What to Clean Leather With?

Leather needs maintenance in order to last. It does not matter what product we are talking about, the main principles can be applied to all of them. Once you learn the main points of what to clean leather with, your wallets, leather bags and purses or even pants and coats will thank you. The best part about it is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on expensive leather cleaning products. Just follow these simple and easy tips for protecting and cleaning leather at home. Therefore, without further ado, let’s dive right into.

Tips to Protect Leather

First of all, leather should never be kept in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Just like your own skin, leather as well tends to dry out and eventually crack and break. Sort of like a skin of a human. It become dangerous for the bag or other leather product to be carried around as it can lose its natural beauty and properties. Therefore, while we are not suggesting leaving your bag at home during your walk in a sunny day, however, don’t leave it on a chair in your back yard.

Secondly, it needs to be cleaned regularly. Use a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth or cloth from some other soft material to dust the surface first. Then, you can use saddle soap for thorough and gentle cleaning with great results. Another option is to apply a small amount of moisturizing soap on a damp cloth and lather the leather. Gently tap the cloth across the leather surface instead of rinsing for a nice shine.

Removing Spots

Whatever cleaning method you are using to remove spots from leather, always test it on a hidden spot first to make sure it will not cause additional staining or damage.

The most common way of cleaning spots on leather is rubbing with a cotton swab that has been dipped into rubbing alcohol. This can clean a lot of stains, including ink spots. If rubbing alcohol doesn’t help, you can try using a cuticle remover that isn’t oil-based (not the same as nail-polish remover). Apply a small amount to the spot, leave it on overnight and wipe with a damp cloth.

Another way of removing spots from leather is by using equal measures of lemon juice and cream of tartar. Apply the paste with a soft cloth and work it in. If the spot is still visible, leave it for a couple of hours. Then, work in a small amount of paste again and wipe clean with damp cloth.

Water spots on leather can be really irritating, but there is an easy way for removing them too. Just moisten the whole area again and allow it dry naturally or use a blow dryer set on the lowest setting. Don’t dry the leather in direct sunlight, which brings us to out first tip of protecting your bag.

For suede, try using a gum eraser or undiluted white vinegar. Always bolt instead of rubbing when using vinegar on suede.

Removing road salt from leather

Road salt can easily get on your leather shoes or coat in the winter. Even on your leather messenger bag. To remove it, make a solution from one part of white vinegar and one part of water. Dip a cloth into this solution and gently wipe your shoes or other items. You may have to repeat this several times. However, when you are finished, all traces of road salt should be removed. To avoid damage, wipe leather shoes frequently and use a polishing paste.

Keeping the leather soft and supple

To keep your leather in a good condition for a long time, make a 1:2 solution of white vinegar and linseed oil. Pour the ingredients into a jar with a lid and shake well. You can prepare this solution in advance and use multiple times. Apply with a cloth, let it sit for 12 hours and buff.

Conclusion

These are just several home-based methods to put your mind at ease. You should never worry about what to clean leather with and should be good to go with things found in your home. For more various tips, read out How To Take Care Of Leather Bags and Taking Care Of Leather. You will see that with a few quick and simple-to-read guides your leather products at home will be nourished and blossom at its most beautiful colors.

If you already have a bag and want it to really last and stay in good shape, consider ordering leather care balsam.

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