What is faux leather?

Increasingly popular as an environmentally friendly alternative to leather, faux leather is synthetically made and offers the appearance of genuine leather without being an animal byproduct. The latest range of high performance faux leathers have the added advantages of being stain and water resistant, and come in a wide variety of colours and textures often at a more affordable price.

How to clean and care for your faux leather furniture

– Position your faux leather furniture away from heat and sunlight which can cause colour fading and surface degradation

– Excessive perspiration and oily residue from cosmetics and hair products can damage faux leather if left to accumulate. Clean any surface contact as soon as possible to prevent permanent stains

– Dust and vacuum weekly with the appropriate upholstery attachment

– Make sure any accidental spills are dealt with immediately. Don't rub the stain as this could cause it to spread further or set in - carefully blot the stain with a cloth until it comes up completely

– Use a clean, soft lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water to remove dirt or body oils

– For tougher stains, use a soft cloth with a little non-alkaline, non-detergent soap

– Rubbing alcohol can be carefully used to lift ink stains and baking soda works well for grease marks

– Apply leather cream or conditioner every 6-12 months to keep the faux leather feeling soft and supple. Always patch test a new leather care product before applying it to the rest of your furniture

– Do not use bleaches or household cleaning products which can damage the dyes and surface of the upholstery

– Flip and rotate your faux leather sofa cushions regularly to even out the wear

– Do not place hot cups or plates directly onto your faux leather furniture as this can damage the upholstery

– Be careful with sharp objects such as studs, buckles, jewellery, heels, toys or a pet's claws on your faux leather furniture as they can cause scratches or tears

– Regularly tighten any bolts to avoid damage and maintain stability and strength

– Do not drag your furniture when moving, instead lift and place it carefully

– Always follow the care instructions that came with your furniture