Recommended Fabric and Leather Care Guide

General Upholstery Care

• If your furniture has down cushioning, fluff and turn cushions periodically to promote uniform wear and help maintain comfort and a full appearance.
• Maintain consistent humidity in your home to prevent excessive expansion and contraction of wooden pieces and joints.
• Place furniture out of direct sunlight to help prevent fading of upholstery, and avoid radiators and fireplaces.
• Have upholstered items professionally cleaned when needed (we recommend once a year or so).

Fabric Cleaning

• Prevent spills from turning into stains by blotting them immediately with a clean, dry, white cloth. Always blot from the outer edge of a spill inward to help avoid a stain ring from forming.
• Use clear, cool water to help blot up resistant spills. Never use hot water, which tends to set stains.
• If an oil- or water-based stain forms after blotting up a spill, blot again with a clean, white cloth. Repeat as necessary.
• Do not use cleaning solvents of any kind.
• Never let water saturate fabric or pool in seams.
• Remove gum or wax by freezing it with a small plastic bag of ice until it hardens, then gently chip away. Repeat as necessary, and blot with a damp, clean cloth to remove any stain left behind.
• Brush pile fabrics lightly with a stiff bristle brush to remove minor stains and regain original appearance. Do not rub or use excessive force when brushing.

Leather Cleaning

• Dust is the enemy of leather upholstery, causing it to wear excessively and crack. Remove dust by wiping away with a dry cloth regularly, and vacuum using the appropriate attachments. Do not use dust-cleaning products intended for wood furniture, which can stain and damage leather.
• Prevent spills from turning into stains by blotting them immediately with a clean, dry, white cloth.
• To remove resistant water-based stains, try using a clean, white cloth dampened with water. Do not use water to remove oil-based stains.
• Some stains will blend into leather over time and become part of its patina.
• Remove gum or wax by freezing it with a small plastic bag of ice until it hardens, then gently chip away. Repeat as necessary, and blot with a damp, clean cloth to remove any stain left behind. Do not use cleaning solvents of any kind.

Ultrasuade^® Spot Cleaning

• Ultrasuede can be refreshed with a lint brush or other soft brush. Dust periodically with a damp, clean, white cloth.
• Blot spills with a dry, clean, white cloth. Avoid rubbing, which will ruin the soft nap of Ultrasuede. To remove stubborn stains, blot repeatedly with water and a dry, clean, white cloth.
• Do not use cleaning solvents of any kind.

Types of Leather

Semi-Aniline Leather

Semi-aniline leather, used on many DWR pieces, is slightly more durable than aniline leather because it receives a light coating of dye that ensures consistent coloring and provides a bit of stain resistance.

Aniline Leather

Aniline leather is made from untreated hides, which over time will develop a beautiful patina – a subtle shine and darkening resulting from aging and use. Hides differ slightly from one to the next, sporting distinct coloring and wrinkling that make each piece unique. These characteristics should be considered before purchase.

Hairy Hide

Hairy hides are natural hides left unfinished, with no hair-softening treatments or sealants. Hair lengths may vary naturally from one area of a hide to another. We advise against trimming hair. Loss of hair over time is normal with ordinary use of the hide. To remove dust and other particles, gently brush hair, going with the grain. To remove liquid stains, blot with a dry, clean, white cloth. Never rub the hide, which can damage the hair.

Natural Markings

Markings and scars are considered natural aspects of leather that add to its character. These markings and scars vary from hide to hide and are most prevalent in aniline leather, which is the most natural leather DWR carries.