Finding a professional

To locate a specialist cleaner, enquire when buying new leather or suede goods. Furniture retailers will often be able to recommend good, local craftsmen. Specialists can also be found in local listings and on-line, or by searching the directory of the Leather Training and Technical Dept which has a limited, though UK-wide, list of contractors. It's essential to ensure any cleaners you employ are familiar with suede or leather and the appropriate methods for cleaning and protecting these materials. Professional affiliation to one or more of the following organisations might be a good indicator of competency and professionalism: The Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers; The Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists; Qualitas Furnishing Standards. Training and qualifications specific to the leather industry are also a good indicator of professionalism, while a long-established company suggests a degree of experience and customer satisfaction.

An idea of costs

Expect to pay £30-£40 for an armchair, £40-£55 for a two-seater sofa and £50-£70 for a three-seater sofa. These prices refer to the cleaning of leather and suede only - if your furniture is badly stained or requires renovation, prices will increase substantially. Rather than rely on rough guidelines, it's a good idea to contact a couple of local professionals to obtain a quote for the work, which will allow you to establish and compare prices. Bear in mind that discounts are often available if you have several pieces that require cleaning. You can obtain a near-instant quote on many company websites by completing an on-line form. If the item in question is valuable or of sentimental importance, it's not worth scrimping. Leather and suede can sadly be irreparably damaged by incorrect cleaning or treatment, so it's important to ensure your contractor is properly qualified and experienced (see above) if they seem cheaper than the competition.