Can toddler dribble take the colour out of leather and what do I do now?

taliwillow

Hello,

Two weeks ago I got a stressless sofa and 2 chairs. They were the showroom display models so we got them for 1/2 price (this was the only way we could afford them as they are very expensive but I have a problem with my back and needed good firm sofas). We have been really happy with them but a couple of nights ago my one year old daughter (who is teething and therefore dribbling) dribbled on the arm of my chair. I didn't notice it immediately but my husband noticed it within a couple of minutes of her being sat there and wiped it straight off. The problem is that the leather (which is red) has now gone lighter where the dribble was and when you look closely has a whitish tinge to it. So I suppose my questions really are would you expect this to happen after a short encounter with some toddler dribble? Is there anything I can do to get the supplier to help me sort it out or is it a case of it's my property, my daughter did the damage and it's tough? I am getting the feeling that it will be the latter which is why I haven't contacted the supplier as I don't really see what they can do and as it was ex display I figure any rights would be forfeited anyway but just thought I would check.
We are now absolutely terrified to touch the sofas if our hands may be slightly sweaty or if the children may have dirty hands which is silly as the whole point of getting leather with young children is that it can be easily cleaned. We aren't sure what it's safe to wipe them with and we are trying to figure out the best type of cleaner to get for them as we don't want to damage them anymore. The supplier told us to use baby wipes but when I spoke to ekornes they were horrified at such a suggestion and said most certainly not on their leather. The leather we have is Paloma (only option as its ex display) and from what we have found on the ekornes website because it's a better quality leather than some others it makes it more easily damaged. Seems a bit silly paying more for a leather that will damage easily.
I suppose our fear of damaging it may seem excessive and we do understand we can't be too precious about it as we are meant to be able to relax at home not be terrified we are going to damage the sofas, but at £2700 for a 2 seater and 2 chairs we can't really afford to damage them and as that was half price we most certainly can't afford to replace them!
Any help would be much appreciated.
Taliwillow

ormus

a 5400 quid leather suite should be top quality leather. and some childs dribble should not affect it it in anyway.
what did you wipe it with?

taliwillow

Just a cloth. I think it was possibly a dry muslin actually as it was the first thing my husband could find. I did ring Ekornes and ask them if this is to be expected but she didn't really answer the question she just asked other questions and I only realised when I got off the phone that she hadn't answered my question. It does say on their website that you shouldn't let pets on the sofas as their saliva is acidic and could damage the leather so wondered if it could be the same with toddlers.

phill99

If its discolouring the instance a child gets dribble o it, then its not fir for purpoe is it? Doesn't matter how much oit costs, it shouldn't be doing this.

You need to look at the Sale of Goods Act (others on here are better with this than I am) as you will have redress to the supplier.

taliwillow

Maybe I should ring the shop I got it from then and see what they say. Just not really sure what I should be asking of them really.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

the fact that it was reduced shouldn't come in to it, it's still the same product, only reduced because ex display.

ailuro2

I'd go back to the shop and tell them you want them to take it back and give you your money back because it's not fit for purpose.

Take your toddler with you to the showroom - if her dribble is that caustic they'll want rid of you sharpish before she ruins the rest of the displays.;)

taliwillow

Have just e-mailed the shop as I feel I can get my point across better in writing so will let you all know how it goes. Thanks for your replies.

ormus

ailuro2 wrote: »

I'd go back to the shop and tell them you want them to take it back and give you your money back because it's not fit for purpose.

Take your toddler with you to the showroom - if her dribble is that caustic they'll want rid of you sharpish before she ruins the rest of the displays.;)

or take your child to the doctor.

taliwillow

Well the supplier came back to me and they have spokent to stressless and they have offered for someone from the FIRA to come over and have a look at it but if they find any kind of chemical or abrasive on it then they will not fix it and will charge me for their time. We are quite sure it is baby dribble but as we have possibly wiped it with a baby wipe since as we thought it was a mark on the chair rather than discolouration then I doubt it will go in our favour so have accepted their offer to get stressless to send me some gliptone paint free of charge. It only costs £14.35 but every penny helps.

ormus

that was my point.
never ever use a baby wipe on a leather sofa. the chemicals in the wipes, can (and do) react with the dyes in the leather.