Leather care
Leather can be virtually indestructible if treated properly. With a little bit of care and attention, your new leather will last well into vintage age and your vintage leather will continue to have a long happy life.The most important things to remember about leather is not to get it soiled, soaked, or let it dry out. Despite the fact that all of these things can be rectified to some extent, it is helpful to not let leather get into such a condition in the first place. Proper storage, cleaning, and conditioning will keep leather looking as good as new no matter how old it is.
What To Avoid
Although leather is very durable, it is not indestructible. Improper care or cleaning can crack and dry leather skin, remove finishes and colors, or make it too stiff to wear. Keeping leather away from chemicals, heat, and humidity are key. If leather is like skin, think of its care as anti-aging; if you wouldn't put it on your own skin, it probably isn't very good for the leather either. NEVER use the following chemicals or substances on leather: Bleach-Alcohol-Household cleaners-Turpentine and mineral spirits-Waxes or silicone
Storing Leather
Storing your leather bag properly when it is not being used is the most important thing you can do to keep it in its best condition. When leather bags are stored they should not be in extreme hot or cold, or in excessive dryness or humidity.
How to store leather bags properly
- Clean and condition your leather briefcase or travel bag before any long period of storage
- Keep leather bags in a cool, dry place. Humidity can lead to mold, one of leather's number one enemies.
- Keep leather briefcases and travel bags out of sunlight and away from any heat sources to ensure that the skin does not dry out and crack
- Stuff your leather bags with acid free paper to help keep its shape and help prevent dampness.
Cleaning/conditioning your leather briefcases and travel bags
Keeping leather clean and conditioned only takes a few minutes, but it will make a big difference in how good it looks. There are many good quality leather cleaning and conditioning products on the market, it is advisable to use them.
Stains on Leather
Most leather stains will come out easily with a little soap and water. It is even possible to remove blood, oil, and wax in some cases.
How to Remove Leather Stains:
Click to watch this video: http://video.about.com/housekeeping/How-to-Clean-Leather.htm
Removing Stains:
Always do a small spot test on a discreet area of the leather to be sure that this the method you are using will not damage the leather or remove any color or finish. The best is to use cleansing products and conditioners especially made for leather. Oil Based Stains: Leather skin is highly absorbent of oils and set in oil stains will not come out. Conditioning the entire leather item with an oil based conditioner may help even out the discoloration of the stain, making it less noticeable. For recent stains, mix Soap Flakes (you can make your own by grating a bar of unscented vegetable based soap) with a few tablespoons of water. Rub the soapy mixture slowly onto the spot. Rinse thoroughly.
Baking soda can be used a few different ways to remove odors from leather, all of which are very gentle, however it is always best to perform a spot test to be safe. Dry Baking Soda: Put Item in a paper bag or pillow case with an open box of baking soda for at least 24 hours. You may also sprinkle baking soda into the pockets and interior of the item or fill a sock with baking soda and leave it inside. Baking Soda Solution: Mix one teaspoon or baking soda with one liter of warm water and saturate the leather item (you may also increase the mixture and soak the item). Rinse item and dry flat.
