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What is PU Leather? PU leather is a type of synthetic leather created from a group of molecules called, polyurethane. PU is used in many essential things, such as in furniture, bedding, footwear, vehicle interiors, and packaging. PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is another type of synthetic material, can also be used as a leather replacement. PVC is often associated with pipes and tubes, but it can also be used as an upholstery for massage or Reiki tables, office chairs, and other home furniture. PU leather is more often used in massage tables and office chairs because it can handle wetness better than PVC. However, PU costs more and has a distinct chemical smell. Regardless, both PU and PVC leathers are inferior to the real one. They are often referred to as faux leather, artificial leather, vinyl leather, or fake leather.
PU Leather Maintenance PU leather does not like being exposed to any kind of liquid for long periods of time. It also does not like heat. The material degrades more quickly when frequently subjected to either of these extremes. Below are some tips to protect and prolong the lifespan of PU as well as other faux leather upholstery: Avoid introducing liquids at all costs PU leather may appear waterproof, but it won't be if the liquid stays on it for a long time. Wipe the surface clean right away after a spill.
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Sweat is something that's often overlooked and almost impossible to steer clear of. It's made up of water, sodium, and bacteria that can cause damage to many types of upholstery. It may not have a huge impact at the start, but it's one of the most common reasons why PU leather upholstery degrades after just a year or two of use. Protect the upholstery by putting cotton or polyester material on top of it. For instance, cover the massage table with a layer of massage table sheet so that oils and other kinds of liquid go through the sheet first. For office chairs, a pillow seat and lumbar support can be used to minimize contact between the skin and the PU material. Avoid exposure to sunlight for an extended period Tables and chairs placed near the window are vulnerable to this. An hour or two of sunlight in the morning can quickly add up and will eventually cause damage to the PU leather's top coating. Move them to a cool and dry corner, and make sure that the Sun's rays don't reach them. There are situations where massage tables are set up outdoors, such as in beach resorts. However, they are often covered in sheets and positioned in shaded areas. Avoid adding more weight to the furniture The only one that's supposed to be sitting on your office chair is you. Likewise, a massage table can carry an average of two persons. Do not add more by using them as a placeholder for storage boxes, bags, clothing, or as a sleeping area for pets. Doing so can introduce scratches and deformities to the PU material.
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Use leather cleaners There are specific cleaning agents for synthetic leather. They can help remove oil, stains, or other unwanted substances on the upholstery. A leather protectant can then be used to rejuvenate the protective coating that was applied to the material before it came out of the factory. Simply spray a small amount of cleaning compound onto a microfiber cloth and wipe the surface. Below are a couple of popular cleaners than can be used on PU leather: Meguiar's G18516 Gold Class Rich Leather, 16 oz This cleaner can safely remove stains and grime on all leather types, including synthetic leather. It is an ideal cleaning agent for massage tables and chairs. Simply spray onto the surface and wipe with microfiber cloth. 303 Multi Surface Cleaner Spray (30207CSR), 32 fl oz This leather cleaner is pH neutral, which means that it won't have an impact on surfaces that are sensitive to other substances. It does not have any fragrance too.
Fake vs. Real Leather: Spot the Difference To the untrained eye, there is barely any difference between leather that is made from animal skin and one that's made from various chemicals. They look exactly the same. There are a couple of ways to easily identify real leather and synthetic leather: Smell It Synthetic leather has a certain chemical smell that real leather will never have. Animal skin cannot be soaked in the same chemicals that synthetic leather went through, thus it is treated differently and has a more organic odor. Look for a Pattern A consistent pattern emerges when looking closely at synthetic leather. The pattern remains even if there is stitching in between. This does not happen
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in real leather, where wrinkles and other imperfections are visible. The more flawed the pattern is, the more authentic it is. Genuine leather costs a lot and is limited in quantity. That's why manufacturers often opt for the next best thing - PU leather. It's affordable and can be mass produced. It may not be as long lasting as the real one, but it can be if you know how to take care of it. For a complete listing of the best rated leather cleaners, check out the PU Leather Guide of Reiki Table Reviews.
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