At a Glance:
The Dos and Don’ts of Caring for Leather Furniture
Common Reasons for Leather Scratches
How to Fix Scratches on Leather Couch
How to Repair Cat Scratches on Leather
How to Use a Leather Scratch Repair Pen
5 Leather Sofa Recommendations
When it comes to shopping for leather furniture, the allure lies not only in leather’s timeless elegance but also in its durability and longevity. However, even the most meticulously maintained leather pieces are not immune to the occasional scratch or blemish. Understanding how to shop for high-quality leather furniture and having the know-how to repair those inevitable scratches are invaluable skills when you’re considering investing in leather furniture.
In this guide to leather repair, we’ll outline the dos and don’ts of caring for leather furniture, common reasons for scratches, and tips to help you repair leather scratches. Then we’ll recommend our favorite leather pieces for your living room from, so you can take home a leather couch and care know how to care for it for years of use.
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Shop NowThe Dos and Don’ts of Caring for Leather Furniture
Knowing how to care for leather furniture will help prevent scratches. From routine cleaning to avoiding harsh cleaning products, these leather furniture care dos and don’ts will help you maintain your couch for years to come.
✅ Do:
✔ Address leather stains right away.
✔ Deep-clean your leather couch every 6 months to one year.
✔ Dust regularly.
✔ Use a vacuum cleaner crevice tool to clean hard to reach places.
✔ Wipe down your protected leather couch weekly with a damp sponge or unprotected leather couch with a soft, lint-free cloth.
✔ Clean with gentle blotting or wiping motions—never rub or use harsh motions.
✔ Protect from sun damage, fading, and cracking by keeping leather furniture out of direct sunlight and at least two feet away from heat sources.
✔ Test any leather care product in an inconspicuous spot before applying it to your couch.
✔ Understand that improper cleaning may void your leather furniture warranty.
✖ Don’t:
✗ Use sharp objects near leather furniture or place a sharp object nearby.
✗ Place newspapers or magazines on leather furniture because it may absorb the ink.
✗ Use abrasives, harsh chemicals, or any other cleaning products that violate the universal cleaning code care instructions on your furniture tag.
Learn More: Brand Spotlight: Palliser Furniture Reviews
Common Reasons for Leather Scratches
Even if you follow all the dos and don'ts of leather care, you may encounter a scratch from time to time. It’s important to know how to fix scratched leather so that you don’t panic. Here are some common reasons why your couch might get scratched:
| Cause of Scratch | How it Happens | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday Wear and Tear | Normal use of leather furniture can lead to scratches over time. These can be caused by rubbing against hard surfaces or other abrasive materials. | ||
How to Fix Scratches on Leather Couch
There are several ways to learn how to treat scratches on leather and how to remove scratches on leather sofa. You can find plenty of leather repair tips online to repair leather scratches at home. However, there are times when it’s better to leave it to a professional. Keep reading for possible sources of scratches and DIY leather scratch repair tips.
Generally, here are some good rules of thumb:
- Always check the universal cleaning code on your furniture.
- Try a leather repair kit and closely follow the directions.
- Make sure to always use clean, lint-free cloths and switch out as needed throughout the process.
- Use a leather conditioner to repair your leather’s moisture and suppleness after repair.
- Avoid using too much water. A damp cloth is sufficient, and excess water can soak into your leather and cause a stain.
How to Repair Cat Scratches on Leather
According to Chewy’s pet-centric blog, you may have cat scratches from kneading or swiping. Kneading leaves tiny scratches and tears while swiping often leaves a noticeable long slash, rip, or scuff.
Here are some steps you can follow on how to remove scratches on leather from your cat.
- First, you should clean the scratched area, trim any loose fibers, and apply a small amount of leather binding glue onto the damaged area.
- Once you’ve applied seven to nine layers and allowed it to dry, lightly sand the area.
- Then, apply a heavy filler or leather putty and sand it once it’s dry.
- Next, apply liquid leather colorant, leather color spray, leather sealant, and leather finish, allowing each layer to dry before going on to the next.
Some sites tell you how to repair cat scratches on leather with olive oil, but it’s better to avoid this. Olive oil can soak into the area and leave a stain. Although you can try your hand at DIY leather couch repair, sometimes it’s best to call in a professional.
How to Use a Leather Scratch Repair Pen
If you’re dealing with a small scratch, you may be able to repair leather with a leather scratch repair pen. Leather touch-up pens are quick drying and hard-wearing, meaning the leather upholstery repair should last for a long time. You can find leather pens in a variety of colors to perfectly match your furniture piece. If you try this leather repair solution, make sure to clean the surface before you begin, test in an inconspicuous area, and apply in thin layers.
5 Leather Sofa Recommendations
Although you may face the occasional need for leather furniture repair, leather is a durable, stylish, and hypoallergenic upholstery option that is worth the investment. If you follow recommended care tips, your leather furniture can last for years whether you choose a leather sofa, loveseat, sectional, accent chair, or living room collection. Here are our top leather sofa recommendations that will be sure to look beautiful with proper pet care.
England Furniture Salem Leather Sofa
Shop This England Furniture Leather Sofa
This leather sofa features a simple and sleek silhouette that’s perfect for a transitional, contemporary, or modern living room design. You can customize this piece, choosing from a variety of top grain leather colors. For the full luxury of leather throughout the living room, pair this with matching collection pieces for an updated take on classic design sure to last season after season.
Flexsteel Dana Brown Loveseat
Shop This Flexsteel Leather Loveseat
This leather loveseat is all about subtle attention to detail with its rolled arms, piping, and stitching. It offers plush and comfy seating without feeling bulky or overly casual. It would be perfect for a transitional, farmhouse, or rustic design. This sofa feels sturdy, but its modest scale makes it a great option for small spaces, and since it’s crafted with the exclusive Flexsteel Blue Steel Spring frame, you can expect years of relaxation upon its supple leather and cozy build.
Craftmaster CM Leather Brown Sectional
Shop This Craftmaster Leather Sofa Sectional
This leather sectional is the perfect mix of comfort and style. Plush pillows invite you to curl up while rolled arms, nailhead trim, and a luscious brown color add sophistication to this piece. You can tuck this L-shaped sectional into the corner in a smaller space or center it in the room with other seating elements in a large living room. If you want to customize this piece, you can choose from six different sectional pieces and 50 top grain leather choices. Talk about choices!
Learn More: 10 Best Leather Sectionals
Hughes Furniture San Marino Ebony 2-Piece Sofa Set
Shop This Hughes Furniture Leather Sofa Set
If you’ve been looking for a quality leather sofa set, this loveseat and sofa combo from Hughes Furniture is a great option. With its hardwood frames and Certi-PUR foam padding, this 2-piece sofa set is noteworthy for its craftsmanship and quality. Black leather in a simple silhouette is perfect for a transitional or contemporary style living room, but it can just as equally be played up with bolder styles and traditional accents for a sophisticated look.
Flexsteel Deon Black Power Rocking Recliner with Power Headrest
Shop This Flexsteel Leather Recliner
This recliner is our faux leather bonus pick! Faux leather is a great way to achieve the luxurious look of leather for less, and Flexsteel masters the art of disguise with this power recliner that looks like the real deal. If you are a pet owner, faux leather is a great option because it doesn’t need conditioning and the synthetic materials are more scratch-resistant than true leather. This sophisticated recliner would be at home in a modern or glam design with its timeless black finish, tufting, and nailhead trim. You can kick back and relax with power reclining or enjoy the soothing rocking motion in any position.
If you’ve been considering investing in leather furniture but have felt intimidated by the maintenance, this guide to leather repair should give you the confidence to make your move. Leather’s classic look is luxurious and timeless, and you can incorporate it into a number of design styles. You can also opt for faux leather, an alternative that’s easier to maintain. Whichever furniture upholstery you choose, Colder’s has the best selection of upholstered, faux leather, and leather living room furniture in the Milwaukee area. Browse our selection online of visit on of our Milwaukee furniture stores today for more inspiration.
FAQs
What’s the difference between faux leather vs real leather furniture?
Real leather furniture is made from animal hides, while faux leather is synthetic. Real leather is more expensive, durable, and requires more maintenance. It has a natural appearance and develops a patina over time. Faux leather is more affordable and easier to maintain but may be less durable. The choice depends on budget, aesthetics, and maintenance preferences.
How do you condition leather furniture?
To condition leather furniture:
- Clean the furniture with a mild leather cleaner and let it dry.
- Test the conditioner on a small area first.
- After confirming your cleaner is safe, apply a thin, even layer of leather conditioner to the surface with a soft cloth.
- Massage the conditioner into the leather.
- Allow it to soak in for the recommended time.
- Wipe off excess conditioner.
- Buff the leather to a soft finish.
- Repeat periodically based on product instructions, typically every 6-12 months.
How often should leather furniture be conditioned?
You should condition your leather furniture every 6 to 12 months.
How to protect leather furniture from pets.
To protect your leather furniture from pets, you can provide your cat with alternatives (such as scratching furniture), cover your couch with blankets, or apply animal-safe scent deterrents like lavender or lemon.
Why Trust Colder’s?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder’s is committed not only to continuously offering can’t-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that’s our best price guarantee. Still need help? We offer zero percent appliance and furniture financing on your home needs!
Shop Leather Furniture at Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop furniture online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you with all your leather scratch repair needs, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: 10 Most Popular Rocker Recliners for Living Rooms