Leather is one of the most durable materials around, so you can expect leather items such as furniture, shoes, bags, and clothing to last a long time. The leather itself is expensive, but vintage leather even more so. That is why if we own a vintage leather sofa set or any other leather products for that matter, we should know what to do and what not to do so that it lasts a long time.
Do use it sparingly
Vintage leather is old leather, so if you can, use your vintage furniture sparingly. If you have another couch in the living room that is not leather, use it more often. Reserve your vintage sofa for special occasions. It may not be a practical tip, but you can preserve it that way.
Do clean it regularly
Do not wait long to clean your furniture. Although leather repels pet dander, dust, and dirt, it is not advisable to let them settle on the material for long. A soft cloth should be enough to wipe dust and pet dander away. If there are any spills, blot them with a dry and clean cloth.
Do put a cover over it
Although a drape can ruin the look of the furniture, it will significantly help in preventing scratches on the surface. Choose a color that matches the color of the furniture, so that it doesn’t look too out of place. Putting a cover over your leather furniture will provide a barrier against sharp objects, spills, oils and scratches.
Do stretch out any creases
Expect to have wrinkles in your furniture from years of use. If applying a leather cleaner or protector, stretch out the creases before application. This will allow you to reach all the surfaces without missing any.
Do seek the help of a professional
If you are unsure about how to care for your vintage leather, you can seek the advice of a professional. They will tell you how best to care for it, and what steps you can do to make it last longer.
Don’t expose it to direct sunlight and heat
Heat makes leather dry out and crack. Placing it under direct heat or sunlight shortens its life. Do not place your furniture by the window, or near a fireplace.
Don’t use harsh chemicals
Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean your furniture. It will only worsen the situation and damage it.
Don’t use sharp objects near it
This is a pretty obvious one. Sharp objects may not only scratch the leather, but they can also poke holes in it, which can get bigger over time.
As vintage leather is costly, you might as well do everything you can to take care of it, so you get the most bang for your buck. As years go by, vintage leather gets more expensive, so if your furniture is well taken care of, you can even sell it for more money in the future, should you decide to do so.
To read more on topics like this, check out the money category
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