PU leather is an attractive material that's often used as sofa and chair covers. It's loved by homeowners worldwide as it's durable, long-lasting, and cheaper than genuine leather. You can use a PU leather cleaner to maintain your PU leather so it stays in good condition.
Let's look at the benefits of investing in PU leather furniture and answer the question, 'How long does PU leather last?'
What is PU Leather?
Polyurethane (PU) leather is a type of artificial leather that's manufactured using thermoplastic polymer. PU leather is vegan, non-animal skin, and is commonly used for making furniture or shoes.
The presence of polyurethane coating is pressed on top of the vinyl leather.
Although chemicals are used during the manufacturing process, PU leather isn't toxic.
Faux Leather? Faux leather is one of several names given to artificial or synthetic leather.
How to tell if it is PU Leather
If you're buying the kinds of consumer goods items with PU such as leather furniture, the best way to tell whether it's PU leather or genuine leather is to look at the price tag.
PU leather is a much cheaper option. PU leather is easier to produce, and this is reflected in the price.
You can also tell whether it's PU leather by the smell. New PU leather will have a slight plastic or chemical odor.
PU leather will also look different from genuine leather and may have a texture that seems slightly fake. It will have a uniform pattern and texture that looks almost perfect.
PU leather also feels colder than real leather.
How Long Does a PU Leather Chair Last?
PU leather furniture designs generally last between three to five years. It depends on how much you use your furniture and how well you care for it rather than how long-lasting the products are.
If you invest in a good quality PU leather chair and clean it every three to six months, it will last about five years.
Is PU Leather Toxic?
PU leather is a popular vegan alternative to animal leather, as it is made from plant-based materials instead of the traditional animal hides. This means that PU leather does not contain any toxins or allergens that are often found in conventional animal hides.
However, unlike PU leather, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) leather contains a variety of chemicals and additives that can be potentially hazardous to your health in large doses. These chemicals can sometimes cause off-gassing and are considered toxic substances by most standards. Therefore, when purchasing furniture, shoes or clothing items made with leather, it might be best to opt for PU over PVC if you want to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
Pros and Cons of PU Leather
If you're unsure whether PU leather furniture is right for you, it's best to consider comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the material.
Pros:
· Great deal! Cheaper than genuine leather.
· Water-resistant and easy to clean.
· 100% PU leather is suitable for vegans.
· Available in many colors and styles.
· Unlike leather, PU leather won't dry out or crack over time.
· More sustainable than genuine leather as fewer resources are used during manufacture.
Cons:
· May look fake or synthetic; it's best to shop around to find a product you like.
· Isn't breathable but is still easy enough to be kept clean, as it can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
· Some smell of chemicals or plastic when new, but the smell will quickly fade.
· Isn't as long-lasting as genuine leather but still lasts up to five years or more.
PU leather care
PU leather is generally glossy, and while it's cheaper than genuine leather, it's less durable and needs to be cared for correctly.
Don't use products that have been designed for genuine leather on PU leather, as these are likely to be wax or oil-based and will damage the PU leather coating.
You can wipe PU leather with a dry or slightly damp lint-free cloth and also use a color protector solution that's been designed especially for PU leather.
It's a good idea to clean your PU leather every three to six months.
If you notice any scratches or abrasions on your PU leather, you can remove them by gently heating the surface with a hairdryer.
PU leather has a coating that responds to heat, and in most cases, the scratches will disappear almost entirely.
Ten advantages of PU leather
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PU leather is a synthetic material which means it's vegan and doesn't contain any animal products. You can also look for PU leather that's VOC (volatile organic compounds) free if you're looking for assurance that it's 100% vegan.
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PU leather is also non-toxic as its solvent-free and doesn't contain harsh chemicals. This means choosing PU furniture is good for your family's health as it isn't cancer-causing.
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PU leather is generally hard wearing and isn't prone to peeling or cracking.
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Can be used on a daily basis.
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PU leather isn't affected by the climate or temperature. It should, however, be kept out of direct sunlight.
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It's resistant to oil and hand sanitizer.
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PU leather is UV resistant, and the color won't fade. Sometimes slight color variations do occur, but this is due to the material and not by the sun.
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PU leather has anti-bacterial properties, ensuring mold won't grow on the material
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Fire-resistant for extra safety
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Very easy to clean; just wipe down regularly with a damp cloth. You can also spot clean to get rid of any stains.
Conclusion
PU leather is excellent if you're looking for a cheaper but attractive option. It's available in various styles and colors and is vegan.
There are many ways to tell whether you're looking at PU leather.
It will have a uniform pattern and texture and also a much cheaper price tag.
Read more on How to Stop PU Leather from Peeling? and 5 Ways To Keep Your PU Leather Gaming Chair In Top Condition
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