A distressed leather sofa is often used as a center piece in a bedroom or living room. The sofa will require careful maintenance to safeguard its aesthetic features. Regular wipe downs, proper removal of dirt and grime, and actively maintaining proper oil levels will play a factor when caring for a leather sofa.
Regularly wipe down the leather sofa with a dry cloth. Even if the owner is being meticulous in maintaining the health of the leather, regular wipe downs will help remove any contaminants from ruining the leather. Always make sure that the cloth being used is not abrasive.
Do not put dirty footwear onto the distressed leather sofa, as the grime on the bottom of the shoe can dirty the leather. Contaminants that accumulate on the surface of the leather will require frequent cleaning, which can rob the leather of the essential oils that help keep it pliable. In addition, try not to eat or drink while sitting on the sofa. Many sugary drinks will leave a sticky film on the leather once dried, potentially ruining the leather, while extremely hot food can also warp the leather, subsequently damaging it. Crumbs can also cause friction, potentially cutting or ripping the distressed leather sofa over time.
Make sure to clean the distressed leather sofa as soon as any food, drinks, or grime gets on it. It is important not to saturate the leather with any liquid, as excess moisture will facilitate an unattractive warping of the leather. Get a bucket and put in a few drops of a mild detergent, and then agitate the water to create a light foam. Douse a small towel with the cleaning solution, wring out excess liquid so that it is just slightly damp, and lightly wipe down the surface of the distressed leather sofa, making sure to get into the nooks and crannies. Wipe down the sofa with another towel dampened with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Cleaning the sofa will remove some of its essentials oils, making the distressed leather sofa prone to tears. Polish a small amount of leather conditioner onto the surface. The emollient properties in the conditioner will soften the leather, replenishing proper moisture levels. Try not to place the sofa in direct sunlight, as the rays from the sun can dry out the leather. Excessive exposure to ultra violet rays can also speed aging of the leather.