If treated well, leather furniture will shed stains and withstand a good bit of abuse. Expect from your furniture what you would a pair of well-loved shoes: It gets scratched from relatively normal wear.
Leather Lotion
Like skin, leather benefits from moisturizing. This recipe is made with linseed oil (from flax), an old favorite for preserving leather. Hardware-store varieties usually contain petroleum products, added to decrease drying time. Instead, use food-grade linseed oil-better known as flax or omega-3 oil-from a natural foods store. Even a light conditioner like this one can alter the leather’s appearance, so test on an inconspicuous place.
1/4 cup flaxseed oil
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 to 2 drops food-grade orange oil (available from gourmet grocers)
1. Place the ingredients in a glass jar with a lid. Cover and shake before using.
2. Apply with a soft, clean cloth. Rub the mixture on one small area at a time and buff until the surface dries.
Nontoxic Leather Cleaning Tips
