Quality leather furniture doesn’t just look like a million bucks – it feels like it too. Since it is a natural material, it warms to your body in the winter but feels cool in the summer. We at G.S. Jones in Pittsburgh know that leather lasts much longer than other upholstery, and if it’s well-maintained, it will get better with age — an investment. However, avoiding water is the key to a long, happy life together.

Genuine or not

When you shop for furniture, you should know exactly what to look for in your leather:

Bonded Leather

Bonded leather is the bottom tier of leather grades; it isn’t 100% real leather. It is made with the scrap pieces of other leather and is bonded using a synthetic material. Most water damage problems are not worth the cost of repairs at this level.

Genuine Leather

Genuine leather doesn’t just mean that the product is made of real leather (which it is), but it is of a low quality. Several layers of low quality leather will be bonded together with glue, and then painted or stamped to give it a more natural appearance. It only looks like a better-quality leather.

Top Grain

Top grain leather furniture is more luxurious – like fine handbags and shoes. Since the split layer has been removed, the material is far thinner, making it easier for the manufacturer to manipulate. The surface of top grain is worn down to create a uniformly smooth surface and is often treated to produce a singular color, as well as protect the material and help it repel any potential staining liquids.

It will not age as well with use. If it gets water damage, have a GS Jones representative help you assess the chances for restoration based on the value remaining in the piece.

Full Grain

Full grain leather is the highest quality leather on the market. It has not been sanded or buffed out to reduce imperfections; it shows the natural grain of the hide. Full-grain will develop a rich patina as it ages, looking more and more beautiful as you use it. It’s widely recognized as the best and highest-quality leather money can buy.

If you invest in an item made with full-grain leather, you will probably have that item for the rest of your life if you take care of it properly. The average couch is used for hours every day; leather upholstery withstands a lot of weight over a long period of time. So full-grain pays dividends with its durability.

Normal Maintenance for Leather in Good Condition

Like wood, leather can fade, stiffen, and crack when placed close to heat sources because it can dry up. Avoid placing it very close to fireplaces or in a spot that gets direct sunlight. Use a clean, white cloth to dust every couple of weeks so that it stays clean. Vacuum in crevices and along the bottom when you wipe down the rest of the surface.

Use a good leather conditioner every six months to a year. Never use harsh soap, cleaning solvents, detergents, or ammonia to clean stains. Never soak the stain heavily with water. All these methods may actually be more damaging than the stain itself.

How to Treat a Spill

Water damage weakens leather; it dissolves and evaporates natural oils, leaving the leather dry and cracked. With a modest spill, mop up immediately. Air dry your leather furniture away from sunlight and direct sources of heat. Avoid using the furniture before it is completely dry as sitting on damp leather will cause it to stretch even further.

Disaster Cleanup in Pittsburg with G.S. Jones

If your furniture has been exposed to water for more than an hour, or has sat in standing water, contact GS Jones to see it right way. Leather will break down quickly and mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours.

G.S. Jones applies common sense to the restoration of contents. First, a determination as to whether the entire dwelling needs to be moved to the secure climate controlled warehouse facility or if a portion of the dwellings contents need to be relocated. The entire job will be coordinated with you for the less disruption and the most success..

When you have suffered a property loss, count on G.S. Jones to recover as many of your possessions as possible. When disaster strikes like water damage in Pittsburg, you will need a reliable inventory system, knowledgeable team and the best tools: various ultrasonic machines, washing machines, cleaning stations, ozone rooms, and secured vaults. Get back into your home sooner – stress free with the highly trained staff and state of the art facilities.