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There are three stages in leather care that include cleaning,
conditioning, and protection. It is important to remember
to work on your leather in a well-ventilated area. Some leather
care products are very strong and can cause irritations.
DO NOT use leather cleaner on Nubuck or Suede, simply clean with
a damp sponge.
You can find a good leather cleaner at any sporting goods store
and most shoe stores and shoe repair shops.
Cleaning
To clean a leather item, first choose a cleaner
that will help preserve the natural lubricating oils instead of
stripping them. . The cleaner of your choice should not leave
any greasy residue behind. Residue makes leather susceptible to
bacteria and can break down the stitching of your item. Before
applying anything to your leather item, be certain to test it
out for effect and possible color distortion on an area that isn't
visible to the eye. Once you've ascertained whether the leather
care product is acceptable to use, apply it to your item. With
a slightly dampened cloth, remove the cleaning product. For areas
with stitches, there are brushes available on the market.
Conditioning
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.
Protection
Moisture barriers are extremely crucial in preventing
rain or other liquid hazards from damaging leather. Stiffness
and spouting will happen if leather isn't protected beforehand.
There is a drawback in protecting leather with a moisture barrier
product. They tend to fill in the pores with a greasiness that
makes cleaning, conditioning, and polishing difficult, but it's
a necessary process to ensure leather isn't destroyed. Periodically
apply a moisture barrier and allow it time to penetrate and dry
before using your leather item.
Removing Mildew
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.
Wet Leather
An important key to keeping leather in top-notch condition is
to treat wet leather before it has a chance to dry. Remove any
dirt, mud, or other stains with a cleaning agent, then condition
while the pores are still fully responsive. It is critical to
remember that leather should be dried away from heat. If the leather
in question is a garment, it's a good idea to stuff the garment
to retain shape.
Storing Leather
Remember that leather is a natural material and should never be
stored in plastic because it encourages the growth of mildew and
bacteria and will ruin the leather. Always store leather in a
cool, dry place away from heat. If the leather item is a garment,
store in a breathable bag.
Removing Stains
Fresh stains from things such as blood and food can be cleaned
up quickly with a damp cloth. Stains from oil or grease can be
lifted by grinding ordinary blackboard chalk, sprinkling the area,
and leaving the powder on for a twenty-four hour period. Resist
the urge to rub the powder in. After a sufficient time has past,
simply use a leather care brush to remove the powder. While fresh
stains can be treated and cleaned at home, ground-in stains should
be attended to by a professional cleaner who deals in leather.
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