Leather Maintenance Products
People have this notion that leather products, be it garments and accessories or furniture and upholstery are not durable. But the thing about leather products is that they can last for a long time and look as good as new if you take proper care. Cleaning leather products the right way is absolutely vital if you want to maintain its sheen and suppleness. Dirt and debris on the surface of leather should be cleaned immediately because if they remain on the surface for a long time, it can break the protective outer coating leading to cracks. A good leather maintenance product is one that not only cleans the surface of superficial dirt and oils, but also extends the life of the leather products. Leather maintenance products are generally of three types; they are leather cleaners, leather conditioners and leather waterproofing products. Choose a cleaning, conditioning or waterproofing product depending on what kind of leather product you want to clean and maintain.
Types of Leather Care Products
Leather care products are of three varieties, leather cleaners to clean surface dirt, oil and debris. Leather conditioners, that maintain the luster, sheen and suppleness of leather and leather waterproofing agents that help in making a leather item waterproof. For day-to-today maintenance of leather goods, cleaning them is very important. For this, you need to choose a good leather cleaner. Leather cleaners are basically of three types; water based leather cleaner, oil based leather cleaner and alcohol based leather cleaner. Water based leather cleaners clean the leather products without hindering or getting inside the pores of the leather. It cleans the leather from the surface only and does not damage the protective outer coating. Oil based leather cleaners contain some form of oil like mink oil or any other animal oil. Alcohol based cleaners, as the name suggests, contain alcohol as one of the main ingredient in the cleaning product. Alcohol based cleaners should be used sparingly since it might dry out the leather and cause it to shrink and crack.
Leather conditioners are used for keeping the leather looking lustrous and shiny. Leather conditioners or leather lotions contain some form of plant or animal oil. You should choose a leather conditioner that contains a light oil as opposed to a heavy one as heavy and greasy oil in the conditioner can clog the pores of the leather. The third type of leather maintenance product is a waterproofing agent. Not all leather products require waterproofing. Indoor leather furniture or leather home decor items can very well do without waterproofing. However, to prevent cracks and damage to leather shoes and leather clothing items like jackets, you need to apply a waterproofing agent. A leather waterproofing agent acts as a barrier to water and is applied all over the surface of the leather. A combination of beeswax and light oil are the main ingredients of a leather waterproofing agent.
Tips for Using Leather Care Products
- Leather conditioner or leather lotions should only be used on smooth leather. Leather conditioner should be applied every three months to keep the product looking fresh and new.
- Before you use any leather maintenance product it is wise to first test the product in an inconspicuous area of the leather garment or furniture. This way you can make sure that the product you are using is suitable for your leather goods.
- Never use common household cleaners like furniture polish, vinegar, shoe polish, nail polish remover and any acetone or ammonia based cleanser on your leather products. These products might damage the leather.
- In case of scuff marks on patent leather shoes, dab the area with a cotton swab that has been dipped with alcohol and wipe with a clean microfiber cloth.
- In case of stains and spills on leather jackets and upholstery, use a bit of leather cleaner on the area.
- Avoid aggressive scrubbing of leather products while using a leather cleaner. Leather is a fine and delicate material and you might damage it with excessive force.
