Tips for Leather Care

Leather just like any other thing in this world does not live forever. But we all know that leather of higher quality tends to live longer than others and with proper maintenance and care, you can definitely extend the life of your leather possessions such as leather jackets, leather chaps or leather boots long enough to last your entire lifetime.

Here are some caring techniques for leather:

• Clean your leather by wiping it with a soft damp cloth to remove surface dirt and stain. For heavier dirt, apply a small amount of liquid soap on the rug and then wipe with a different clean wet rag to remove soap residue. For deep cleaning of the leather, use quality leather soap. You can also opt to have it professionally cleaned once in a while.
• Dry wet leather by air-drying naturally. Do not expose it to heat sources such as heaters, furnaces, stoves or fireplaces to quicken up the drying process because this will only damage the leather.
• Apply leather conditioner occasionally to lubricate the leather and maintain its softness and flexibility. This will also prevent the leather from drying up and cracking. Choose a product that will penetrate the strong fibers of the leather.
• Store leather in an area where it can breathe. Never store your leather gear in sealed plastic bags because this will cultivate mildew and bacteria formation. Place the leather in cloth bags and store in a cool dry place away from heat source. As with leather clothing such as leather jackets, hang them on wide padded hangers to maintain their perfect form.
• Apply water protector or repellent product on the leather for added protection and to avoid absorption of water and body oils. It is advisable not to use silicone-based repellents which do not enable the leather to breathe.
• In case of stains, it's best to have them professionally treated immediately. To minimize the damage however treat immediately by dabbing with a damp cloth dipped in water to prevent the stain from seeping into the material.
• When there is mildew formation on your leather, apply a mixture of one cup of rubbing alcohol per one cup of water on the affected area. If mildew persists, use a soap that contains a germicide and then wash it off and air-dry afterwards.
• Do not iron leather garments. If the need should arise, set the iron on the lowest setting and place a heavy paper on top of it as you iron. Never use steam and do the ironing very quickly.
• Never put adhesive stickers like name tags on your leather garment because this will leave an unsightly mark on the surface.

Because you love your leather possessions and they have become an important part of your wardrobe, be sure to practice proper caring methods so that they last a long time with you.

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