Leather is one of the most durable upholstery materials on the market, but it can still suffer from wear and tear. Whether it’s from spills, pets, or changes in temperature, there are some simple things you can do to keep your leather sofa looking brand new.
The best way to get started is to buy a leather sofa repairs kit. These kits come with all the tools you need to make small repairs at home.
Scratches
When it comes to repairing leather sofas, scratches are one of the most common problems. These marks can be caused by pets, like cats or dogs, or other items, like shoes or clothing, that have sharp buttons or clasps.
Preventing scratches in the first place is essential. Try to avoid letting your pet climb on the furniture and always keep their claws trimmed.
If you do find a scratch, it’s best to repair the damage as soon as possible. Waiting too long can make the repairs more difficult and cause further damage.
There are a few ways to repair scratches on leather, including using olive oil or shoe polish. However, if you have a severe scratch that isn’t completely covered by the furniture, you may need to take the damaged area to a professional.
Tears
Leather couches are a staple in modern homes, but they can still be damaged with wear and tear. From kids and pets jumping up on them to the natural aging process, leather sofas can become scratched, faded and ripped.
Thankfully, it’s easy to get your leather couch back up to par with its original condition. With the right tools and a little bit of practice, you can fix most tears on your leather couch without having to replace it.
First, make sure that the tear has enough surface area to bind with a repair glue. This will ensure that the leather glue can bond with your couch’s leather material properly and give you a smoother repaired patch later.
Next, clean the torn area thoroughly with 70% isopropyl alcohol. This is to remove any extra chemicals that may impede the bonding of your repair compound. Also, trim away any stray threads or excess fibers around the torn area.
Cracks
Leather sofas are susceptible to cracking over time, even with proper care and conditioning. This happens when leather gets dry or is exposed to sunlight.
Fortunately, most surface cracks can be filled in or treated to blend into the rest of the leather’s coloring with a good conditioner. However, deeper cracks need to be treated with a dye.
Before attempting this treatment, test the cleaner or soap on a small patch to ensure you’re not damaging the leather. Then, use a fine-bristled brush and mild soap to clean the cracks and surrounding leather.
Once the leather is soft and flexible, go ahead with the next step. Apply the leather conditioner to the cracks, rubbing them in and smoothing them out with your finger or sponge. This should make the crack less pronounced and reduce the appearance of the damage.
Stains
Accidental spills on leather furniture can be a stressful experience, but most messes won’t result in permanent damage if you act quickly. Blot up any grease as soon as possible and dry the area thoroughly.
If the stain hasn’t lifted, try a solution of diluted washing-up liquid and water (this can be made from a commercial cleaner). Apply to the stained area using a sponge and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Spot test the solution to ensure it doesn’t stain other surfaces before proceeding. Amyl acetate on a cotton swab may also work.
Avoid getting leather too wet as this can spread stains. Be patient if treating dye or bleach stains as they will need more time to remove.
Mold and mildew can also build up on leather if the leather is damp for too long. If the stain is too large, it may be best to get professional help.