Leather is an emblem of sophistication and has been cherished for centuries for its longevity and appeal. You can find lots of people who fancy leather items or collect exquisite leather goods as a part of their hobbies, but when it comes to maintaining leather articles, only a few people know how to do it right. Just like everything else, leather also needs a little care to last lifelong with its natural beauty.
Whether it's a beloved clutch, a timeless leather jacket or a cherished pair of shoes, maintaining the leather items with proper care can make all the difference. Proper maintenance not only makes the leather look great when taken care of properly, but also the little maintenance helps to preserve its charm from everyday wear and tear and environmental elements. In this ultimate leather cleaning guide, we'll share everything from general leather care tips to specific leather care routines for different types of leather articles. By the end of this blog, you'll be a leather champ with all the tricks and knowledge needed to keep your favourite leather items in top-notch condition lifelong.
Know Your Leather
Understanding the specific types and characteristics of leather is essential to maintain leather goods. There is a wide range of variety in leather and each type of leather requires some specific care routine, different from the others. Hence, it's crucial to identify the specific type of leather your items are made of before equipping them with any cleaning technique.
Step 1: Cleaning
Gently wiping your leather items and regular dusting with a dry, soft piece of cloth can help prevent dust and dirt from building up over time. For deeper cleaning, a mild leather cleaner that is particularly made for the type of leather you're cleaning is essential. Always try to avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals as they can potentially damage the leather's natural finish and smoothness.
Step 2: Conditioning
Besides cleaning, conditioning is a key step in maintaining leather goods. Leather conditioners help restore the natural oils that gradually dry out with time, keeping the leather flexible and smooth and preventing any cracks from forming. Be sure to perform a patch test on an inconspicuous and small area of the item before applying any new products on them more broadly. While choosing a conditioner for leather items, be mindful that some conditioners may not suit certain types of leather and can potentially darken the colour. Thus, it's important to perform a little test and be aware of any potential changes in colour before applying it to the entire piece.
Step 3: Storing
When it comes to the maintenance of leather goods, storing rightly is just as important as dusting and cleaning. Keeping leather items away from extreme heat and direct sunlight is essential to preserve their longevity. Storing leather in a dry, cool place with great air circulation can help preserve its quality for years to come. For articles that you don’t use regularly, such as boots or seasonal bags, stuffing them with tissue paper and storing them in dark colour dust bags can help protect them from dust and scratches and maintain their original shape.
Conclusion
Regular care and maintenance are essential for preserving the integrity and beauty of leather goods. By following these leather care tips and tricks, you can be assured that your favourite leather items will age like fine wine. Whether it's a pair of luxury leather shoes or a timeless leather jacket, a little care and maintenance can make a world of difference in their appearance and quality.