Guide to Caring for Your Leather Furniture

Leather furniture is prized for its beauty, durability, and ability to develop a rich patina with age. At Kumo Home, we want you to enjoy your investment for years to come. Here’s a streamlined, practical guide to maintaining and rejuvenating all types of leather upholstery.

1. Five Key Principles

• Do Less: Leather is inherently strong. Minimal intervention is usually best.
• Skip Initial Treatment: Most new leather furniture is factory-finished and needs no extra products. Simply unpack and enjoy.
• Inspect for Defects: Before use, check seams, surface grain, and stitching. If you spot concerns, contact our Customer Service for guidance.
• Embrace Natural Characteristics: Slight wrinkles, creases, or grain variation are normal. Excessive cracking, however, may require professional attention.
• Dust and Vacuum Regularly: Use a soft brush attachment or microfiber cloth to remove loose dirt and debris, especially increases and seams.

2. Daily and Weekly Maintenance

• Dust & Vacuum: Gently dust flat surfaces and vacuum crevices weekly.
• Avoid Sun & Heat: Position furniture away from direct sunlight or heating vents to prevent drying and fading.
• Rotate Cushions: Turn and flip seat cushions periodically to distribute wear evenly.

3. Deep Cleaning and Conditioning

Follow these steps every 3–6 months, or sooner if your furniture sees heavy use:

Dust Thoroughly Begin with a soft brush or vacuum to clear surface particles.

Clean

• Mild Soap Solution: Mix a few drops of gentle, pH-balanced leather cleaner with water. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
• Wipe Gently: Dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe the leather in sections. Avoid soaking.
• Dry Completely Let the leather air-dry, ideally overnight, away from direct heat.

Condition

• Choose the Right Conditioner: Use a high-quality, neutral leather balm (e.g., Bick 4) or a product recommended by Kumo Home.
• Apply Sparingly: Rub a thin layer into the leather using soft, circular motions.
• Wait 30–60 Minutes: Allow absorption.
• Buff: Use a clean, dry cloth to buff the surface and restore natural luster.

4. Selecting Leather Care Products

Product Type	Recommended Use	Notes
Neutral Conditioner	Monthly upkeep	Preserves suppleness without darkening.
Cream-Based Polish	Light shine	Adds depth; brush to buff.
Deep Leather Balm	Periodic nourishment (3–6 months)	Rich formula for stressed areas.
Specialty Cleaners	Stains or salt damage	Use sparingly; follow with conditioning.

Tip: Avoid household oils (e.g., coconut oil). They can over-saturate and weaken leather.

5. Addressing Specific Issues

• Scratches & Scuffs: Lightly rub with your fingertip and a drop of conditioner; deeper marks may need a colored cream or professional restoration.
• Stains & Spills: Blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth. For water-based stains, use a mild cleaner. For oil-based stains, lightly sprinkle talcum powder to absorb oil, then brush off.
• Sun Fading: Rotate furniture and consider UV-protective sprays if in bright rooms.
• Cracking & Dryness: Increase conditioning frequency and keep humidity around 40–50% when possible.

6. Leather Types & Special Care

• Aniline & Semi-Aniline: Maintain with pH-balanced cleaners and minimal pigment-based conditioners.
• Pigmented (Protected) Leather: More forgiving—clean regularly and condition lightly.
• Suede & Nubuck: Use specialized sprays and brushes; avoid liquid conditioners.
• Waxed & Oiled Leather: Condition with wax-based balms; buff to remove excess.
• Exotic Leathers: Consult a professional or follow manufacturer guidance.

7. Cedar Inserts & Rest Periods

• Use Cedar Blocks: Place cedar sachets under cushions to absorb moisture and deter pests.
• Rotate & Rest: If possible, remove seat cushions overnight to let the frame and padding breathe.

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Glossary

• Patina: The desirable sheen and color variation that develops over time.
• pH-Balanced Cleaner: A gentle cleaning solution formulated for leather.
• Conditioner vs. Polish: Conditioners restore oils; polishes add pigment and shine.

Living Room Link: Browse our Living Room collection for stylish arrangements that pair perfectly with leather upholstery.

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Enjoy Your Leather With minimal effort and the right care, your Kumo Home leather pieces will remain stunning and comfortable for decades. If you have questions, our Customer Service team is here to help!

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