If
you want leather to look functional and stylish forever, you need to put
just a little extra effort to maintain its richness and great looks. You
need to follow some minimal basic care tips and you can wear it on and on
for years to come, and make it the most durable companion for the
lifetime.
Leather cleaning
The first step to leather care is keeping your leather clean.
This can be accomplished with a soft, moist rag. Wipe the
leather in a small, circular pattern to remove any surface dirt
and grime. For heavier soiling, use a small amount of liquid
soap, making sure to wipe with a clean, wet rag to remove
residue. It's advisable to use quality leather soap to
deep-clean the material. Follow this with either a moisturizer
or oil specifically developed for leather products. The use of
the moisturizer or oil will keep the leather from cracking or
tearing.
Professional leather cleaning is recommended for all leathers,
and fabric garments trimmed with leather. Normal dry cleaning
methods will not yield proper results. It is advisable to clean
matching garments at the same time, since a slight variation is
color or texture may occur as a natural result of the cleaning
process. Natural marks and wrinkles could become more apparent
after cleaning. Garment may shrink slightly, but will stretch
again with wear.
Caring wet leather and suede
Leather and suede are not waterproof, but are not generally
harmed by rain provided you dry them properly. If your leather
or suede garment gets wet, remove any dirt, mud, or other stains
with a cleaning agent and then condition for restoring
flexibility, while the pores are still fully responsive. Remove
any heavy objects from the pockets and then hang it on a sturdy
hanger to retain shape away from sources of direct heat like hot
air vents, radiators, furnaces, etc
Conditioning leather
Leather conditioners are meant for occasional use. They contain
fats and/or oils that help lubricate leather and replenish the
suppleness. Look for a product that will penetrate the strong
fibers in leather. While petroleum by-products won't damage your
leather immediately, they do over a period of time. Again, just
as with cleaning, keep on the look out for thick, greasy
conditioning treatments for the best care of your leather.
Storing leather garments
Remember Leather is a natural living breathing fabric, and as
such its care is different form other fabrics. Never store
leather or suede in plastic as it cant breathe and will
encourage the growth of mildew and bacteria or let the leather
to dry out. These natural materials need to breathe and hence
should be stored in cloth cover instead and in cool, dry area
away from direct heat. Always hang leather clothing on wide or
padded hangers to keep their shape.
Leather protection and maintenance
Leather naturally repels water but, for additional protection,
look for an environment friendly repellent product to help
prevent absorption of water and body oils. Stiffness and
spouting will happen if leather isn't protected beforehand. It's
best to avoid silicone-based repellents or waxes which retard
leather's ability to "breathe."
To remove everyday dirt from smooth leathers, periodically
wipe them with a water-dampened cloth. To help keep your smooth
leather garment soft and supple and retain its natural oils, you
can apply a leather care lotion with a soft cloth using a gentle
circular motion. For minimizing the stains treat them
immediately before having your garment professionally cleaned.
Stains from alcohol or protein substances like food, milk or
blood should be lightly dabbed with a water-dampened cloth to
help prevent them from setting.
To remove mildew from leather, create a mixture of one-cup
rubbing alcohol per one-cup of water. Wipe the mildew area with
a cloth dipped in the diluted alcohol, then allow it to dry. If
the mildew persists, use mild soap and water that contains a
germicide, then remove with a clean dampened cloth and allow to
dry.
Suede protection and maintenance
For suede use the suede cleaner brush to restore the nap of your
suede or nubuck garment. Never use soap and water on suede, as
this will ruin the fabric. Use a clean, cotton towel to wipe up
spills immediately; suede will stain quickly, even from water.
If you get oil or grease on your suede or nubuck garment, dab
the area with a dry, soft, absorbent cloth. Apply powdered white
to the stained area and let set (without rubbing) for 24 hours,
and then gently brush it away with the suede brush. For removing
ground-in dirt or stains, take your garment to a professional
leather and suede cleaner.
Ironing leather garments
Avoid ironing leather garments, but if you absolutely need
ironing the item, set the iron on the lowest possible
setting. Never use steam. Place a heavy brown grocery bag, or
some felt paper on and between the garment and then iron
quickly, and avoid overheating.
Altering leather garments
Alterations can be made to the Leather garment by your own
professional alterationists that you know and trust who has
leather or suede experience. While leather and suede garments
can usually be considered for alterations, they can rarely be
let out without leaving noticeable marks. Note that pins will
leave holes in leather and suede and should not be used during
alterations.
Fixing leather wear and tear
Leather garment hems and small rips or tears, may be fixed with
a tiny amount of rubber cement or sewn with a leather needle.
For best results you can see a local seamstress that specializes
in leather garments.
Avoid adhesive stickers and tags
