1. What is the difference between smooth leather and natural leather?
The difference is in the surface! After its surface has been dyed, smooth leather is treated with additional colour pigments. This makes the leather much more hard-wearing and low-maintenance than unprocessed leather. Natural leather is sensitive and prone to staining, but is also a higher-quality leather – a genuine natural product. It has a softer feel and a very fine surface structure. There is also a very easy way to test which type of leather you have: simply allow a droplet of water to fall onto the leather. If the droplet soaks in immediately, it is natural leather. If the droplet remains on the surface, it is smooth leather.
2. What exactly is imitation leather?
Imitation leather refers to all substances that aim to imitate the look and feel of leather. They are made of synthetic fibres, however, and not from animal hide. While imitation leather used to be quite similar to plastic and very thick and stiff, modern imitation leather is supple with a soft surface and differs very little from genuine leather in its appearance and structure. Modern fabrics of this type are often referred to as “vegan leather”.
3. How can I remove stains from my fabric or leather cover?
Stains on covers can be annoying, but they can often be removed effectively. It is important for you to act quickly and first remove all residue, by soaking up liquids with a dry cloth, for example. Be sure to avoid acting rashly and making bad decisions, however! For all other steps, we have compiled extensive instructions for covers made from fabric, smooth leather or natural leather.
4. Is it OK to use “home remedies” for cover cleaning and care?
No! Not only can we not provide any guarantee for care and cleaning agents other than those recommended in the instructions we have given for leather here, we also strongly recommend that you avoid any kind of experimenting with alternative remedies. Leather cleaning and care is normally quite straightforward if you use the right products and the right techniques. Using the wrong methods can, however, cause irreversible damage to the leather.