Leather and fabric sofas fail in different ways. Fabric absorbs and stains; leather dries, cracks and abrades at contact points.
Knowing which pattern applies to your furniture tells you what maintenance actually helps.
Leather upkeep
Most modern leather is pigmented and has a protective finish, so cleaning focuses on removing body oils and soil from that finish without stripping it, followed by conditioning to keep the hide supple.
Aniline and semi-aniline leathers are far more absorbent and need a gentler approach, since they mark readily. Direct sunlight and radiators are the main causes of drying and cracking.
Fabric upkeep
Fabric absorbs spills, body oils and odour, so the priority is prompt spill response and periodic deep cleaning before soiling becomes embedded.
Fabric protector helps most on light colours and busy households, buying time to blot before absorption.
Which suits a busy household
Pigmented leather wipes clean and copes well with spills, but pet claws and abrasion show. Fabric hides scuffing but holds odour and staining.
Neither is maintenance-free; they simply need different attention.