Let's talk about how to properly operate, care for the material, what means can be used for prevention and how to put products in order, return them to their original appearance and color.
HOW TO USE LEATHER PRODUCTS CORRECTLY?
The best way to keep your leather garments, shoes or accessories supple, soft, smooth and clean is to treat them as if they were precious. First of all, read the label and the manufacturer's recommendations: there will be specific instructions for care and cleaning. Find out how often to condition your leather, as a lot depends on the type of leather: thickness, finish, texture.
A few general guidelines for use:
- If the clothes get wet, hang them up to dry away from heat sources. If sent to the dryer or placed next to a heater/radiator, it may shrink and lose its shape.
- If a stubborn stain appears on the surface, do not try to remove it yourself. Using household or improperly selected products can damage the color, which will be difficult to restore. It doesn’t matter what color the skin is: basic black, brown or rare shades.
- Store garments in a dry, dark closet, on padded hangers, and use a cloth bag for seasonal storage. Avoid plastic bags as they don't allow things to "breathe" and can lead to mold. Sunlight will cause fading.
- Avoid contact with oils, perfume or hairspray on the surface. Stains may appear that are difficult to remove without damaging the color.
- Regular cleaning is necessary - preventive and seasonal. You can buy creams, sprays, impregnations in the store or use safe improvised means. Be sure to consider the type and texture of the material, its shade.
HOW TO PROPERLY CLEAN LEATHER GOODS?
What to do if your favorite jacket, boots, bag or other leather accessory gets dirty? Always blot any stain as soon as you see it to remove excess contaminant, and then wipe it off for a few hours to prevent the stain from being absorbed.
When choosing a cleaning method, it is recommended to take into account the type of stain:
- Oil. They often appear on the collars of jackets and at other points of contact with the skin. Apply a thick layer of talc to the stain and leave to soak overnight. In the morning, remove the powder with a dry brush. If a stain remains, repeat this process and then use a suitable leather cleaner.
- Ink. Did you accidentally draw on a light-colored bag, or did the stains get on the sleeves? Apply warm milk to the ink stain until it completely covers the dirt, wipe it with light movements with a soft cloth. Then use a damp cloth to get rid of the streaks.
- Chewing gum.
Method 1:
Soften the gum by gently heating it with a hair dryer, then gently scrape with a dull, flat-edged tool such as a plastic scraper or table knife. Then reheat the remaining remaining gum with a hair dryer and rub with a soft, dry cloth until it forms into a ball and comes off. Use a leather cleanser and conditioner to hydrate your leather after being exposed to heat.
Method 2:
If the gum is on a small item (like your wallet), place it in the freezer for about an hour. You can then scrape off the hardened gum with a scraper. If the gum is on a large object, place an ice cube in an airtight plastic bag (to keep water out of your skin) and place it on the gum to harden it, then remove it.
If the thing is torn, it may be possible to repair it. Do not rush to throw away the damaged product, hand it in for repair. Leather stitching is best repaired with either a hand lockstitch or an industrial sewing machine. Scuff marks can often be covered up with shoe polish, leather dye, or permanent marker. All these products are sold in salons, clothing stores, footwear stores, household supermarkets.
Prevention is the best way to prevent damage, fading and wrinkling - the most common problems with leather clothing. Basic measures:
- To avoid the formation of wrinkles, creases and dents, storing clothes on a hanger and periodic conditioning (moisturizing with special equipment) will help.
- If there are large wrinkles, take the clothes to repair.
- Alternatively, set the iron to the lowest setting, place the leather under the fabric and iron it quickly (test on a patch of similar material first).
HOW TO KEEP THE COLOR OF THE PRODUCT?
Signs of age can indeed improve the look of some jackets, but not all. Over time, the skin fades under the influence of sunlight and other atmospheric factors - this is normal. First, wipe it with a damp cloth: what if it's just dirt? If nothing has changed, restoration sprays are the best remedy for a quick and even restoration.
If you want to keep the color of the item longer, we recommend buying sprays, not a cream, which will do all the work for you. With the help of a spray, achieving an even coverage is faster and easier. Whichever product you use, always follow the instructions and test on a small nondescript area before applying to the entire surface.
If there are abrasions or damaged areas, lightly sand them to remove loose material and smooth the area. This step also opens the pores of the skin, which improves the penetration and adhesion of the products. Use a cloth to wipe off sanding dust.
The hue may lose brightness due to lack of moisture during storage of clothes. Observe the following rules:
- Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated place. The material must be protected from heat, direct sunlight and chemicals. The ideal temperature is from +4 to +20 degrees.
- Use natural breathable fiber for storage. For example, a cotton or linen case.
- At the end of the season, clean bags and shoes and then carefully stuff them with cloth or paper, then wrap them in acid-free paper. Store accessories in cardboard boxes.
CARING FOR A PRODUCT MADE OF NATURAL EXOTIC LEATHER
Be sure to carry out professional cleaning 1-2 times a year. First, you need to clearly understand what type of skin you are dealing with. Secondly, only in special salons can they clean and restore the texture of such complex materials as nubuck or suede.
If your leather jacket is slightly soiled, discolored, or cracked, professional services can restore brightness and repair damage so you can wear it for as long as possible.
