How to Condition Old Leather Furniture

Caring for leather furniture is a must in order to preserve it and to maintain its shine. If you own leather furniture that is old, it may be dingy and in need of repair, a good cleaning, and conditioning to get the luster to return. Before you condition leather, be sure you have cleaned it first with leather cleaner. You should conditioner all your leather furniture once a year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leather conditioner
• Cotton rags

1. Determine what type of leather you have. Most likely, your old leather furniture is untreated, but to be sure, in an inconspicuous spot, place a drop of water. If the water is repelled or beads up, it is treated leather. If it soaks in, the leather is untreated.

2. Choose your product. There are store bought products like Leather Magic that are suitable for conditioning your leather sofa. If you have the furniture manufacturer's directions, then purchase or use the recommended conditioner. Be sure to buy either conditioner for treated or untreated leather.

3. Test the product in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it does not stain the leather.

4. Apply the product as directed on the conditioner bottle. Usually, you apply the product to a cotton rag and gently rub it into the old leather furniture. Be gentle as the old leather may be fragile.

5. Remove the excess conditioner with a clean rag and let it dry about 24 hours before using the furniture again.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people use petroleum jelly to condition their old leather. Test in an inconspicuous spot first.

References

• Caring for Your Leather
• Leather Sofa Care

Resources

• Clean and Condition Leather Furniture