How to Take Care of Leather Furniture: An Expert Guide for Australian Homes

Leather lounges and sofas bring timeless elegance and everyday comfort to your home. But without the right care, they can quickly lose their charm. In Australia, where sun exposure, heat, and everyday wear are common culprits, knowing how to maintain your leather furniture properly is the key to keeping it beautiful for years to come. Whether you’ve just invested in a new piece or want to revive an old favourite, here’s your complete guide to preserving the beauty, softness and structure of your leather.

Understand Your Leather First

One of the smartest ways to simplify leather care? Start with a high-quality luxury leather lounge in the first place. Premium leather ages better, resists cracking and fading more effectively, and is far easier to clean and maintain than cheaper alternatives. 

Before you reach for any cleaning products or conditioners, it’s important to understand what kind of leather you have. Each type responds differently to cleaning methods and products:

✓ Aniline Leather: This type is luxurious and soft, with little to no protective coating. It showcases the natural grain of the hide and has a beautiful, rich finish. However, it is highly absorbent and easily stained, so it needs gentle, careful care.

✓ Semi-Aniline or Pigmented Leather: Common in contemporary Australian lounges, this leather has a thin protective layer, making it more resistant to spills and wear. It still maintains a natural look while being easier to clean and more forgiving for families or pet owners.

✓ Faux or Bonded Leather: Made from a blend of leather scraps or polyurethane, this isn’t true leather but often looks similar. It doesn’t respond well to traditional leather conditioners and can peel over time. Use only cleaners specifically labelled safe for faux leather.

Knowing your leather type will help you choose the right care products and techniques, preventing accidental damage.

Daily and Weekly Maintenance: Build a Habit

Taking care of your leather furniture doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. Like caring for your skin, consistency matters more than intensity.

1. Weekly Dusting and Vacuuming

Once a week, dust your leather lounge with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. Dust, dirt and crumbs may seem harmless, but they act like fine sandpaper on the surface, dulling its shine and causing tiny abrasions over time. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to get into the crevices and seams.

2. Monthly Wipe-Down

Every month, give your sofa a light wipe with a barely damp cloth (preferably using distilled water). This removes body oils and invisible grime that builds up from daily use. Follow immediately with a dry towel to avoid water sitting on the surface.

Avoid the urge to use household cleaners or baby wipes, many contain alcohol or chemicals that can dry out and discolour the leather.

3. Condition Every 3–6 Months

Just like your skin needs moisture, so does your leather. Conditioning every few months helps maintain its softness, prevents cracking, and enhances its natural lustre.

Choose a high-quality, pH-balanced leather conditioner and apply it using a clean, soft cloth. Work it in gently using circular motions, allow it to absorb, then buff lightly with a dry cloth. If your sofa sits in a sunny room or gets a lot of use, you might want to condition it more frequently. But don’t overdo it—too much product can create buildup and dull the finish.

Mastering the Art of Spot Cleaning

Accidents happen—especially with pets, kids, or that glass of red wine on movie night. The key to saving your leather is to act fast and clean carefully.

• For spills: Blot immediately with a dry, absorbent cloth. Don’t rub, as this can spread the spill or force it deeper into the leather. Once blotted, wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth, then dry thoroughly.

• Ink stains: These are among the trickiest. Dab (don’t rub) with a cotton swab lightly dipped in a mix of mild soap and water. If it lingers, some swear by using a non-oily cuticle remover overnight but always spot-test first.

• Grease or oil: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda over the area to absorb the oil. Let it sit for a few hours, then gently wipe away.

• Water stains: These can leave tide marks on leather. One method is to lightly dampen the surrounding area with a soft cloth, then gently dry to even out the tone.

• Mould or mildew: More common in humid climates or poorly ventilated rooms. Wipe the area with a solution of mild soap and water. Allow to dry fully in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight.

If in doubt, especially for large or stubborn stains, seek help from a professional leather cleaner. Attempting aggressive DIY methods can sometimes do more harm than good.

Protect Your Furniture from Australia’s Unique Conditions

Australia’s climate poses particular challenges for leather furniture. The intense UV rays, summer humidity, and frequent use of indoor-outdoor living areas can take a toll on even the highest-quality leather. Prevention isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Taking a few simple protective steps can dramatically extend the life of your lounge, preserving its appearance and structure.

Shield It from Direct Sunlight

Australia’s powerful sunlight can be brutal on leather. Ultraviolet rays not only fade colours but also draw out natural oils from the hide, leading to dryness and cracks. Position your lounge or sofa away from large, sun-facing windows whenever possible. If that’s not feasible, install sheer curtains, UV-protective window film, or blinds to help filter harsh light. Even artificial lighting with UV content, like certain halogens, can contribute to fading over time.

Keep It Away from Heat

Much like sunlight, excessive heat depletes the natural moisture within leather. Placing your furniture near heaters, fireplaces, or even sunny glass walls can create concentrated hot spots that lead to cracking or warping. Always leave breathing room between your lounge and any heat source, and if your room gets especially warm during summer, consider a fan or air circulation to reduce heat buildup.

Use Soft Barriers for Everyday Protection

If your home includes little ones or furry family members, it’s a smart idea to layer in soft protection. A draped throw, light blanket, or tailored slipcover can protect key areas like armrests and seat cushions from dirt, oils, pet claws, and general wear and tear. Opt for breathable fabrics to ensure proper airflow, and avoid plastic or synthetic covers that could trap heat or moisture against the leather.

Adding style and function, these soft layers also give you flexibility and simply remove them when guests arrive to reveal your beautiful leather underneath.

Create Good Habits

Simple behaviours make a difference. Encourage your family to:

• Avoid sitting with sharp objects in back pockets

• Keep wet clothing (like swimmers or gym wear) off the furniture

• Rotate cushions and seating spots to distribute wear evenly

These small actions, over time, can extend the lifespan of your lounge dramatically.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning care can go wrong. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Using household cleaning sprays: Many contain harsh chemicals or alcohol that break down the protective finish of your leather.

• Over-conditioning: More isn’t always better. Too much conditioner can clog the pores of the leather, making it sticky or prone to mildew.

• Scrubbing too hard: Leather is durable, but abrasive scrubbing can create micro-tears on the surface.

• Skipping test spots: Always patch test any product on an inconspicuous area first.

Being gentle, thoughtful, and informed is the best way to protect your investment.

Leather Care Schedule At a Glance

Print it. Save it. Stick it on your fridge. This simple schedule takes the guesswork out of leather care.

The Bay Gallery Difference

At Bay Gallery Furniture, we understand that leather furniture isn’t just about style—it’s about creating moments. Whether it’s your Sunday morning coffee spot, your family’s movie-night lounge, or a sophisticated centrepiece for entertaining, we know how much your leather lounge means to your lifestyle.

That’s why we offer not just premium-quality lounges but expert advice to help you care for them properly. Every Bay Gallery leather furniture is backed by a 2-year warranty, giving you peace of mind and assurance that your investment is protected. Our team has worked with homeowners across Australia to find leather solutions that suit their home, their habits, and their climate.

Need guidance on the best leather care products or curious about how to restore an older piece? We’re here to help.

Explore our collection of luxury lounges & sofas online or visit one of our showrooms in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne to speak with one of our furniture specialists.

Final Thoughts

Caring for leather furniture is simpler than it seems, but it does require some consistency and a little love. Just like a well-loved pair of leather boots or a favourite handbag, a leather lounge becomes more characterful with time. With regular attention, the right tools, and a few mindful habits, your leather lounge can remain soft, inviting and luxurious for years, even decades.

The beauty of leather is that it’s a living material. It tells a story. With every use, it gains a richness and softness that synthetic materials can’t replicate. It develops a natural patina, deepening in tone and personality, becoming more uniquely yours with every passing year.

Treat it well—clean it gently, protect it from harsh elements, nourish it occasionally, and it will reward you with timeless style, enduring comfort, and a sense of quiet luxury that enhances your home and your lifestyle for the long haul.