Bonded leather is a type of leather that contains fragments of leather remnants up to 10 to 20%. The scraps of leather are pulped and bonded to a fiber or paper backer. That is then coated with polyurethane and embossed to give it a true leather appearance. It is also known as reconstituted leather or blended leather. Here in this blog, we have shared the information on what is bonded leather & the best caring tips for bonded leather.
The composition of this substance varies greatly and is frequently a trade secret. Although its creation is fundamentally comparable to that of paper. It is a synthetic upholstery material made from animal hide. It’s made out of a layered fiber structure that’s covered with a layer of shredded leather fibers and blended with a polyurethane binder that has a leather-like texture embossed on it. However, the composition of bonded leathers varies a lot in terms of quality.
How to know if it is bonded leather?
Bonded leather may appear to be genuine leather at first glance. But you can spot the difference by touching it because it is thinner and lacks the softness of genuine leather, as well as emitting a chemical odor. Secondly, by looking at the price of an item, you can tell right away. If it is genuine leather or bonded leather as the price of genuine leather is comparatively high. These are a few major identifying techniques that will help you a lot more. Also, a better understanding of the difference between various leather qualities is helping to get the best deal.
Reason to purchase bonded leather & cleaning tips
Most consumers make this decision based on its inexpensive cost. Others may prefer bonded leather since it can be considered environmentally good because it uses leftovers, does not require more farming, and potentially decreases landfills. The product is simple to clean and is available in a variety of styles. Though bonded leather is not a long-lasting material. In most cases, bonded upholstery will peel and split within two to five years. However, consider these suggestions if you want to ensure that your bonded leather products last for a longer period. The proper maintenance & cleaning tips of bonded leather automatically increase the life of this leather. Here get the best cleaning tips for bonded leather.
Tips for cleaning bonded leather
- Make certain to wipe your bonded leather article down with a soft, dry towel once a week. This gets rid of all the dust in the cracks of the furniture. Dust, which is made up of little sharp particles, can harm your product and dull it with time. You can preserve your bonded leather in good shape by cleaning it away.
- To effectively extend the life of your bonded leather goods, apply a leather conditioner to the surface to help protect and preserve the products.
- Wet clean the bonded leather by dampening a clean cloth with a tiny bit of water and lightly swiping it across it. This gets rid of the last of the dust, and the small amount of water keeps the leather from being too wet. After you’ve finished wiping down the leather couch, take another clean, dry piece of fabric and wipe up any residual water.
- Avoid exposing your bonded leather goods to heat stress, such as that generated by direct sunshine, fireplaces, or heat vents. This will prevent the material’s color from fading and the bonded leather from weakening, which could lead to the product drying out and peeling.
- Always read the labels of any cleaner you choose to use. To avoid stripping the clear coating off the material, avoid using harsh chemicals in all circumstances. As a result, your bonded leather product will be more resistant to damage and tear.
- Any stains should be blotted up as soon as possible. Wipe until the stain is no longer visible; do not scrub, as this may cause the stain to soak in. In most cases, all you have to do is dab the spots until they disappear completely. If you can’t, look for a leather cleaner that isn’t hazardous, such as Leather Honey Leather Cleaner. On your bonded leather, do not use a regular cleaner. Keep in mind that the less time the stain is left on the leather, the easier it will be to remove.
How to protect bonded leather?
As we know bonded leather is a product made of polyurethane components. This leather consists small scrap of real leather that is bonded with an adhesive in order to create the base of materials. Polyurethane leather maintains the appearance of real leather while lacking its attributes at the same time. It’s also much cheaper than real leather.
However, its durability goes in parallel with its price. Bonded leather is prone to damage such as peeling, cracking, and scratching to a much greater extent than real leather. Due to its non-elastic fabric, polyurethane strips tend to scratch or peel away after the material stretches. After this, the leather is pretty much unrepairable. Therefore, it’s best just to toss it and acquire a new one. But similar to other leather products, Polyurethane needs extra care for long life, here are a few basic tips to increase the self-life of bonded leather,
- Always keep away bonded leather from direct sunlight.
- Clean regularly to protect against small particles which may decrease the life of the leather.
- Use leather conditioner to make it more shiner.
- Do not rub spills & stains.
- Do not use products that are not friendly with the leather.
- Keep a safe distance against heat sources.
Wrapping Up
Doesn’t matter what kind of leather you are using for your home or office furniture, they need proper care & cleaning. So, after reading this article in its entirety, we hope you have a good understanding of what is bonded leather and how to care for it. If you’ve recently purchased a bonded leather product, make sure to follow the instructions outlined above to protect and care for it and keep it looking brand new for a long time. I wish the above information will help you a lot more to get the best knowledge.