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Guidelines for Living with Artificial Leather Furniture

All quality home furnishings are subject to degradation from the following environmental or mechanical conditions. Artificial Leather is no exception, but it actually performs much better than most cloth upholstery, and even wood finishes.

A) Heat Sources and Direct Sunlight
Placing your furniture next to strong heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators or in direct sunlight can dry out  and cause cracking and stiffening of the leather. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight will eventually fade most artificial products and leather is no exception. Ask your dealer for additional guidance regarding colour fastness for the leather you are considering.

B) Sharp Objects
Artificial Leather is difficult to scratch. However should your furniture be scratched by a sharp object like a buckle or a toy, it is usually possible to disguise the mark with a felt tip pen of a similar colour. Test your technique on a swatch or an inconspicuous area first.

C) Aggressive Cleaners and Strong Rubbing
Gentle wiping is all that the vast majority of spills require. NEVER use abrasive cleaners, saddle soap, oils, detergents, furniture polish, ammonia, or coloured coarse cloths, etc., and remember that prolonged, vigorous rubbing can damage the surface.

Tips for maintaining Artificial leather

  • Dust frequently.

  • Clean up spills immediately. Use a blotting action rather than a wiping action.

  • Rotate accessories on furniture so they do not sit in the same spot all the time.

  • Do not place sharp or hot objects on a leather furniture.

  • Lift objects--do not drag across the surface.

  • Make minor repairs while they are still small.