Leather is a popular material for lounges as it is durable, looks great and it is easier to clean than many other lounge fabrics. A good quality leather lounge is an investment and it can last for a lifetime, as long as you take care of it properly. Regular cleaning and conditioning with the right products keeps your lounge looking its best, protects it from damage and helps ensure you will be enjoying your furniture for years to come.

Cleaning

We recommend you have your leather lounge professionally cleaned on a regular basis, and do some basic maintenance yourself every three to four months. Many chemicals that are marketed as leather cleaners can be harmful to your lounge though, so it is important that you find the right cleaner for your particular type of leather.

Devine LeatherCare are experts in the cleaning, maintenance and repair of leather. If you aren’t sure what type of leather your lounge is, one of their professionals can come and have a look for you. They can clean and condition your leather lounge, and can offer you a chemical-free leather cleaner that you can use at home yourself between professional cleanings.

Nubuck and suede can be particularly difficult to clean, as they are highly susceptible to water damage. Devine LeatherCare specialise in cleaning suede and nubuck and have a dry cleaning process which, combined with their re-colouring service, can restore your lounge to as close to its original condition as possible.

They can also help with stubborn or hard-to-remove stains, and get your lounge looking next to new. Unlike non-specialist leather cleaners, Devine LeatherCare don’t use chemicals or pressure machinery that can damage your leather.

The final step of cleaning is conditioning, and they can recommend a high quality conditioner and apply it for you as part of their cleaning service.

Ongoing care

As well as cleaning and conditioning your leather lounge suite, there are a number of other things you can do to help it stay looking its best. Protection against cracks and water damage can be aided by applying a sealant, and the experts at Devine are happy to recommend one and apply it for you.

Small cracks and tears can affect the appearance of your lounge and can lead to more widespread damage. At Devine LeatherCare, they can repair minor damage so that it doesn’t lead to a bigger problem, and can get your lounge looking great again. They only use the highest quality products when repairing your lounge, and stand behind their expert craftsmanship.

Fading and discolouration can also be a problem for leather lounges that are situated in sunny areas of your home, and Devine offer a re-tinting service to help restore colour and get rid of that worn look.

Re-tinting can be a challenging job, as it involves matching the original colour of your lounge exactly, so it is a task that is best left to the professionals.

To make sure you get the most out of your leather lounge, it is a good idea to seek professional advice and cleaning from a leather-cleaning specialist. Professional cleaning on a regular basis can help preserve your lounge’s colour and appearance, as well as protect it for the future.

For further information on Devine LeatherCare and what services they have to offer, visit their website at devineleathercare.com.au.

The surge of interest in environmental issues in recent years has meant more and more people are looking for extra ways to go ‘green’ around the house. While most households are adept at paper and bottle recycling, and have turned to energy-efficient light bulbs, there are still plenty of both minor and major choices you can make that can make a difference. Transforming an entire home is a big task so to get started, try looking at it room by room. The following are terrific ways to go green in the bathroom.

Watch the water

It’s obvious but also worth remembering that minimising the amount of water that goes down the drain is not only good for the environment, it will help lower your water bill. Choose a double-flush toilet, and always flush with care. Install a water-saving showerhead, and shorten showers. Never leave a tap running while you clean your teeth or shave. If you do need to use water in the sink, put in a plug and run a small amount. Another simple step is to place a small bucket under the faucet as you shower. Collected water can then be used in the garden.

Switch to green cleaners

While many of us have grown up with chemical-based cleaners, it’s clear these are not always the best option. Switch to eco-friendly alternatives, or even better, make your own. Diluted vinegar or lemon juice is a good choice for sinks and toilets. Pour it into a spray bottle, spray on the area then let sit for a short while before removing with a damp cloth. Vinegar mixed with water is also effective for mirrors. For baths, try baking soda mixed with water. And for mould, vinegar, clove oil and lime are tried and true alternatives to harsh chemical abrasives.

Off the plan

If you’re building or renovating, you’re in a great position to create a beautiful eco-friendly bathroom. There’s a range of environmentally friendly alternatives available to select from as you create your bathroom. That means doing your research so you understand the best options in terms of building materials, lighting, heating, flooring, fixtures and cabinetry. Start by having a look at the Federal Government’s Your Home guide to building or renovating properties that are comfortable, healthy, environmentally friendly and less expensive to run.

Look for leaks

According to Sydney Water, a leaking toilet can waste more than 16,000 litres of water a year. That figure should be enough to spur everyone in to action when they spot or suspect a leak, whether it’s the toilet, or in the shower or kitchen. What appears to be a minor leak can have a huge impact, both on the environment and your water bill.

Change the washer on a leaking tab immediately and call a plumber or specialist for any toilet, bath or shower leaks. Sealing a shower correctly is particularly important in order to stop leaking showers from happening. Good specialists in bathroom leaks will be able to seal your shower stall, particularly the gaps between the floor and the walls, without having to remove tiles. Addressing the problem quickly is going to help minimise any damage, wasted water and increased water bills.

And a few other options

• Use bamboo or organic cotton towels.
• Never use disposables such as paper towels to clean.
• Turn off the light as soon as you leave the bathroom.
• Switch to natural skin care products so there are even less chemicals going down the drain when you wash.
• Use recycled toilet paper.

Just remember, by making a few minor changes and staying alert to leaks and other wastage, you can help your household stay green, and save you money in the process. Consider also that in some instances (building, repairs), it can take an investment now, to ensure savings further down the track.