Can You Use Furniture Polish on Leather?

Leather sofas are a luxurious addition to any home. Leather is durable, stylish and comfortable, however, maintaining its beauty and extending its lifespan requires proper care.

One common question that arises when it comes to care and maintenance is: can you use furniture polish on leather?

Furniture polish is a popular household product used to enhance the shine and protect the surface of wood furniture. But is it safe to use on leather?

In this blog post, we'll explore this question in-depth and provide the information you need to care for your leather furniture properly. By the end of this post, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about how to care for your leather furniture.

Understanding the Differences Between Furniture Polish and Leather Conditioner

Furniture polish and leather conditioner are two distinct products that serve different purposes. Furniture polish is designed to clean and protect the surface of wood furniture, while leather conditioner is specifically formulated to nourish, moisturise, and protect leather.

Furniture polish typically contains oils, waxes, and solvents that help remove dirt, dust, and other debris from the furniture's surface while leaving a protective layer to prevent future damage. These ingredients are unsuitable for leather as they can clog the pores of the furniture and cause discolouration, damage, and drying out.

Leather conditioner, on the other hand, is formulated with ingredients such as natural oils and emollients that penetrate deep into the pores of the leather, restoring its natural moisture balance, and preventing it from cracking, fading, or drying out. Leather conditioner also helps to maintain the material's suppleness, softness, and overall appearance over time.

While furniture polish and leather conditioner may look similar, it's important to note that they are not interchangeable products. Using furniture polish on leather can lead to irreversible damage, discolouration, and drying out of the leather. Therefore, using the correct product for the specific material you are treating is essential.

In summary, furniture polish is suitable for cleaning and protecting wood furniture, while leather conditioner is the recommended product for maintaining the beauty and durability of leather furniture.

The Risks of Using Furniture Polish on Leather

Using furniture polish on leather sofas and other types of furniture is detrimental for several reasons, including:

• Discolouration: Furniture polish contains solvents and oils that can cause discolouration or staining on leather. These ingredients can penetrate the surface of the material and change its colour, leaving unsightly marks or patches.
• Drying Out: Leather requires moisture to maintain its softness and suppleness. Furniture polish can strip the natural oils from the leather, causing it to dry out and crack over time.
• Clogging Pores: Leather is a breathable material that has tiny pores that allow it to breathe and absorb moisture. Furniture polish can clog these pores, preventing the leather from breathing and leading to damage or discolouration.
• Sticky Residue: Furniture polish can leave a sticky residue on the surface of leather, attracting dust and dirt and making it difficult to clean.
• Increased Wear and Tear: Over time, the use of furniture polish on leather can cause wear and tear, leading to premature ageing and damage.

In summary, using furniture polish on leather is not recommended as it can lead to several risks and damages. When you buy premium leather furniture like the Ghost Sofa by Naustro Accent Collection, our team is always there to guide you through the process of care and maintenance.

Rest assured that anything you buy from us is incredibly high-quality and built to last through generations.

Tips for Restoring the Shine and Softness of Leather

The right care and attention can restore the shine and softness of your leather furniture. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

• Clean the Leather: Before restoring your leather furniture's shine and softness, you must clean it thoroughly. Use a soft cloth and a leather cleaner specifically formulated for your type of leather to remove any dirt, grime, or stains.
• Apply Leather Conditioner: Once the leather is clean and dry, apply a leather conditioner to nourish and moisturise the leather. Use a soft cloth and work the conditioner into the leather in circular motions. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes, then wipe away any excess.
• Buff the Leather: After applying the conditioner, buff the leather with a soft, dry cloth to remove any remaining residue and bring back its natural shine.
• Avoid Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause leather to fade and crack over time. Therefore, it's important to position your leather furniture away from windows or use curtains or blinds to block out the sun's harmful UV rays.
• Use a Leather Protectant: A leather protectant can aid in preventing stains and damage caused by spills or accidents. Be sure to choose a protectant that is suitable for your type of leather and follow the instructions carefully.

At FCI London, we work with the most superior quality leather furniture. From the classic Composit Sofa to the streamlined Nautilus Sofa, we have a variety that instantly enchants any leather lover. The best part is that our team is always there to help you regarding leather-care-related queries - all you have to do is get in touch with us.

Common Misconceptions About Caring for Leather

When it comes to caring for leather, several misconceptions can cause damage to your leather furniture or accessories. Here are some of the most common misconceptions:

Myth: You can clean leather with soap and water.

Reality: Using soap and water to clean leather can cause the leather to dry out and crack.

Myth: Leather should be polished regularly to maintain its shine.

Reality: Using furniture polish or other products meant for wood can damage leather, leading to discolouration and drying out. Instead, use a leather conditioner to moisturise the leather and restore its natural shine.

Myth: All types of leather are the same and can be cared for similarly.

Reality: Different types of leather require different care methods. For example, suede and nubuck leather need special care to avoid damage, while aniline leather should be cleaned and conditioned more gently to prevent discolouration.

Myth: Heat and sunlight are suitable for leather.

Reality: Leather can be damaged by heat and sunlight. Exposure to these elements can cause the leather to dry out, fade, and crack over time.

Myth: Leather can be stored in plastic covers.

Reality: Storing leather in plastic can trap moisture, causing mould and mildew to grow on the leather. Instead, store leather in a cool, dry place, preferably in a cloth or breathable bag.

In summary, understanding the common misconceptions about caring for leather can help you avoid damaging your leather furniture or accessories. It's important to use the appropriate products and methods to keep your leather looking its best for years to come.

Conclusion

Authentic leather requires proper care and maintenance to keep it looking beautiful and to extend its lifespan. By following the tips we've discussed, you can keep your leather furniture and accessories in pristine condition.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with our expert design team. You can chat with us via WhatsApp or visit our showroom in person.

Additionally, you can explore our luxury sofa collection online or take a look at our interior design project portfolio for inspiration.