Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Facts For Cleaning Up Leather And Leather-Based Products

By Ethan O. Tanner


Initially see whether your leather item is finished or unfinished. Usually finished leather items should have a shiny or smooth surface which may be luggage, clutches, wallets, or garments. Unfinished leather and suede usually have a natural flat finish or nappy finish like saddlery, work boots or sport gloves.

To begin with try it on a small amount of leather conditioner in the area not apparent if the particular brand of leather doesn't react well to the treatment. Saddle soap shouldn't be applied to a leather couch, since it is too unkind for leather furniture. Don't use products like mink oil, shoe polish and waxes when cleaning leather furniture or garments. Make use of a damp cloth or sponge to rub saddle soap into the leather working the soap perfectly into a light lather. Oil leather with a leather stabilizer such as mink oil or leather cream.

Direct sun rays can be extremely harsh on leather as it will fade or discolor the leather. Removing spots from leather is usually accomplished by dipping a soft cloth into rubbing alcohol and rubbing the spot. Water spots can in fact be taken off the leather by moistening the location again by using a little water. Let the leather dry or gently blow dry. Oil leather with a leather preservative like mink oil after removing the spots.

Purchase good leather cleaner and rub it in to the leather in even circular motions. After using the cleaner use a leather conditioner. Leather Balm with Atom Wax Leather Conditioner is an excellent dressing, that will clean, soften, and condition leather. Saddle soap is just not recommended for use on a leather couch is simply too harsh for furniture.

Dry leather needs re-hydrating with water and oils. Waxes are not recommended as it will dry out of the leather. It is critical to maintain a frequent cleaning system cleaning dirt off the surface regularly. Stopping the absorption of body oils in to the leather using a protector is the best way to achieving this. Car owners manual suggest using a 5% solution of detergent designed for wool on car leather seats. This cleans and protects leather of all kinds.

Dry leather needs re-hydrating with water and oils. Waxes are not recommended as it will dry out of the leather. It is important to maintain a frequent cleaning system cleaning dirt off the surface regularly. Stopping the absorption of body oils in to the leather with a protector is the best way to achieving this. Car owners manual suggest using a 5% solution of detergent created wool on car leather seats. This cleans and protects leather of all kinds.

Yet another option for cleaning leather is to take a damp cloth, wipe it across moisturizing soap and lather the leather. Remember: When removing spots from leather, always test any cleaning method on an out-of-the-way place first.

Suede is an unfinished type of leather that should be handled carefully. For suede items, try an art gum eraser first and if it does not necessarily do the trick, use undiluted white vinegar on a soft cloth, and be sure to blot -- never rub when treating suede. Some people recommend low-cost leather cleaning processes, like baking soda or salt.

The best way for cleaning leather is determined by the types of the spot and the type of the leather. The following happen to be instructions for common leather cleaning: Always test the cleaning on a small hidden patch of leather before proceeding on the whole item. It's also advisable to follow cleaning with a Fiebing Suede and Fabric Coat leather protector which will act like a 'scotchgard' and inhibit dirt and stains from being absorbed making cleaning easier the very next time.




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