Leather vs Fabric Sofa: Considerations for Style, Comfort and Cleaning


Whether giving a comfortable family vibe or lending elegant sophistication, your sofa is more than a place to sit. Every type of couch has its pros and cons, so the question is what works best for your lifestyle .
Let’s compare sofas in leather and various types of fabric to find out what works for you. This article also include step-bystep sofa cleaning process.
What’s covered in this article;

What’s covered in this article;


Why is leather better than fabric for sofa?

Leather looks great. It is sophisticated and minimalistic. Leather also stays looking neat and classy despite daily use. This is because it is easy to clean and does not need much extra upkeep.  Leather is also low-maintenance because its smooth surface doesn’t catch much dirt, except perhaps between cushions. 

This means that leather sofas are hypoallergenic because their surfaces won’t hold dust or pet hair. 

Additionally, dust mites can’t live in leather.


How long will a leather sofa last? 

Leather is also the most durable material for a sofa. This can vary, but it will outlast fabric. Leather can have a lifespan of over fifteen years. 

It is often thought that leather needs extra care to stay in shape, but this is not necessarily true. Quality leathers should not take much more maintenance than fabric. On the other hand, low-quality leather does not last as long even with care.


How to clean my leather sofa?

Cleaning a leather sofa requires care to ensure that you don’t damage the leather while removing dirt and stains. Here’s a step-by-step guide to clean your leather sofa effectively with leather sofa cleaning kit:


Step-by-Step Leather Sofa Cleaning Process

Dust and Vacuum Sofa

Begin by using a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the sofa’s surface, crevices, and seams.

Spot Test

Before using the products on the entire sofa, perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area to ensure that the leather cleaner and protector do not cause any discoloration or damage.

Apply Leather Cleaner

  • Shake the leather cleaner bottle well.
  • Apply a small amount of the leather cleaner onto a clean, soft cloth from the kit.
  • Gently rub the cloth onto the leather in a circular motion, working in small sections.
  • Avoid excessive pressure and do not soak the leather.
  • Wipe off any excess cleaner with a clean, damp cloth.

Rinse and Dry

Dampen another clean cloth with water and wipe down the sofa to remove any remaining cleaner.
Use a dry, clean cloth to gently blot the leather and remove excess moisture.

Apply Leather Protector

  • Shake the leather protector bottle well.
  • Apply a small amount of the leather protector onto a clean, soft cloth from the kit.
  • Gently rub the cloth onto the leather in a circular motion, working in small sections.
  • Allow the protector to dry for the recommended time mentioned in the product instructions.

Buff the Leather

After the leather protector has dried, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the leather sofa gently. This step helps to achieve a polished finish.

Let the Sofa Dry

Allow the sofa to air dry naturally, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Always follow the specific instructions provided on the product packaging, as different kits might have slightly different application methods. Additionally, it’s important to regularly maintain and clean your leather sofa to prevent dirt buildup and maintain its quality and appearance over time.


Why is a fabric sofa better?

Fabric couches come in a huge range of colours and styles. There are also many types of fabric to choose from that each have their own pros and cons.

Fabric can be warm and comfortable to sit on while leather might be too firm and can be cold in winter. Fabric may do better with kids and pets since leather tends to show scratches. Additionally, fabric is a more affordable option that essentially requires the same amount of care.

Here are a few fabric types to consider:

  • Linen

This fabric can come in different textures. It has a cool feel and is an environmentally-friendly option since it is grown organically from flax. Linen may stain.   

  • Cotton

This fabric is natural, economical and comes in beautiful colours. Cotton also doesn’t fade and is hypoallergenic. Cotton can stain easily.

  • Polyester

Polyester is more stain resistant than other fabrics and also more durable. Polyester does not tend to hold the dust and hair that cause allergies, although it may cause irritation for those with particular sensitivities.


How to clean my fabric couch?

Cleaning fabric is not generally difficult, but it helps to note the kind of fabric you have and look for a tag.

Any cleaning instructions will help to tailor your cleaning job. For example, the fabric might be best treated with solvent-based or water-based cleaners, or a combination of the two. We recommend that you follow any cleaning instructions on the tag.

Fabric sofas can generally be cleaned with basic household materials. Your tool kit should include a vacuum cleaner and cloths, as well as vinegar, dish soap and a spray bottle.

Unlike leather, fabric is more likely to stain. This depends on the type of material. You need to get to the spill as soon as you can before it sets into the fabric. You can use fabric sofa cleaning liquid for quick spot cleaning of fabric couch.

Many fabric sofa spills are treatable with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of dish soap added to a spray bottle of water.

Attack bad smells by sprinkling baking soda onto the area, or on the entire sofa. Let the powder absorb the odour for a few hours before vacuuming it up.

Fabric sofas should be cleaned as needed. They will benefit from a deep clean twice a year.

How long does a fabric couch last? Usually up to around five years. Fabric couches don’t last as long as leather, but their durability will also depend on their use.


Which sofa is better for you?

If you don’t have a preference for the different look and feel of leather versus fabric, you will find that they aren’t that different in cleaning requirements and care. Both need cleaning at similar intervals. Fabric doesn’t scratch while leather resists stains.

Judging by what type of sofas last the longest, we could say that leather takes the cake. However, good quality leather is also more expensive than fabric. The most important consideration is your personal needs and lifestyle. With the wide range available, you can find the perfect sofa for your home.


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