Caring for Stressless Leather: How Do You Do It?

Care for your Stressless leather 2 to 4 times a year using the official products: first clean it with Stressless Leather Cleaner, then condition it with Stressless Leather Protection. In between, dust it off weekly with a wrung-out leather chamois and immediately blot up any spilled liquids with a cotton cloth.

Why is it important to care for your Stressless leather?

Proper maintenance significantly extends the life of the leather on your Stressless sofa or armchair. A good recliner lasts 15 to 30 years, so it’s worth keeping the leather looking beautiful and supple throughout those years. Regular cleaning and conditioning prevent skin oils, dust, and sunlight from drying out the leather, causing it to crack or discolor. This not only preserves the appearance of your armchair but also its comfort: conditioned leather remains elastic and soft to the touch.

What type of leather is your Stressless armchair made of?

Stressless offers four different types of leather: Paloma, Batick, Velaro, and Noblesse. Care instructions are similar for all four, although there are a few minor differences. In the table below, we outline the key points for each type of leather.

Not sure what kind of leather you have? Feel free to send us a photo, and we'll tell you what kind of leather it is and how best to care for it.

Daily and Weekly Maintenance

In addition to the 2 to 4 annual maintenance sessions using the official products, it’s best to clean your sofa in between as well. It takes just a few minutes a week and prevents dust and small particles of dirt from settling into the leather.

Removing Dust and Dirt

Clean your sofa weekly with a wrung-out leather cleaning cloth. This will remove dust and small particles of dirt before they can damage the leather. Be sure not to use a microfiber cloth—it can damage the surface of the leather.

Respond Immediately to Spilled Liquids

If you spill a liquid, blot it up immediately with a cotton cloth. Be sure not to rub it in—that will just push the liquid deeper into the leather. Blot, don’t rub—that’s the golden rule.

Thorough Cleaning and Protection: Step by Step

You should thoroughly clean and protect your furniture 2 to 4 times a year—that is, every 3 to 6 months—using only official Stressless products. This will help you avoid warranty issues. The entire process consists of 7 simple steps, and everything you need is included in the Stressless leather care kit.

1. Step 1 — Apply the Leather Cleaner to the sponge

   Apply the Stressless Leather Cleaner to the included sponge. Don't use too much of the product—a few drops are enough. Squeeze the sponge a few times until a lather forms.

2. Step 2 — Apply the foam to the leather

   Apply the foam to the leather and use light circular motions. Be sure not to rub too hard! Let the product do its job.

3. Step 3 — Let the sofa dry

   Let the sofa dry completely, away from direct sunlight.

4. Step 4 — Apply the Leather Protection to the cotton cloth

   Apply the Stressless Leather Protection to the included cotton cloth. A few drops are enough.

5. Step 5 — Spread the product evenly

   Spread the product evenly using light circular motions.

6. Step 6 — Let the sofa dry again

   Let the sofa dry completely again, away from direct sunlight.

7. Step 7 — Done

   All done: your couch is as good as new again!

Removing Stains from Stressless Leather

To remove a stain from your leather, start by using a slightly damp cotton cloth. Never rub hard, and always use gentle circular motions: it’s better to rub gently 50 times than to rub hard 10 times. If the stain doesn’t come out, use the Stressless Leather Cleaner following the 7-step guide. If that doesn’t work either, please contact us. Please send us a photo of the stain, and together we’ll find the best solution to prevent you from accidentally making the stain worse.

Common Mistakes in Leather Care

Most leather damage isn't caused by wear and tear, but by improper care. These are the mistakes we see most often:

• Using harsh cleaning products.
• Using products that are not from Stressless.
• Rubbing too hard, and in one direction instead of in gentle circular motions.
• Place the chair in direct sunlight immediately after cleaning it.
• Maintain the sofa only once a year.

Official Stressless Care Products

Use only official Stressless products on Stressless leather. The manufacturer, Ekornes, disclaims liability for the use of other products, and the warranty on the leather may be void if damage results from using the wrong products. We sell the official products for cleaning and protecting your leather. A leather care kit includes Leather Cleaner, Leather Protection, a sponge, and a cloth, which will allow you to treat your chair multiple times. If you have a fabric chair, use the fabric care kit. You can find all kits in our stores in Leuven and Antwerp or online in our webshop.

When should you consult a specialist?

If there are cracks, tears, bite marks, or stubborn stains, standard maintenance won’t help anymore, and it’s best to call in a specialist. Don’t try to fix it yourself—you’ll often end up making the damage worse. Contact us as soon as possible and send an email with a photo of the problem. Together with the manufacturer and a leather expert, we’ll determine the best solution for your situation and get to work on it right away. For more extensive repairs, you can contact our in-house Stressless repair service.

Come try it out for yourself in Leuven or Antwerp

You can only truly experience comfort when you sit down. In Leuven and Antwerp—Belgium’s only two official Stressless brand stores—the full product line is available, and advisors with paramedical training will work with you to determine the right size.