The charm, beauty and touch of the leathers developed exclusively for Roche Bobois are the result of processes performed in tanneries. These processes may be summarised by two main phases: the first phase is to transform the raw hide into a product that is healthy, soft, impenetrable, and durable. The second phase is to use the finishing processes to bring the final aesthetic of the hide (nourishing the leather, colouring treatments, applying dyes and surface improvements, etc.).
The hide is transformed into leather, and these processes bring all the features that drew you to your Roche Bobois furniture.
Leather, an authentic material
Tanning and finishing processes turn leather into a quality product. However, the tanning process does not erase imperfections in the leather.
Markings from the animal’s life in the pasture are marks of authenticity and are integrated into the leather. These markings are usually subtle and do not detract from the quality of the skin (layers of skin, stretch marks, healed wounds, insect bites).
They provide proof of a natural leather with an intact grain.
After a few months of use, the leather moves and stretches due to temperature variations, and gradually takes on its final physical state. Leather adapts to the constraints of its environment and often keeps some residual skin elasticity. This natural phenomenon, which is the same for leather used in clothing or other leather goods, varies in visibility depending on how intensely it is used, its environment (temperature, humidity, etc.), flexibility of the seats, and the thickness of the leather.
I. Use - Tips
In order for you to fully enjoy your leather seating and ensure its longevity, we recommend you follow some basic rules.
Leather is sensitive to heat and light, even reflections, to varying degrees depending on the type of finishing. These factors can dry out the leather and dull the vibrancy of its colours.
If possible, your seating should be arranged in a way to avoid direct exposure to the sun and moon, and should also not be placed too close to windows.
Do not place your seating near an intense heat source (fireplace, radiator, or other heating device).
Observe and follow the care instructions to maintain the physical and aesthetic qualities of the leather.
Do not wait until the item is dirty to perform maintenance, and do not try to clean, remove stains, etc. without the proper products.
Leather is durable, but similar to woodwork or any other material, it is sensitive to physical harm that may affect its beautiful appearance (scratches from sharp objects or pets, friction from fabric or scratchy clothing, clothing rivets or buckles, etc.). Be sure to avoid this type of harm to the leather. Particular attention must be paid to some jeans, whose finishes may transfer their colours onto the leather, especially light leather, and which may be unfixable.
II. Regular maintenance
- DUSTING :
The amount of dust and dirt that collects on your leather is the same as what accumulates onto wooden furniture, which you dust off regularly because it is so visible.
To prevent dust that dulls your leather and gets wedged in the creases of the hide, make sure to dust weekly, especially if your sofa has a padded seat. Dust using a vacuum on the lowest setting with a soft brush tip, or by wiping a soft, moistened cloth across the leather surface.
- MAINTENANCE :
Leather maintenance is essential to preserve the aesthetics and physical appearance of the leather for the near future. Maintenance should be done in two steps, four times per year:
- 1. Cleaning:
This process removes all greasy or sticky dust as well as common marks and stains from use that are not removed by regular dusting. Cleaning also helps prepare the leather for applying the protective product, which is used on a clean surface. Cleaning first makes the product more efficient, as it must permeate or polymerise the leather surface, depending on its type of finishing.
- 2. Protection :
This process properly protects the upholstery leather from all possible harm (protection against drying, stains, friction, and discolouration due to light). The protective product proactively creates a protective barrier against harm that may affect the leather. Respecting the maintenance frequency keeps a constant state of protection on the item and preserves its effectiveness.
III. Using the Roche Bobois maintenance kit
- CLEANING :
Clean using the “soft cleaner” shampoo included in the Roche Bobois leather maintenance kit, which is specially designed for this purpose, or with a cleaning solution (dilute some “Marseille” soap (soft soap) or an equivalent into a container of warm water; avoid using harsh soaps or detergents).
Procedure:
Pour some “soft cleaner” shampoo on the sponge from the kit or on another non-abrasive, soft sponge. Lather the product by squeezing the sponge and clean using small circular movements, allowing time for the product to act to properly remove substances from the creases in the leather. Avoid scrubbing the leather too hard. The cleaning effect is obtained by the reaction of the product and the time you allow the product to act.
Avoid soaking the leather. Rinse the sponge regularly to remove recovered substances. After cleaning, rinse the sponge to remove the cleaning product, wipe the leather with it, and allow to dry.
Nota : for grained leather, we recommend using a soft brush (silk hairs) when applying the shampoo. Using the brush in small circular movements activates the cleaning process and avoids the stagnation of substances in the creases.
- MAINTENANCE :
This process is done using the “maintenance cream” in the Roche Bobois leather maintenance kit and the included cloth. There is also a kit for leather that is sensitive to the effects of ultraviolet rays. This product limits these effects in addition to providing protection. If you do not have the specific product, you should choose a substitute product that has the equivalent protective and nourishing qualities. Avoid any aerosols with solvents and any oil or fat based products.
Procedure:
Pour a small amount of product on the included cloth and spread the product without rubbing to evenly coat the leather surface. Apply the product well to seating areas, armrests and backs. Let dry and later polish with a wool cloth if you desire a glossy effect.
IV. Stains - Tips
All leathers selected by Roche Bobois receive a protective treatment on the entire hide or on the surface at the tannery.
Regular maintenance helps maintain this protection and facilitates stain removal processes. For accidental stains, carefully take care of them as soon as possible. Before using products for the stain removal processes, remove as much of the staining substance as possible by using an absorbent cloth without rubbing.
- 1. Select the appropriate methodology and products from the stain removal instructions (section VI).
- 2. After a local test on a hidden or inconspicuous area of the leather, proceed with the stain removal by following the instructions.
Avoid rubbing; the effect of the products and procedure are sufficient to achieve effective stain removal. However, if you do not get a satisfactory result, do not insist on using other methods. Do not use hazardous products which may alter the leather and risk creating additional problems. In this case, contact your local Roche Bobois showroom or a professional.
V. Stain removal and leather care processes
• Procedure n°1
Soak the sponge from the Roche Bobois kit, or a soft household sponge, with the “soft cleaner” shampoo contained in the Roche Bobois leather maintenance kit, or with a cleaning solution specified in the "Cleaning" chapter of this manual. Lather the product with the sponge and dab the stain or use small circular motions without abrading the leather finish.
Give time for the product to act. Repeat the process if necessary. Clean the detached area with the sponge after rinsing it out with clean water. When preventive maintenance using the protective cream is done regularly, the “soft cleaner” will eliminate most common stains.
IMPORTANT : after stain removal, apply the protective cream to adequately protect the leather at the location of the stain.
• Procedure n°2
Use the Roche Bobois stain remover spray for oil, grease, sebum, or similar stains. Spray the product about twenty centimetres from the leather to apply it to the stained area. Use the spray all around the stain.
Let dry. The product (a mixture of absorbent powder and degreaser) will turn into a white powder when dry. Let the product sit for one to two hours. Remove the dust with a vacuum on the lowest setting. Repeat the process if necessary. After removing the stain, use procedure No. 1 to clean and protect the leather.
Note : for seborrhoea stains, there may be a slight discoloration that remains after the stain removal. This discoloration is not due to the stain remover, but generally is a result of the friction of the head when using the seats and the acidity of sebum on the scalp.
VI. Stain removal notice
Type of stain - Procedure
- - Liquid ink: contact a Roche Bobois showroom.
- - Pen: use a stain remover that is similar to the Roche Bobois products for pigmented leathers only. You can also use a mixture of 1/4 water and 3/4 alcohol.
Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and remove the stain by gently rubbing. After removing the stain, remember to follow with the leather protecting processes.
If the stain has penetrated the leather and does not come out, do not try other methods; contact your Roche Bobois showroom.
- - Smoke: Procedure No. 1.
- - Water-based paint: Procedure No. 1.
- - Solvent-based paint: contact your local Roche Bobois showroom
- - Lipstick: Procedure No. 1.
- - Sugar, food: Procedure No. 1.
- - Milk: Procedure No. 1.
- - Blood: Procedure No. 1, or a mix of 10% white vinegar and 90% water.
Rinse with a sponge and protect the leather with the protective cream.
- - Oil, grease, sebum, sweat: Procedure No. 2.
- - Urine: Procedure No. 1.
- - Mud: Procedure No. 1.