, or to suit your existing interiors. 

Leather tiles are made using leather cut to size which are then stuck to wood, this process has made leather flooring less labor intensive to install. Once the tiles are laid, they are coated in a wax sealant which acts similarly to ceramic tile grout in filling any spaces, and making the leather tiles easy to keep clean. 

Leather tiles can be swept and vacuumed the same as most other flooring types and spills can be mopped up with a damp cloth. It is important that leather tiles are refinished each year however, depending on the amount of traffic as well as personal preference it can be left longer. Like upholstery leather used in furniture, natural leather hide looks better with age. If a well worn floor with a rich patina is what you are looking for, refinishing your leather tiles may be less of a priority. If the desired look is to keep the tiles in mint condition, they will need to be re-waxed more regularly. 

The enemy of a beautiful leather floor is direct sunlight and moisture. These factors can cause the leather to buckle and bubble, reducing both its appeal and durability. For these reasons, leather tiles should not be installed in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Leather tiles are much better suited to bedrooms, living rooms and offices. Leather tiles can also be used on walls and ceilings; this is particularly popular in theatre rooms as the leather will naturally absorb sound, lessening echo and enhancing sound quality. 

Leather tiles can be self installed however some important factors will contribute to either the success or failure of the job. It is imperative that the leather tiles are unpacked and stored for at least two weeks in the room where you intend to install them. Remember that leather is a natural material that breathes, and letting the tiles adjust to their new environment is essential. Preparing your existing floor is also important because any uneven surfaces can potentially show through once the tiles are laid. After making sure the existing floor is smooth and clean, read the instructions before you start. Leather should be considered as an investment, and correct installation will ensure you capitalize on that investment. 

An ethical choice for consumers is also available when it comes to leather flooring. Leather needn’t come directly from the leather tannery as tiles made from recycled leather can be purchased. These tiles are made from old furniture, breathing new life into old upholstery leather. Tiles made from wholesale leather hides are sort after for their durability and beauty, and this distinctive flooring type is sure to be the talking point of your home. 

What you need to know before purchasing Leather Furniture

Aside from the house itself, purchasing leather furniture can be one of the biggest investments you make for your home. It’s for that reason that you should spend some time researching and educating yourself before handing over your hard earned cash. Prepare yourself with knowledge so that you can make an informed decision as opposed to being swayed by a clever salesperson.

Leather Grades

Wholesale leather hides are evaluated before they even leave the leather tannery and are then graded according to their quality. Full grain leather is the most highly regarded, lusted over for its natural beauty, supple feel and durability. When full grain leather is dyed, it penetrates right through so in the event that the leather is scratched it will be less noticeable. It is the most expensive type of upholstery leather available but should be considered a sound investment given its ability to age gracefully and withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. 

Top grain leather is also a popular choice although it is thinner than full grain leather. This can make it more susceptible to perforation and fading. Top grain leather is less expensive initially, although may require more maintenance in the long run. 

Leather Finishes

Understanding how leather is tanned and finished is imperative prior to purchasing. Aniline leather has a naturally wrinkly appearance as it is not treated with any dyes or finishes. Alternatively, other leathers are coated with protective finishes to prevent wear and tear which can increase the rigidity of the leather. Be aware that manufacturers are able to produce materials that mimic the look and feel of authentic leather. These synthetic materials are commonly referred to as artificial leather.

Texture and Feel

The feel of the upholstery leather will largely depend on the grade. More expensive leathers will be more supple and flexible whereas cheaper leathers tend to be more rigid. Consider how much your sofa will be utilized. Will your sofa be well used and loved or will it be admired from afar in a formal sitting room? If your lounge will be subject to high volumes of use you should consider outlaying more for a higher quality of leather. 

Set your Price

And stick to it! It can be easy to get caught up in the desirability of leather furniture. If you can’t afford the quality leather you crave, consider waiting until you can. Purchasing a leather sofa or club chair is a long term investment and should be treated as such. 

After Care

You’ve done your research, saved your pennies and finally your new leather furniture is in your home. Although leather is relatively low maintenance and hard wearing, caring for your leather correctly is important. Be wary of dousing your new purchase with over the counter cleaners and conditioners. Remove surface dust with a soft cloth and leave more serious cleaning jobs to a leather care professional.

Enjoy!

From the leather tannery to your home, furniture made from wholesale leather hides will provide years of enjoyment. So relax, knowing that you have made an educated and smart purchase in comfort and quality.