A brand-new leather sofa, chaise lounge or pouffe can make a stylish addition to any home looking for a timeless, eye-catching piece of furniture.
However, over time, the leather material can crack and peel away, leaving behind an unsightly eyesore you’ll quickly want to hide away from visiting guests.
So, what can you do to prevent this from happening? And exactly why does leather furniture crack?
Why Does Leather Furniture Crack?
Unfortunately, when it comes to furniture, there are several causes of cracked leather, including:
- Use of harsh chemicals to clean
- Pressure and stretching from repeat usage
- Poor maintenance, resulting in oils and dirt soaking into the furniture
- Sunlight and heat exposure
- Low humidity
How to Protect Leather Furniture
Knowing how to protect leather can make a massive difference in preventing unsightly cracks and peeling. Steps you can take to reduce the risks of your leather furniture cracking include:
- Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
- Clean regularly
- Quickly clean up spills
- Use a leather conditioner
- Keep away from sharp objects
How to Restore Cracked Leather
While cracked leather is sadly permanent, there are steps you can take to reduce the damage and improve the furniture’s overall appearance.
First, you want to establish whether the cracks are just surface-level deterioration or deeper damage, which is often much trickier to restore.
For less intensive cracks, a leather conditioner can help to rehydrate the furniture – this is typically the most effective solution. Remember to pay particular attention to the cushions, armrests and backrests, as these areas often receive the most wear and tear day-to-day.
When it comes to deeper cracks, more work is usually required, including using a leather filler to repair the damage. Start by cleaning down the furniture with soap or a leather cleaner before leaving to dry. Once dry, start gently smoothing down the cracks with a piece of fine sandpaper. Next, apply a leather filler with a palette knife, filling in the cracks before smoothing over. Finally, remove any excess leather filler before leaving to dry in a well-ventilated room.
How to Stop Leather Furniture from Cracking: Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, there is no single method for preventing leather furniture from cracking. However, with proper care and attention, you can reduce the risk of damage and keep your furniture looking great for years to come.
Here at Prince and Sons Services, we provide a variety of domestic cleaning services, including upholstery and leather cleaning, for our customers throughout the county. To see what we can do for you or to get a free, no-obligation quote, call today on 01283 242626 or 07968 204999 or send an email to steveprince4@aol.com.
