Before you run out to the store and buy a whole shelf full of leather care products, consider what you want out of your leather product first:- What type of product is it? Is it a wallet that will see some good everyday use? A bag/purse that might get over filled? Or a small accessory that you only pull out for special occasions?- What type of look do you want it to have? Do you want a rugged well loved belt sheath meant for everyday carry that clearly states you are a person who goes out and works hard with your leather gear? Or do you want a clean impeccable look of a well loved leather that looks as good or better then it did the day it was bought?Depending on what you want out of your leather, you are going to want a different leather care routine.
Cleaning:
Leather is a very porous product, as such you want to clean it regularly to get rid of any accumulated dirt and grime, when ever you notice your leather getting a little dirty, a damp cloth should be all you need for light grime from everyday use.However if your leather get really dirty, use a damp soft cloth to get rid of the worst and then use a good leather cleaner using round strokes wipe down your entire leather piece, wipe of any excess product with another soft damp cloth and then wipe down with a dry cloth. Let dry completely even if it takes 24hrs and condition after cleaning, this seals your leather and help replenish any oils it may have lost during the cleaning process.
Here is a quick list of DO’s and DON’Ts to follow when you are cleaning leather:
DO:
- Test your new products in a discreet location before applying every where.
- Find good reputable products for your leather care routine
- Let your leather dry out completely after cleaning before conditioning
DON’T:
- Spot clean your leather, this can cause staining and/or discoloration.
- Soak your leather (Unless you are stretching it), this dehydrates it and will cause it to dry out become brittle and crack.
- Dry your leather with heat. Let it dry on its own don’t use a hair dryer or stick it beside a heater to speed things up, heat dries out leather and damages the fibers.
Depending on what look you want your leather to have you might want to clean your leather as many times as once a month to as few time as once every 3-4 month. however many time you choose to clean your leather, remember to ALWAYS condition it after cleaning.
Conditioning:
Conditioning is an important part of your leather care routine, conditioning replenishes the oils lost due to regular usage and cleaning. it re-hydrates the fibers in the leather, making them stronger and more flexible. it can also help return the silky finish of your leather. When conditioning make sure that your item is completely dry, then apply a small amount on a soft cloth and rub it into your leather with small circular motions. When it comes to conditioning leather a little goes a long way it will not hurt your leather to over condition but it may make your leather goods feel a little greasy. After you have worked in the conditioner into all of your leather let it sit for a couple of minutes and then take a clean dry soft cloth and wipe off any excess conditioner.
Here are a few DO’s and DON’Ts when it comes to conditioning your leather:
DO:
- Apply your leather conditioner evenly through-out your entire project.
- Test your conditioner in a small inconspicuous spot to make sure that you are ok with any changes in color that may occur.
- Clean and let dry your leather before applying your conditioner.
DON’T:
- Apply conditioner to wet or damp leather.
- Pour your conditioner directly on to your leather and move it around, use a clean dry cloth to apply your conditioner to ensure even distribution/color.
- Apply conditioner to dirty leather this will trap the grime under a layer of conditioner and may push small dust particles in-between the leather fibers which can in turn cut these fibers cause premature stretching/wearing and can cause weak spots in your leather.
If you build yourself a good leather care routine you can be assured that you leather goods will last you many lifetimes looking as worn or not as you want! Remember, the newer you would like your leather to look the more you should do this, however if you want your leather to have a more rugged look take more time between cleaning and conditioning and your leather will develop a beautiful patina!if you have any questions about your leather care feel free to send me an email to: theerlleatherco@outlook.com and I will try and answer you to the best of my abilities.