Is it Really Time to Throw that Leather Sofa out?
Posted on 01/07/2015
Simple Tips for Making Your Old Leather Sofa Looking New Again
It’s an old sofa, it’s been loved, it’s been lived on, it’s even occasionally been lived in. Your children have left a lifetime of meals down the side of the cushions; the dog has left its mark on it in many ways. It was a beautiful sofa once, and you’ll be sad to see it go, but the time has come to throw it out.
Before you give up on your old and trusted companion, try these simple tips for getting your old leather sofa looking as good as it did on the first day it arrived in your house.
1. Vinegar
White vinegar on a strong microfibre cloth is an excellent tool to remove stains that have embedded themselves into your sofa. You will want to follow up with a soapy solution (a mild laundry detergent and warm water will do the job) for a more vigorous clean. Remember to open windows and allow the odour of vinegar to escape afterwards.
If preferred, you can use a moisturising soap and warm water instead of vinegar for a similar effect.
2. Baby Wipes
When it comes to maintaining your sofa, baby wipes are an underrated tool for spot cleans and will mean you do not have to deep clean the sofa so often.
3. Vacuum
Always start your sofa clean by thoroughly vacuuming the sofa and all cushions to prevent rubbing further dirt into the sofa during cleaning.
4. Start from the top
Always start your clean from the top of the sofa and work your way down, so you are not throwing dirt back down into the sections you have already cleaned.
5. Conditioning
Once your sofa is looking closer to clean, make a solution using one part vinegar and two parts flax oil (linseed oil will also work and is easier to get hold of), apply this solution to your sofa using broad, circular motions with a soft cloth. Leave overnight.
6. Buffing
Buff your sofa the next day using a clean rag; you will be surprised how swiftly and easily the shine is restored and your sofa returns to its former glory.
Tips for specific stains
What of those stains that just won’t go away? A few simple tricks could take all of the stress out of these concerns.
If your children have an artistic streak, you may find a plethora of cubist portraits in permanent marker on your sofa. A dab of eucalyptus oil and some elbow grease will make these go away. Although the artist may never forgive you.
It’s a known fact that the greasier the food, the more likely you are to drop it on the sofa. Sprinkle some baking soda on those tell-tale grease stains, after a few hours simply dust it off, the baking soda will absorb the oil.
For those miscellaneous stains, there are a few tricks you can try, non-acetone nail polish removers or white toothpaste can do a good job of removing even the most stubborn stains.
If your sofa is of a light colour, then it may need a little bit of extra help. Consider getting the professionals in to assist, but before this try a simple solution made up of lemon juice and cream of tartar. Rub this past into your sofa, leave for ten minutes and then repeat, leave for a further ten minutes and remove it with a damp sponge. You might just be amazed by the results.
Sometimes a sofa is past its prime and this has to be accepted, but more often than not, these simple tricks, combined with regular cleaning and maintenance, could mean your sofa is a faithful member of your family for a fair while yet.
