Cleaning Antiques and Valuables: Preservation and Maintenance Tips

Reasons to Test Cleaning Solutions in Inconspicuous Spots of Leather Furniture

Leather has been used on furniture since time immemorial, thanks to its high quality, comfort, elegance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness over time. In modern homes, leather furniture pieces can be paired with different interior designs since they come in various colours and textures. However, it is essential to know how to clean leather furniture properly when you buy a set. It is the only way to enjoy all the benefits associated with leather furniture. One trick to cleaning leather couches is testing cleaning agents on the material. Ideally, you should choose an inconspicuous spot to test a detergent. This article highlights the importance of the approach.

Prevents Conspicuous Mishaps

Unless you have cleaned leather sofas before, the chances are high that you have never used leather cleaning solutions before. Although most quality detergents have clear instructions on usage, you can never be sure unless you try them out. While you might be tempted to start cleaning a leather couch straight away, you should first test a detergent. Some people do it in the most visible places on a sofa, such as an armrest or backrest. Unfortunately, you risk leaving a permanent conspicuous mark on a couch. Choosing an inconspicuous spot to test a cleaning agent prevents conspicuous mishaps should a detergent react with the material.

Preserves Leather Sofa's Value

Leather furniture is durable with proper care. Leather develops a unique patina as it ages, which helps retain the furniture's timelessness and classic appearance. Ultimately, leather patina is the hallmark of the highest quality leather and helps preserve furniture's value. Therefore, if you test a cleaning detergent on a visible spot and it negatively reacts with the material, it might damage the leather's natural patina over time. The visible patch of discolouration lowers a piece of furniture's value. However, if you test a cleaning agent behind or under a leather sofa, any adverse reaction does not interfere with the furniture's visible patina. Consequently, you can sell a piece of leather furniture at a reasonable price if you decide to do so.

Avoid Expensive Restorations

The first thing you do when testing a cleaning agent in a conspicuous spot is to find a way of reversing the effects. Although some cleaning services might correct the process, it is often advisable to contact the manufacturer. However, having the discoloured spot on your leather sofa restored by a manufacturer can be pretty expensive, mainly because it is the only recourse you have. You can avoid such costly restorations by spot testing cleaning solutions in inconspicuous areas of a leather sofa.

If you'd rather have more help with stubborn spots, contact leather upholstery cleaning services. 


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