Genuine and faux leather: care rules and why household methods ruin it

Leather furniture is a durable and practical investment in a home or office. But the common belief that such upholstery only needs an occasional wipe with a damp cloth or soapy water is wrong. Genuine and faux leather have a specific structure that wears out quickly with improper care, loses elasticity and cracks.

Why plain water and household soap harm leather

Genuine leather is a porous material with natural oils that keep it soft and flexible. Faux leather, in turn, has a polymer coating that is sensitive to aggressive treatment.

Washing out the lipid layer. Household soap and detergents are alkaline. They strip the protective layer of the upholstery. As a result, the material dries out, stiffens and starts cracking at the folds.

Clogging the pores with dirt. A damp wipe or cloth cannot pull out old dirt. It only smears it over the surface and pushes it deeper into the pores and micro-cracks. Over time this dirt sets in and becomes much harder to remove.

The Cleanavy approach: two mandatory stages

Professional care of leather furniture, by our standards, always consists of two consecutive steps.

1. Gentle deep cleaning

The technician uses specialized foam products (including the professional Koch Chemie line) and soft brushes. The foam breaks down grease and dirt inside the pores, lifts them to the surface, and the dirt is then carefully removed without damaging the leather’s protective layer.

2. Conditioning and protection

Clean leather is vulnerable to temperature changes and UV light. So after drying, the technician always applies a professional conditioning cream. It penetrates the structure, restores elasticity, protects against sun fading and forms a thin water-repellent barrier that keeps spilled liquids from soaking in quickly.

Conclusion

Proper care of genuine or faux leather furniture means a clear sequence of steps and quality products with a neutral pH. Trying to wash out difficult stains with household methods often causes a chemical burn that cannot be repaired.

Professional cleaning and conditioning every 6 months help keep the upholstery looking like new and significantly extend the life of your furniture.