How to Restore a Leather Couch
Leather furniture is a favorite among homeowners – and for good reasons. They exude a timeless look, and are more durable than their fabric counterparts, among other advantages. However, even the hardiest materials need a new lease of life at some point.
That said, is your beloved leather couch begging for a facelift? There are easy ways to restore it without breaking the bank. Leather furniture restoration focuses on bringing moisture back to the item in question. This rehydration usually makes it softer, darker, and more flexible.
But if all else fails, you can always buy a new leather couch. Sometimes, starting anew makes more sense.
However, before heading to the furniture store to shop for replacement leather couches, click here to get some restoration tips you can try.
1. Clean the Couches
Begin by vacuuming the leather couches using a soft vacuum brush attachment. Next, use a gentle leather cleaning product and a soft cloth or non-abrasive brush to remove any grime.
For stubborn stains that won’t budge, you might need alternative leather cleaning products.
If you’re not sure about what to use, consult a professional.
Note that before using any leather restoration products on your couches, you might want to do a patch test. Apply the products to a small, hidden area and watch for any adverse reactions. If there are none, feel free to use them for the entire restoration project.
2. Work on Faded Areas
Now that your leather couches are clean, it’s time to restore areas where the color has faded. Applying some leather conditioner or balm is usually enough to address this problem.
Smooth on the leather conditioner using a soft, clean cloth. Rub in the product gently and evenly, then wipe off any excess with a different soft cloth. Allow the couches to absorb the conditioner and dry completely before using them again.
If it’s a challenge finding a balm or conditioner with an exact color match, use a company that offers a color matching service. It’s an extra cost but well worth the money.
This process usually makes the leather darken because of the rehydration. The effect is more noticeable on lighter-colored leather.
3. Fix Abrasions on Your Leather Couches
After cleaning the couches, lightly dip a clean cotton cloth in olive oil. Gently rub the oil onto scuffed areas in light, circular motions. Wipe off any excess with a dry cloth and let the leather dry.
For deep scratches, use a sponge to apply leather recoloring balm on the affected areas. Ensure the balm penetrates the abrasions and doesn’t just on the surface. For small abrasions that need precise applications, a cotton swab would be more appropriate.
Let the balm dry for several hours, then apply a leather conditioner to restore color to the scratched surfaces.
Restoring Leather Couches is Easy
If there’s a leather couch in your home you can’t imagine getting rid of, you don’t have to… at least not just yet. The above tips will help you get your furniture back to looking (almost) new.
With proper and regular restoration, your leather couches will serve you well for a long time.
