How-To's

Since we’re not familiar with the leather care products available in your area, we decided to provide good lessons on leather care, so you’ll be informed when shopping for the leather care products for your situation. Hope you find it educational.

 CLEANING

To clean a leather item, first choose a cleaner that will help preserve the natural lubricating oils instead of stripping them. For example, saddle soap is a commonly used product for equestrian tack. It is meant to be used as a cleaner and a protector from moisture, but it strips the leather of the oils in the process of attempting to do two jobs at once. 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. Another cleaning product to consider having in your leather care collection is a NuBuck cleaning cloth. They have an astonishing ability to clean and restore leather to its original look.

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, but beware of any that include petroleum or mineral oils. 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.

PROTECTING

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. However, 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 the leather to dry. If the mildew persists, use mild soap and water that contains a germicide, then remove with a clean dampened cloth and allow it 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 that is away from any heat source. If the leather item is a garment, store in a breathable bag.

REMOVING STAINS

Fresh stains from things such as blood or 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 into the leather. 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.