How to Clean and Care for Aniline Leather Sofas

Aniline leather is coloured with transparent dyes and left without an opaque surface coating, so the natural grain, pores and markings of the hide remain visible. That makes it one of the softest and most characterful upholstery leathers, and also one of the most sensitive to light, liquids and heat. In this guide we explain what aniline leather is, how it differs from semi aniline, and a simple water drop test to identify it at home. We discuss patina and why accepting gentle change leads to better results than over cleaning. We then set out a weekly routine, a careful method for cleaning with distilled water, and how often to condition. You will also find advice on spills, grease, scratches and scuffs, the serious risk that sunlight poses in UK living rooms, common mistakes to avoid, and a short FAQ answering the questions owners of aniline sofas ask most often....