How to Maintain and Protect Your Leather Sofa
A leather sofa is more than a design choice, it’s a long-term relationship.
With the right care, full-grain leather develops a rich patina, softens beautifully, and tells its own story over time. But to help it age gracefully (and not just age), a few habits make all the difference.
Here’s how to keep your leather Chesterfield looking — and feeling — its best for years to come.
1. Know Your Leather
Not all leathers behave the same.
At Chesterfield NYC, we use premium full-grain and aniline hides - breathable, supple, and naturally unique. These leathers aren’t coated with heavy finishes, which means they show their character and require gentle, thoughtful care.
If your sofa has a more polished or “semi-aniline” finish, it’ll resist stains and sunlight better, but still benefits from regular conditioning.
Tip: Before applying any product, always test it on a hidden area first.
2. Keep It Clean — Gently
Forget harsh chemicals or baby wipes. A soft, dry cloth or a barely damp microfiber towel is all you need for routine cleaning.
Wipe weekly to remove dust, and for deeper cleans every few months, use a pH-balanced leather cleaner specifically made for full-grain hides.
Avoid:
All-purpose cleaners
Alcohol-based sprays
Water saturation
They strip natural oils and shorten the leather’s life.
3. Condition Regularly
Think of conditioning as moisturizing your leather — it restores the natural oils that keep it supple and prevent cracking.
Every 6 to 12 months, apply a small amount of high-quality leather conditioner using a soft cloth, let it absorb, then buff lightly.
If you live in a drier climate or your sofa gets heavy sunlight exposure, condition a bit more often.
4. Protect from Sunlight and Heat
Leather ages best in even light and stable temperature.
Too much direct sunlight will fade color; too much heat will dry it out. Try to position your sofa at least two feet away from radiators or vents, and consider using light-filtering curtains if your space gets strong afternoon sun.
5. Handle Spills and Marks the Right Way
Accidents happen. What matters is how quickly and gently you respond.
For spills, blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth (never rub). If it’s a liquid like wine or coffee, use a slightly damp cloth, then dry thoroughly.
For oil-based stains, sprinkle a little cornstarch or talcum powder on the spot — it will help absorb the oil without damaging the surface.
6. Let It Live
The beauty of real leather lies in its evolution.
Over time, it will soften, darken slightly, and develop a patina unique to your home. That’s not wear — that’s character.
Each crease, shade shift, and texture change tells a story of use and quality, exactly what separates an heirloom Chesterfield from a disposable sofa.
We’re here to help you choose and to help you care for it afterward.
Our team can guide you through the best ways to maintain your sofa based on the specific leather you select. You can also order free samples to experience the texture, tone, and feel of our leathers in your own space before committing.
→ Explore our Materials Library
→ Contact our team for care advice