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LEATHER CARE
There are various types and
grades of leathers, each serving a different purpose. Some require a bit
more maintenance than others, but all follow a set guideline of care to
ensure a longer life.
There are four stages in leather care that include cleaning, conditioning,
polishing, and protection. When perusing the store shelves for a product
that fits your needs, be watchful for what kind of product you're
purchasing. It can be confusing to try and figure out which product is for
which stage, but look for words that explain how the product is to be used.
It is also important to remember to work on your leather in a
well-ventilated area. Some leather care products are very strong and can
cause irritations.
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.
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. 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.
Polishing
Polishing is done for special occasions when you want a more glossy finish
on your leather. There are a couple things to be wary of when purchasing a
polishing agent. Some products contain coloring factors that will brush off
on things you come in contact with. Some products also have a tendency to
clog the pores in leather or dry leather out. Just as with cleaning, be sure
to test out the product on a small area and when ready, buff to a shine.
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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