Can Water Exposure Damage Your Leather Sofa?

From clothing to furniture, leather is used in various industries. Its versatility has made it a preferred choice for leather sofas.

Despite its many benefits, leather can be vulnerable to damage from water, leaving many of our clients wondering whether their leather sofas are ruined if they get wet.

In this blog, we will explore the effects of water on leather and whether it can indeed ruin this prized material. We will delve into the effects of water on leather sofas, and the steps you can take to protect your leather items from water damage.

What happens when leather gets wet?

Leather is a durable material that can withstand most weather conditions. However, while it's fairly easy to clean leather, it's not necessarily waterproof. Here are some of the possible outcomes if your leather sofas get wet:

• Swelling: The first thing that happens when leather gets wet is that the fibres absorb water. This causes the leather to swell, which can cause a permanent crease or wrinkle in the material.
• Mould and Mildew: If you don't dry out your wet leather sofas properly, mould and mildew can develop inside of them. This may further damage your sofa and could potentially cause odours that will be hard to get rid of later if left untreated for too long.
• Warping: If water is absorbed by the leather, it can cause the leather to warp or become misshapen. This is because leather is a natural material that can change shape when it gets wet.
• Staining: Liquids that are left on a leather sofa for too long can leave stains on the surface of the leather. This is due to the porous nature of leather, and when it gets wet, it absorbs the water, which may leave behind a water stain.

4 Important steps to take when leather gets wet

When leather sofas get wet, they can become stained and damaged. It’s important to know how to clean your leather sofa if you want to keep it looking great for a longer period. We will explain the steps you need to take when your leather sofa gets wet.

1. First, look at the tags on your leather sofa for specific instructions on how to clean it.
2. Remove as much moisture as possible from the leather by blotting it with paper towels or a dry towel.
3. Use a soft cloth such as a microfibre or a lint-free cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture from the surface of the furniture piece.
4. Dry your leather sofas naturally before using them.

Can leather be restored after getting wet?

Leather is a natural material, so it will absorb water and dry out over time. However, if you don't take the property maintenance steps to care for your leather sofa, it can be difficult to restore. Fortunately, there are professional repair companies that can work on your leather sofas.

The process involves stripping away all of the damaged parts of your leather sofa and replacing them with new material. The process requires several steps and may take several days to complete. The time it takes to complete depends on the severity of the damage and how long it took for the water to seep into the material.

If there is an accidental spill of liquid on your leather sofa, ensure you blot it dry immediately. It is important to dry the spills quickly on darker hues such as the Jack Sofa by Gamma & Dandy, to keep its elegant essence intact.

Caring for your leather sofa

When it comes to caring for your leather sofa, there are a few aspects to take into consideration to understand how to properly protect it from water exposure. The key to maintaining your leather sofa is by taking special care of it.

Here are some tips to do this:

Keep away from direct water exposure

Keep your leather sofa away from sources of direct water exposure such as windows, doors, and open sunroofs. If possible, use coasters when drinking water or wine near your leather sofas.

If a drink spills or an unexpected incident causes water damage, move any wet cushions away from the area immediately. This will prevent the spill from spreading further and possibly hinder any stains.

Blot spills immediately with clean cloths

If something spills on your sofa, wipe it off with a clean cloth immediately before allowing the spill time to soak into the fabric or stain it permanently. Wiping up spills promptly will also prevent them from spreading onto other parts of the sofa.

Use leather conditioners

Regularly using a leather condition will extend the life of your sofa by years. You'll also reduce the risk of further damage due to exposure to weather elements or spills that could cause permanent stains or discolourations if left untreated.

Be certain that you only use manufacturer-approved products. For light-coloured sofas like the eye-catching Wave Sofa by Gamma & Dandy, it’s important to use leather conditioners made for light hues. The incorrect product might leave a stain on the material.

At FCI, we value design and ensure we curate only the finest leather sofas. We've been designing residential and commercial spaces around the globe, from London to the US, Africa and the Middle East for nearly 40 years. Our team of experts are filled with knowledge on what leather sofa to choose and how to maintain it.

There are a plethora of options for leather sofas, and it's difficult to decide what will be the best fit for your space. Fortunately, we've got everything you need to make an informed choice. Our interior design project portfolio is filled with stunning interiors that incorporate our luxury leather sofas.

Conclusion

Leather sofas are not necessarily ruined if they get wet, but they can be damaged if the proper steps are not taken to address the issue promptly. We recommend acting quickly and using appropriate techniques to dry your sofa. Through this, you can minimise the damage and potentially restore the leather to its original condition.

However, it's important to remember that prevention is always the best policy. Be certain to take steps to protect your leather sofa from getting wet in the first place, such as keeping it away from windows and using a conditioner to prolong its lifespan.

If you’re looking for the perfect leather sofa or have any questions about seamlessly integrating your sofa into your existing decor, we’re here to help. At FCI London, we know all the ins and outs of leather sofas, chat with us on WhatsApp to discuss your needs, budget and everything in between.

Our showroom is stocked with an extensive collection of luxury leather sofas, so you can see the array of styles and colours available.