How Long Does Faux Leather Last? (Know Ways Of Improving Its Durability

Last Updated on July 13, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

The longevity of faux leather can vary depending on various factors. On average, faux leather furniture can last between 2 to 5 years, but with proper care, it can endure for up to 10 years or more. The lifespan of faux leather is influenced by factors such as the quality of the material, frequency of use, maintenance, and environmental conditions. Regular cleaning, avoiding direct sunlight, and keeping it away from sharp objects can help extend its lifespan.

How Long Does Faux Leather Last?

Faux leather, often known as synthetic or artificial leather, is a popular alternative to genuine leather due to its affordability and ethical considerations. One common question that arises is, how long does faux leather actually last? In this listicle, we delve into the realities and provide you with facts and statistics on the lifespan of faux leather.

Lifespan Varies Depending on Quality:

• The longevity of faux leather greatly depends on its quality and manufacturing process. Higher-quality faux leather is designed to mimic genuine leather and can last longer than lower-quality alternatives.
• Premium-grade faux leather can often endure daily use for up to 10 years or more, rivaling the lifespan of genuine leather products.
• On the other hand, lower-quality faux leather may show signs of wear and tear within a few years, especially when subjected to heavy use or exposure to harsh environmental conditions.

Maintenance Plays a Crucial Role:

• Proper care and maintenance significantly extend the lifespan of faux leather products.
• Regular cleaning and conditioning help to preserve the material’s integrity and prevent cracking or peeling.
• Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive materials as they can damage the faux leather’s surface and reduce its longevity.
• Keep faux leather items away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and extreme cold to prevent fading and deterioration.

Durability in Different Applications:

• Faux leather used in upholstery, such as sofas and chairs, can have varying lifespans depending on the frequency of use, quality, and maintenance.
• For lightly used furniture pieces, faux leather can maintain its appearance and functionality for around 5 to 7 years.
• In more heavily used settings, such as offices or homes with children or pets, faux leather upholstery may last around 3 to 5 years before showing signs of wear.
• Faux leather accessories, like handbags and wallets, can endure daily use for 2 to 5 years, thanks to their smaller size and the ability to withstand less pressure compared to furniture.

Environmental Factors Affect Longevity:

• The factors that surround the usage and storage of faux leather products can impact their lifespan.
• Exposure to intense heat, humidity, or extreme cold can accelerate deterioration and decrease the overall lifespan of faux leather items.
• Proper storage can also contribute to longevity. Ensure your faux leather items are stored in a cool, dry place when not in use to minimize damage from moisture or mold.

Ways Of Improving The Durability Of Faux Leather

There are various methods you could use to help your faux leather survive a little bit longer:

1. Applying Oils

Baby oil is one of the best in keeping your leather-based products sparkling and well-preserved. Applying the oil creates a protective layer that prevents the sun rays from weakening the fabric and cracking it. 

2. Applying Leather Conditioners

A leather conditioner is ideal for actual or faux leather. All leather resembles each other in grain and texture. Using a conditioner keeps the products in their original quality and appearance.

3. Avoid The Sun

Any quantity of direct daylight can dry out the leather and eliminate the oil that keeps it moisturized and preserved. Keeping your leather products far away from the sun helps maintain the moisture and oil that ensure they can stretch without breaking.

4. Try Out Cleaning Products.

Most cleansing products have chemicals in them. If it is your first time using them on your leather product, you need to do a test on a part that cannot be seen. Afterward, observe how the cleaning product affects the leather. If there is no harm, then you may go ahead and use the cleaning product all over.

The harsh detergent will corrode and take off the shade of your faux leather.

5. Do Not Use Bleach 

NEVER apply bleach on faux leather, irrespective of the size or depth of the stain. Bleach contains many chemical substances that dry up the leather and put off its color.

6. Keep Away From Abrasive Cloths

Hard cloths or sponges are bad for scrubbing leather. Avoid any temptation to use them. You need to get a soft cloth and clean the leather in small circular motions. 

7. Clean Up After Cleaning

After cleaning the faux leather on a small spot or the entire object, it is advisable to wash it and rinse it off properly. 

How Does Faux Leather Compare To Actual Leather?

Fake leather is can also be referred to as vegan or leatherette. It is low-quality, chemically engineered leather. Genuine leather is in high demand because it is better durable and improves as it ages. There are numerous sorts of fake or faux leather available; PU faux leather fabric, PVC leather fabric, bi-cast leather fabric, and bonded leather fabric. They are all nearly the same, but the material used to make them puts them apart.

Faux leather is made using polyurethane or a combination of polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride to form a flexible and leather-based-like cloth. There are other chemicals added to this concoction, but the two are the major ingredients.

Genuine leather-based is crafted from animal hides. Animal hide commonly has extra sturdiness and has no weaknesses like artificial leather. The genuine leather has various finishes to protect it from daily wear and tear.

Table Showing Differences Between Faux Leather Types And Genuine Leather

	Genuine leather	Bi-cast leather	Bonded leather	PU faux leather	PVC faux leather
Material	Organic animal hides	Low-quality animal hides are covered with a polyurethane surface.	Leather scraps combined with binding materials	Polyurethane on a base fabric with artificial leather-like grain applied to it.	Polyurethane combined with plasticizers and lubricants
Care	Mild detergents, warm water, and leather conditioner	Soap, alcohol, bleach, and conditioner	Soap, alcohol, bleach, and conditioner	Mild detergent, warm water, oils, and conditioners	Mild detergent, warm water, oils, and conditioners
Longevity	Can last for generations depending on quality-30 to 50 years minimum.	10 years maximum Cannot survive for long as it starts to peel.	It starts to peel after a short while.	Cracks and peels after a short period.	10 to 20 years maximum when properly taken care of

Even though faux can be priced lower than actual leather material, you need to consider the durability and long-term maintenance cost. While faux leather may be fake and seen as the weaker and lesser of the two, it can give you service for many years if maintained.

Why Purchase Faux Leather?

1. Affordability 

Everybody is always looking for the best deal in the market; nobody hates a good discount or a lower price for a specific item they want. Faux leather gives you something almost as good as the original at a lower price. Many will pick this leather over actual leather and be happy with it. 

But, some consumers do not mind paying the extra coin to purchase genuine leather. So, your budget will likely determine what you settle for. 

N/B: The price of leather items does not always suggest that it is fake or not the real deal. Some stores will overprice products. But, it is crucial to note that a few high-priced products will provide you with an entire life of comfort and great service.

2. Variety

Genuine leather does offer distinct colors and patterns of leather merchandise, but faux leather goes over and beyond. You will notice that, with artificial leather, the colors and designs are many, and you can always get what you want. Faux offers you a choice to select your favorite leather-based product in whatever shade and layout you prefer. 

Why Should You Avoid Fake Leather?

In recent years, artificial leather has received numerous recognitions, and almost all of us are aware of its existence. However, the fabric has a few defects and side effects that you should be mindful of. These are:

1. Health Issues

Chemical compounds used to make fake leather, like polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, or polyamide, may be harmful to your health. These chemical compounds release dangerous pollution into the air and the land. 

These chemicals in the air can affect human beings living in regions surrounding the manufacturing plants as time goes by. If you buy, you will be increasing its production, and as a result, more toxic will be released into the environment

2. Less Durable

In contrast to genuine leather which can serve you for 50 years, faux leather can go for 20 years. With time, real leather gets finer and obtains a better appearance and feel, but fake leather ages badly; it begins peeling off and losing its elasticity and premium appearance. 

Why Do Fake Leather Crack And Peel?

Faux leather cracking is primarily due to the effect of UVB rays. UVB rays are the second form of ultraviolet rays coming from the sun. As long as faux leather has a few plastic additives, it will crack when exposed to these rays from the sun for long periods.

When you decide to buy artificial leather, and it has not been reinforced with natural fibers like cotton, it will start cracking after a short while. Therefore, even with faux leather, the quality is very crucial. 

How To Clean Stains On Faux Leather

The best way to get rid of stains from your leather is to use dish soap or shampoo with a little warm water. 

Pour the detergent into the warm water and mix it until it is bubbly. Using a tender rug that has been immersed in soapy-warm water, slowly clean the stain in circular motions. 

As soon as you finish cleaning the stain, use a gentle rag to wipe down the soapy remains till dry. You may use your leather conditioner on this part and apply some moisturizer to keep it soft and leathery.

How To Condition And Oil Faux Leather

There are many leather conditioners available for you to choose from. You can select any conditioner as no one is considered better than the other. Some people even prefer making their conditioner using oils and other elements, which also works.

The essential thing is to follow the given conditioning guidelines in the package if you use store-bought conditioners.

When it comes to oiling your faux leather go for coconut, lemon, or baby oils. You can also purchase conditioners that already have oils to save some bucks and make your job easier.

How Do You Prevent Faux Leather From Peeling?

• Choose high-quality faux leather products: When shopping for faux leather items, it’s crucial to invest in products made from high-quality materials. Cheaper materials are more prone to peeling and cracking, so opt for reputable brands or manufacturers known for their durable faux leather goods.
• Keep faux leather away from direct sunlight: Sun exposure can lead to the peeling and fading of faux leather. To prevent this, avoid placing your faux leather items near windows or in direct sunlight. If possible, use blinds or curtains to block the sunlight from reaching your furniture or accessories.
• Clean faux leather regularly: Regular cleaning is essential to prevent dirt and dust particles from accumulating on your faux leather items, as they can cause peeling and cracking over time. To clean faux leather, simply use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with mild soap and water. Gently wipe the surface and rinse with a clean cloth, then allow it to air dry.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, can damage the surface of faux leather and cause it to peel. Instead, use gentle cleaners specifically designed for faux leather or opt for mild soap and water.
• Moisturize the faux leather: Faux leather, just like genuine leather, can benefit from regular moisturizing. Applying a specialized faux leather conditioner or a small amount of baby oil can help keep the material supple and prevent it from drying out and cracking.
• Use a protective spray or cream: Applying a protective spray or cream can create a barrier between the faux leather and external elements, such as dirt, oil, and moisture. Look for products specifically formulated for use on faux leather and follow the instructions carefully.
• Avoid sharp objects and excessive friction: Be mindful of sharp objects that could scratch or tear the surface of your faux leather items. Additionally, excessive friction, such as rubbing the material vigorously or sitting on it with rough clothing, can lead to peeling and wear. Take care when using or handling faux leather to prevent unnecessary damage.
• Store faux leather items properly: When not in use, it’s important to store your faux leather items properly to prevent damage. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid folding or bending the material excessively, as this can also result in peeling or creasing.

Final Thoughts

Faux leather can never compare to genuine leather in any aspect, they may look and feel the same in the first couple of years, but that is just it. They will wear out faster, but they can give you ten years of service with proper maintenance and care. However, that is not guaranteed as the product is artificial and can only survive for so long until it gives in and breaks.

References:

https://www.homedit.com/faux-leather/#:~:text=How%20long%20does%20faux%20leather,genuine%20types%20of%20leather%20upholstery.

https://blog.thejacketmaker.com/maintain-faux-leather/