Ask the designer

Q OUR 5-year-old leather couch is starting to look a little scuffed. What’s the best way to care for leather furniture?

A. You can treat the scratch marks you mention by buffing cake shoe polish in the colour of the leather into the area until fully absorbed. But as this may darken the leather, you may have to treat the whole area. Keep leather furniture in prime condition with regular vacuuming using a soft brush attachment, which lifts dusts from its pores. Occasionally apply a leather-conditioning product — or just wipe with a damp cloth — to keep the leather hydrated, preventing “stretch marks”. To spot clean, dab the stain using distilled water, mild soap flakes (not liquid detergent which contains too much salt) and a soft white cloth.