Aniline leathers are often considered the finest of all leathers. They are 'naked' which means that they don't have significant layers of colour or a protective topcoat on the surface. They are coloured throughout with aniline dyes. Furniture grade aniline leathers are usually soft, supple, warm to touch and look naturally beautiful. Often full-grain, they can display natural markings including pores, wrinkles and even, minor scars. With minimal or no protective coatings, they are also vulnerable to stains. Accidents can happen and normal use over time takes its toll. But with the right strategies, this leather can age very gracefully and with character.

1) Nubuck, Suede & Aniline Cleanse (No.10)

2) Nubuck, Suede & Aniline Nourish (No.11)

3) Optional: Protect (No.3)

Accessories: brush, microfibre cloths

1) Clean: Pour generously onto a cloth then wipe vigorously or spray onto the leather then scrub with a brush. Repeat as needed

2) Condition: Pour conditioner onto a just damp cloth then wipe over all areas

3) Protect: After testing for compatibility, pour protector onto a damp cloth and wipe over all areas

Test

1) Apply a test spot of each product in an inconspicuous place to assess compatibility with your leather. Allow drying time (from 1 hour to overnight). If there are unwanted changes, such as permanent darkening or coatings disturbance, do not proceed.

Clean

1) Vacuum any dust and particles

2) Pour the cleaner onto a lightly dampened microfibre cloth or spray it directly onto the leather one section at a time. It absorbs quickly, so…working quickly and gently, agitate the cleaner into the grain using a scrubbing brush. Do not rub as it can remove coatings and dyes and cause indentations and loss of grain.

When spills happen, act immediately. If you can remove the liquid before it penetrates or dries, the chance of staining is minimised. Fold a cloth into a pad. Pour on some cleaner. Using the palm of your hand, press and hold the cloth to the spill for a couple of seconds. Repeat using a fresh part of the cloth to wick as much liquid as possible from the leather.

3) Wipe clean with a microfibre cloth

4) Repeat if needed

Condition

2) Pour conditioner to a lightly dampened microfibre cloth and squeeze to incorporate

2) Wipe over the surface evenly and repeat until all areas have been treated

Protect

1) Pour onto a lightly dampened cloth or spray over one section at a time

2) Working quickly, wipe over the surface evenly and repeat until all areas have been treated.

On unfinished leathers (meaning uncoated), spills and marks quickly become permanent stains. When cleaning, you won’t see these marks magically disappear. However, with regular cleaning, they tend to soften in appearance, blending in a more aesthetically pleasing way over time.

Typically, there is not much soiling or residue on the cleaning cloth. You may feel that nothing is happening, but rest assured, this process helps to remove some of the soiling you can see and soiling you can’t see (body oil and perspiration), thereby maintaining the health of your leather.

Want to know more about our other leather cleaners? Here is our guide to choosing a leather cleaner.

If your lounge is older and dry, you may choose to use a richer conditioner. Nourish (No.2) is often suitable for use on these leathers. Waxy Nourish (No.9) is a more substancial conditioner that leaves a noticeable waxy coating which can be buffed to a luxurious shine. The look has a pleasing vintage appeal.

Want to know more about leather conditioners? Here is our guide to nourishing leather.

Aniline leathers are prone to UV fading. Protect (No.3) contains a UV barrier that helps to slow the effects of UV exposure; fading and drying. It also provides an anti-soiling barrier that helps to keep leather cleaner for longer and makes cleaning easier. It is compatible with the majority of anilines but testing is recommended in case your unique leather is one of the very few that darken when treated.

Want to know more protecting leather? Here is our guide to leather protection options.