In the widest sense, leather is any kind of tanned animal hide. Different types of leather are characterized by both the sort of animal skin used, the tanning and manufacturing technique employed.
Types
The most common types of leather are made from cow, pig and sheep hide, but leather from other animals, such as kangaroos, ostriches and even stingrays, is also popular in certain applications. Different leather varieties are suited to different purposes, including clothing, furniture, footwear, luggage, book binding, belts, wallets and other assorted items. However, more relevant than the source, is just how the way the leather is processed that ends up placing it into three main categories, aniline, semi-aniline, and protected or pigmented leather
Aniline Leather
Aniline leather is highly prized for the way it looks. It is the most natural looking type of leather and retains the unique surface characteristics, such as pore scars. Aniline leather is dyed by steeping it in a transparent dye bath, which retains its natural look. Only the very best hides, around 5% or so, are used, as all surface marks remain visible.
Semi-Aniline Leather
Semi-aniline leather is just a little bit firmer than aniline leather because its surface has been treated with a light coating that contains pigment, and this makes it more stain and soil resistant. This makes the cost cheaper than Aniline leather.
Protected, or Pigmented Leather
Protected leather is the hardiest type of leather, and that is why it is the most used leather in manufacturing furniture and car upholstery. Protected leather has a polymer surface coating containing pigments, making this the strongest of these three different types.
Carpet Cleaning
In Western Australia, Boas Cleaning Services provide carpet cleaning in Perth, with a range of up to date equipment and professional stain removing services. Using a respectable carpet cleaner, can, with clean leather furniture, give your home that uniformed and unique clean look.
How to Clean Leather Furniture at Home
Caring for one’s leather furniture, can add years to its life and keep it looking attractive. Leather lasts much longer than other upholstery, and its good looks can not only be maintained, but enhanced over time. Quality leather furniture is an investment, and a little care can go a long way in its remaining so. Just like wood, leather can fade, stiffen and crack when placed close to sources of heat because it can dry out. So try to avoid placing it very close to fireplaces, heaters or in direct sunlight. To simply clean, use a spotless cloth every couple of weeks, so that it stays neat and dust free. To remove collected dirt, use a slightly damp, soft cloth to wipe the surface. However, before doing this for the first time, test it in a concealed spot to make sure the leather doesn’t absorb it. Use only a dry cloth if the leather seems to absorb the water. Also, remember to use a circular wiping motion and don’t scrub. For spills, immediately use a dry cloth to blot and let it air-dry. It is important to blot instead of wiping as you want to get all the moisture out instead of spreading it.
May one’s leather remain forever!
