- There are several issues with commercial cleaning products. First, the items are often highly priced. Secondly, the products often contain chemical ingredients. Another issue is the cleaning ability of these products. Commercial cleaners claim to work but may not effectively clean a leather chair.
- To clean the leather furniture on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, simply run a dry cleaning rag over the leather. Use the hose attachment of the vacuum cleaner to collect any food crumbs or similar residue if it is present.
- Cleaning leather can be tricky. You want to use something that cleans effectively but you also must incorporate an element that puts moisture back into the leather. Mixing about 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts linseed oil provides the appropriate combination of vinegar as a cleaner and oil as a moisturizer. Dip a cleaning rag into the mix, wring it out well and wipe down the leather chair. Let the chair air dry and wipe down again with a clean rag to remove any excess.
- Never clean the leather chair with vinegar only. Vinegar is a strong cleaning element but it will quickly pull moisture out of the leather. If improperly cared for, the leather can then become over-dry and begin to crack. This will cause extreme damage that in some cases cannot be repaired.