Caring For Your Leather #1
01/03/07 21:23 Filed in: Leather
1. Keep it dry. When your leather gets wet, it needs
to air dry slowly. Light items that won’t stretch out
of shape can hang loosely on a hanger. Jackets and
heavy items should be laid flat on a towel, and
turned several times a day to prevent mildew. If your
leather really gets soaked, wrap it in newspaper,
paper towels, or absorbent brown paper overnight,
then unwrap it and hang or lay it flat to dry. Never
wring leather, and never put any leather in the
dryer.
2. Keep it clean. Leather, like a sponge, is extremely absorbent. It absorbs any liquid it comes in contact with – ink, beverages, oil – and even water will often make a permanent difference in the way leather looks and feels. Some solids will also permanently stain leather. Lighter colored leathers can sometimes be dyed to cover stains. If the leather is black, many stains won’t show once you clean the leather. Still, sometimes the texture of the leather will be affected. Pat – don’t rub – spills with a clean, dry cloth if wet, or a slightly damp cloth if dried. Suede should be brushed clean.
3. Treat your leather. All smooth-finished leathers should be treated regularly with an oil or wax product. What is “regularly?” Some folks treat their leather after most times they wear it. At a bare minimum, work over your leather with saddle soap and mink oil or a similar product, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, once a year. Boots and belts should be wiped clean and polished several times a year. Rubbing oil into your leather protects it, adds to its life, and increases its beauty. It also familiarizes you with every character of your leather, and shows you where repairs may be needed.
The best time to treat your leather is soon after you wear it, not just before you wear it again.
Your leather is a valuable investment, whether it is a full set of chaps or just a belt you wear to work. Keep it looking good, and it will hold up its end of the deal.
Next month I will talk about getting what you pay for when you buy leather goods, including different qualities of leather, and what to look for in leather construction.
2. Keep it clean. Leather, like a sponge, is extremely absorbent. It absorbs any liquid it comes in contact with – ink, beverages, oil – and even water will often make a permanent difference in the way leather looks and feels. Some solids will also permanently stain leather. Lighter colored leathers can sometimes be dyed to cover stains. If the leather is black, many stains won’t show once you clean the leather. Still, sometimes the texture of the leather will be affected. Pat – don’t rub – spills with a clean, dry cloth if wet, or a slightly damp cloth if dried. Suede should be brushed clean.
3. Treat your leather. All smooth-finished leathers should be treated regularly with an oil or wax product. What is “regularly?” Some folks treat their leather after most times they wear it. At a bare minimum, work over your leather with saddle soap and mink oil or a similar product, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, once a year. Boots and belts should be wiped clean and polished several times a year. Rubbing oil into your leather protects it, adds to its life, and increases its beauty. It also familiarizes you with every character of your leather, and shows you where repairs may be needed.
The best time to treat your leather is soon after you wear it, not just before you wear it again.
Your leather is a valuable investment, whether it is a full set of chaps or just a belt you wear to work. Keep it looking good, and it will hold up its end of the deal.
Next month I will talk about getting what you pay for when you buy leather goods, including different qualities of leather, and what to look for in leather construction.