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Handy tips on keeping a leather sofa in great condition for longer.

A leather sofa is an expensive investment that the buyer expects to last for a long time; it is bought not just for its good looks but also for its durability. The key to getting the full value from such an investment is in the maintenance of it.

The leather used in a high quality leather sofa will be of excellent quality but it still needs to be treated well, and kept clean and supple. In many living rooms, the sofa may well be exposed to hot sun streaming through the windows in summer and, even in cooler seasons; the heat of the sun through glass can still cause damage. The most important way to prevent this is to keep the curtains closed when the sun is at its strongest.

For minor spills, a damp cloth will prevent any damage, especially if the liquid is cleaned up immediately. For older marks and stains, a little good quality leather upholstery cleaner works well. If the owner does not have this to hand, it is possible to clean leather with a very mild solution of good quality washing-up liquid, but it is advisable to test a small inconspicuous area of the sofa first to ensure that it doesn’t cause any damage. It is a good idea to test even proprietary cleaners this way, too; it is better to be sure before tackling a very visible part of the furniture.

To keep leather supple, an excellent idea is to buy saddle soap, available from suppliers of equestrian product. The store from which the leather sofa was purchased should also sell such a product but it may be labelled as ‘leather upholstery restorer’. It contains glycerine soap and other non-damaging agents which clean and lubricate the material, maintaining its strength and restoring its natural preserving oils. Regular use will keep the leather in first class condition.

It is advisable to look for the best quality saddle soap available which won’t cause a mess when wet, as some of the more basic ones may. To apply, use a soft cloth to rub small quantities of the saddle soap on to the leather, and then use a clean cloth to polish it off. It is better to work on a small area at a time to make sure all the saddle soap is polished off. The time and effort taken will be more than rewarding; not only will it lengthen the life of the furniture but it will also help to keep the appearance looking its best.