People that own the Barcalounger brand chairs should know some information about Barcalounger leather cleaning. It's likely that at some point their piece of furniture is going to get dirty, whether it's from regular wear and tear, a food or drink spill or a family pet who decides to snuggle on top of it with dirty paws.
About Barcalounger Leather
When a person orders a Barcalounger, he or she can pick from a variety of upholstery. If the person chooses leather, that leather has the following qualities:
- It is domestically produced.
- It is top grain leather on top and splits (tougher leather) on the sides and back.
- It has a protected finish designed to not absorb spills.
Barcalounger Leather Cleaning Instructions
For everyday dust, all that's needed to clean the chair is a clean microfiber cloth, preferably a white one to minimize the risk of color transfer. The owner should simply wipe the chair down with the cloth on both the top and sides. This will make the leather appear smooth and clear again. If there is a more severe spot on the Barcalounger, such as a coffee spill or lipstick stain, the following instructions should work:
- Dab the stain as soon as possible using a cotton cloth or a paper towel.
- Mix together a teaspoon of mild soap, like Woolite and two cups of water.
- Saturate a cotton cloth with the solution; then wring it out.
- Rub the spot gently, moving from the outside edges toward the middle.
- As soon as the spot is out, dry the furniture with a new cloth.
It's best to do a spot check before using the soap and water on the Barcalounger. The cleaner should put a small amount of the mixture on the back of the chair near the floor just to make sure that the leather will be colorfast. If the color begins to run, he or she should blot the area immediately and discontinue use. A person should never try to speed up drying time by putting the chair in direct sun or blasting it with a hairdryer. This could result in leather cracks or color changes.
Commercial Leather Cleaners
While Barcalounger Corporation does not specifically endorse the use of commercial leather cleaners on its products, a person may wish to try one. It's unlikely that a cleaner designed specifically for this material will damage it, but note that if it does, the Barcalounger warranty offers no protection.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Barcalounger products come with a one year warranty against manufacturing defects. People who notice serious problems with the leather can simply return their chairs within this time period as long as they have proof of purchase.
Note that this warranty does not cover chairs that are deemed defective because they are stained or faded, even if these problems were present at time of purchase. They must have a problem with their seams or with the fabric specifically coming apart. The best thing for a person to do if noticing a stain upon bringing the chair home is to take it back to the dealer immediately.
It's also good to know that presence of any of the following problems with the leather is not covered:
- Grain variation
- Scars
- Wrinkles
- Brand marks
These are simply considered side effects of differences between the animals used to create it.
Considerations
Even with the most careful Barcalounger leather cleaning, the chair can still change color or fade over time. Since it is made with a natural material, this is to be expected. Many choose to have their chairs reupholstered when they become unhappy with their appearance. It's a good idea to discuss this option with the Barcalounger dealer before purchasing the chair.
