The Importance of Proper Leather Care

The Importance of Proper Leather Care

Contrary to popular belief leather is not self maintaining. Whilst it is low maintenance, it certainly isn’t no maintenance. A simple, regular, maintenance program will help keep your leather looking and feeling like it did when you first bought it.

Without proper cleaning and protection, over time, body oils, sweat and acids that naturally come into contact with your leather will cause cracking, de-lamination and discolouration.  You will see this clearly in areas of high usage such as seat cushions, arm rests etc.

Leather Cleaning

Even the best quality leather is subject to staining and damage, and therefore cleaning is a vital part of leather maintenance. It is essential that you use only special leather cleaners, not general household cleaning products. Most good leather cleaners available to the general public have a neutral pH of around 7. This is a mild cleaner that won’t damage the leather finish. However, as many top coat urethane finishes have a pH of around 9, stronger cleaners are available to professionals for a more thorough clean.

Leather Conditioning

After cleaning, a quality conditioning cream should be applied. The conditioner penetrates into the leather, softening and moisturising the layers to help resist drying and cracking.

Anti-Soiling Systems

In recent years, designers and manufacturers have increasingly selected leathers in light colours such as whites, beiges and lighter earthy tones. These leathers are of high concern to all in the leather industry from manufacturer to the consumer because of the tendency of these leathers to soiling.

Denim transfer, dye transfer (from scatter cushions to tracksuit pants), ink stains, general spillages, dust and dirt are a challenge to keep the leather looking and feeling great for years.

To combat this, “Anti-soiling Systems” have been developed combining a mild cleaner and a protecting layer. After a thorough cleaning to remove all dirt and grease, a Protector such as Stahl’s “Stay Clean” Protector is applied. “Stay Clean” forms an invisible barrier that significantly reduces the tendency for soiling.

ALL OF THESE PRODUCTS CAN BE OBTAINED AT COMPETITIVE PRICES FROM

LEATHER FINISHING PRODUCTS (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD

PHONE: 1300 554 413

email: sales@leatherfinishingproducts.com.au

Web site: www.leatherfinishingproducts.com.au

·      SABA Conditioning Crème

·      SABA Leather Cleaner (pH 9) – for Professionals

·      “Stay Clean” Leather Cleaner (pH 7.6)

·      “Stay Clean” Protector

·      Note: “Stay Clean” Cleaner (250ml) and Protector 

(250ml) available in a Boxed Kit