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 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.
