Unique Factors to Consider When Cleaning Protected Leather
There are some unique factors to consider when cleaning protected leather. The finish is mostly composed of polyurethane and plastifiers, which are both susceptible to damage due to multiple chemical processes. The oils that your body produces as well as other sources can eat away at the finish, resulting in cracking and damage. In addition, improper cleaning products can cause damage to the finish. Using the wrong type of leather cleaner perth can result in premature cracking and discoloration.
Performance leather
There are several unique factors to consider when cleaning performance leather. These types of leather are extremely durable and can withstand everyday use. They are often durable enough to withstand the use of children and pets, but they must also be cleaned properly to maintain their good looks. Here are some tips to clean your performance leather properly:
Nubuck: If your leather is made from Nubuck sheepskin, the material is velvet-like and will have shading traces. When moved, rubbing it lightly will cause the color to darken. Nubucks are prone to fading and will show visible scars, wrinkles, and scratches. Nubuck is also more expensive than other leather, and it is usually coated with a clear sealant.
Semi-aniline
Whether your leather pieces are made of aniline leather, semi-aniline leather, or painted leather, there are several factors to keep in mind when cleaning and maintaining them. Protected leather is more uniform in appearance than unprotected leather, and it typically features a topcoat that contains a protectant and pigment. Protected leather may need a gentler touch than unprotected leather, which is why the care process should be gentle.
Aniline leather, on the other hand, has a natural surface and is dyed with pigment. It is generally softer and more comfortable to sit on, but it is more susceptible to fading, soiling, and stains. An aniline leather sofa requires special care, and it can show excessive fading or marks. Protective conditioning is important for both types of leather, but aniline leather is more delicate and needs extra care.
While other cleaning agents are effective, they can damage your leather. The use of isopropyl alcohol can be harmful to leather, because it will draw moisture out of the material. It can also stain the leather, and olive oil may damage the fibers. However, many leather cleaners contain natural ingredients that are safe for leather and will not cause it to break down. If you’d like to clean your leather, try Lexol.
Pigmented
There are several unique factors to consider when cleaning protected leather. For example, the type of leather will determine what cleaning methods work best. Olive oil, for example, will break down the fibers in the leather and could stain the leather. Coconut oil, on the other hand, may stain the leather. The key is to choose a cleaning solution that is safe for the type of leather and prevents further damage to the leather.
The best cleaning agent is one that uses minimal ingredients and concentrates on cleaning the surface. Products like Lexol are effective because they are safe and contain only the most natural ingredients. However, other cleaners can cause harm to the leather and surface finishes. For this reason, it is important to test the cleaning agents on a hidden area before using them on the surface of the leather. If possible, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to prevent damage to the surface finish.
If the leather is coated with a protective treatment, it is essential to avoid cleaning it with degreaser. This may damage the polyurethane finish. Another unique factor to consider when cleaning protected leather is whether the furniture is made of a non-oil-based material. This type of finish will be affected by solvents, which can also damage the finish. Some leather is oiled or waxed to prevent stains, so it is best to avoid putting any liquids on it. In these cases, you can also apply a commercial leather conditioner to keep it soft.