How To Prevent Leather From Fading

Leather is an amazing natural material. If you've invested in leather furniture, clothing, or car seats, you'll know exactly what we mean!

As specialists in leather care, we appreciate the luxurious and comforting feel that this material offers. We also understand that it needs to be looked after, as it can begin to show signs of wear and tear, including a deterioration in colour.

Faded leather might have character, but it doesn't offer the same appeal. So, how do you stop your prized leather items from fading?

Here are some tips for fixing faded leather from the Leather Colour Doctor!

What Makes Leather Fade?

Whether it's leather upholstery, clothing, motorcycle gear, or car interiors, all of these items are prone to fading for various reasons.

We'll look at each one and offer solutions to prolong the life of your prized leather goods...

Take a look: How To Tell If Leather Is Real

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Too much sunlight is public enemy number one, as far as leather is concerned, and leather furniture is particularly affected! Semi-aniline and aniline leather furniture tend to suffer more than fully finished leather, as they receive less treatment in the tanning process to keep them more natural. Dark colours are also more prone to fading.

Sun-faded leather is a common problem, as the furniture is often positioned near or in front of windows, allowing sunlight to stream into the room. Unfortunately, UV rays from the sun will soon damage the leather surface. The sunlight slowly evaporates the leather's natural oils and bleaches the colours, resulting in a washed-out appearance.

So, how do you avoid sun damage to leather?

Here are a few tricks that could help:

• Rearrange the room - If possible, reposition your leather furniture away from windows. South-facing windows are especially notorious for letting in harsh sunlight throughout the day.
• Embrace window treatments - Invest in blinds, curtains, or shades with a UV-protective coating. These act as a physical barrier, filtering out the damaging UV rays before they reach your leather. Look for materials with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating for maximum defence.
• Get creative with shade - If rearranging furniture isn't an option, consider using strategically placed plants or tall bookcases to cast shade on your leather pieces situated by a sunny window.

In addition, a high-quality leather conditioner will certainly help! Check out the Leather Colour Doctor's excellent conditioner on our website.

Clean Regularly

Regular cleaning and conditioning are crucial to keeping your leather goods looking and feeling their best.

Dust, body oils, and everyday grime can accumulate on your leather, creating a film that traps our old friend, sunlight! This trapped heat accelerates the breakdown of natural oils, leading to faster fading. Frequent cleaning removes this film, allowing the leather to breathe and minimising sun damage.

Leather conditioner is a specialised product designed to replenish the natural oils lost over time. The added moisture will prevent leather furniture from cracking, which can make fading more prominent.

Gain insights: How To Clean A Leather Sofa

Establish A Cleaning And Conditioning Routine

• Choose the right cleaner - There are different types of leather, each with specific cleaning needs. Opt for a leather cleaner specifically formulated for your leather type – aniline, semi-aniline, or pigmented. Using the wrong cleaner can damage the leather's finish or even cause fading.
• Read the label - Before tackling the job, always read and follow any cleaning instructions on the product label carefully. This will ensure you're using the right amount of cleaner and applying it correctly.
• Less is more - Avoid using excessive amounts of cleaner, as this can leave a residue that attracts dirt and can even cause discolouration. A light application is all you need.
• Avoid household detergents - You can see more about this below, but these will not do your leather sofa and favours!
• Conditioning - After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to leather furniture regularly to replenish lost oils and restore suppleness. Follow the instructions on the conditioner for application and drying times.

Protect Leather From Heat

Leather doesn't appreciate excessive heat. High temperatures can cause the leather to dry out, crack, and fade. Here's how to keep your leather furniture feeling cool:

• Maintain a Safe Distance - Keep your leather furniture at least a metre away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters. The radiating heat can dry out the leather and accelerate fading, especially on the side facing the heat source.
• Combined Sunlight/Heat damage - Direct sunlight combined with heat increases the risk of fading and damage. If you have a sunny room with a radiator, consider adding a heat shield between the radiator and your furniture for added protection.
• Strategic Placement - Avoid placing it directly in front of air vents or heating ducts. The constant flow of warm air can dry out the leather over time.

Check out: How To Care For Leather Jackets

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

As leather is a natural material, harsh chemicals are bad news! These chemicals can strip away the leather's natural oils, making it dry and brittle, and can even cause fading.

Always avoid using household cleaners like all-purpose cleaners, stain removers, or anything containing alcohol, vinegar, or ammonia, as these can seriously damage the leather.

Also, keep the following in mind:

• Read the Label First - Always check the care instructions for your leather items. Some manufacturers might recommend specific cleaning products or techniques.
• Patch Test First - Before applying any cleaning product to your entire furniture piece, always perform a patch test on an inconspicuous area. This allows you to see if the cleaner causes any discolouration or damage before you go ahead.
• Microfibre Cloth - Use a soft, damp microfibre cloth for cleaning, as these are gentle on the leather's surface and won't cause any scratching.

Fixing dried leather is more difficult than maintaining it (especially aniline leather), as they say: prevention is better than cure!

No matter how much cleaning you do, prolonged exposure to sunlight will eventually crack the surface and cause it to fade. Putting a leather sofa directly in a sunny spot is asking for trouble!

To prevent sun damage, you need to protect your leather from the start by limiting exposure to sunlight (using our closed blinds tip, or with a sheer curtain) and investing in our fantastic conditioner.

By following this expert advice, you can increase the lifespan of your leather products and keep them looking and feeling luxurious for decades to come!