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Leather tanneries and manufacturers worldwide recommend proper cleaning and protection treatments every six months to extend the life of the leather and prevent premature cracking, peeling, and color loss.
Producers of leather furniture classify the leather into three categories. Leather Types are usually on deck labels as the following:
Aniline (A) NuBuck (N) Protected (P)
TERMS OF LEATHER
A - Aniline. Also known as Natural, Pure, Naked, and Unprotected
These leathers are colored with transparent dyestuff. This means you are able to see the actual surface grain markings. These leathers have very little or no protective treatments applied to them.
P – Protected. Also known as Finished, Semi Aniline, Everyday, Pigmented, and Painted
These leathers have utilized tannery technology to create a product that is more uniform in appearance and color.
N – NuBuck. Also known as Chaps, Distressed, Bomber, and Suede
These are Aniline leathers with a brushed surface; they have a texture similar to velvet. Suede is the “fresh” side of a piece of Leather and NuBuck is a treatment to the grain side. Because NuBucks and Aniline Leathers are alike, it’s sometimes hard to tell them apart.
Is leather easy to Clean?
Consumers are frequently told that the leather they are about to purchase is low maintenance and can easily be wiped off with mild soap and water. No further service or treatment is usually recommended.
Several problems arise with this approach. Leather Master®, developed by Dr. Tork, explains:
First, low maintenance is usually interpreted as no maintenance. Second, protected leather may have a durable pigmented finish, but it is not indestructible. This durable finish initially allows consumers to clean leather with almost anything and get an immediate satisfactory result. But, the use of products not designed to clean leather may break down these durable finishes, causing the pigment to crack or peel. Improper maintenance leads directly to expensive restoration or replacement. Third, aniline and nubuck leathers are not low maintenance. These leathers are extremely porous and should be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis to protect your investment. Fourth, leather is usually purchased for the most active rooms in the house. This choice makes good maintenance a high priority in order to protect the look of your investment and to prolong the life of your leather.
The solutions are twofold: Leather Master® Products and Certified Leather Specialists.
At Wolverine Carpet Cleaning we use exclusively Leather Master® products and Tom Monahan is a Certified Leather Specialist.
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