Proper leather care - why and how.

Leather is a valuable, durable, and vibrant natural material that requires regular, specialized care to remain elastic, supple, and resilient for many years. But why exactly is the care of smooth leather so important, and how do you do it correctly? Here you will learn everything you need to know about leather care.

Why is leather care useful and important?

Without proper care, leather loses its beauty over time, becoming dry, brittle, and hard. Regular cleaning and conditioning of leather not only preserves its appearance but also its functionality and lifespan.

Special attention should be paid to proper cleaning. If leather is neglected, dirt becomes embedded in the pores, eventually developing a greasy sheen. Furthermore, unsuitable cleaning agents, such as dish soap, can dry out and damage the leather. Proper care, on the other hand, ensures that leather remains supple and retains its fresh, high-quality appearance.

How do I properly care for my smooth leather?

Caring for smooth leather involves two steps: cleaning and subsequent conditioning . You should observe the following points:

1. Cleaning the leather

Cleaning the smooth leather is the first and most important step. This involves removing dirt and deposits. Special leather soap flakes from Walter Knoll are suitable for this purpose; they are also available with an optional application glove.

• Dissolve the soap flakes in hot water and stir them with a whisk.
• Pour in cold water and whisk the solution until it foams.
• Simply apply the foam to the leather using the glove. The foam penetrates the pores and loosens dirt.
• After a short application time, wipe off the foam with a soft cloth.

2. Leather care

Clean first, then condition – if the leather isn't cleaned first, the dirt remains in the pores and is massaged in by the conditioner. Therefore, conditioners should never be applied to uncleaned leather. Walter Knoll leather soap flakes can be used not only for cleaning but also for conditioning leather.

• They produce new foam if the solution previously used for cleaning has become dirty or thickened.
• Apply plenty of foam to your leather furniture and let it dry for at least an hour.
• Wipe away any remaining foam with a dry terry cloth.

Proper care of your leather furniture is essential to preserve the natural beauty and longevity of smooth leather. Regular cleaning and correct maintenance protect the material from wear and tear and ensure that it remains supple even after years of use.

Walter Knoll leather soap flakes are available individually and in sets with an application glove in our online shop. Walter Knoll also offers sets for the care of aniline, waxed, vintage, and saddle leather.

Walter Knoll care sets