How to Clean Leather
Posted by monsterguide
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How to Clean Leather
Did you know that there is more than one kind of leather? If not, then don’t think about cleaning your leather purse, jacket, or sofa until you know exactly what type of leather you are dealing with. Knowing what kind of leather you are dealing with will make all the difference between a clean and shining leather item and one that has been destroyed. Here are some tips to help with cleaning various types of leather.
Soap and Water? Maybe…
Leather that is used for upholstery often can be given a light cleaning with good old fashioned soap and water. Before you get into the cleaning, check with the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, try the soap and water on a small area before cleaning the entire piece of furniture. Use a light soap, such as mild dish washing liquid. A good ratio is one part dish washing liquidto five parts water. Gently rub into the leather, using a circular motion. Make sure that the solution is not wicking out the color from the leather before you use the solution on a larger area.
If the maker of your leather furniture does not specifically recommend soap and water, then do not use it. You will end up with cracks and discoloration that you will never be able to repair. Instead, go with a leather-cleaning kit that does not contain water based cleaning agents. Chances are that the store where you purchased the leather furniture will also carry a line of leather cleaning products that will be right for your furnishings.
How about My Leather Jacket?
While soap and water works fine on some upholstery leathers, it can damage other types beyond repair. For simple touchups, you can use a light cloth and a light spray cleaner to get the dust off the shell of the jacket. Most of the spray cleaners that are advertised as being fine for leather do not contain a water base, so you will be safe. If your leather jacket needs a more robust cleaning, your best bet is to take it to a dry cleaner for a professional cleaning.
Leather jackets will vary a little in the look and feel, again based on the type of leather used. Brushed leather can be cleaned effectively with the use of a mohair brush, or even an old-fashioned shoe brush. Processed leather, such as the type used for motorcycle and aviation jackets, may do fine with soap and water.
Miscellaneous Leather Items
Often, such items as leather handbags, attache’ cases, luggage, leather pants and vests, and leather capes will require the purchase of a leather-cleaning kit. Many finer department stores and leather shops will carry the kits. They usually consist of a brush, cloth, and a cleaning solution. Instructions for use could also be included with every kit.
The main thing to keep in mind with leather is there is no one cleaning solution that works in every situation. Check for any manufacturer recommendations before you try any cleaning process at all. Using the right type of cleaning agent will ensure the item looks great for many years to come.
* Shoes are among the most common products made from leather, but do you know how to shine shoes properly? Most shoes are also made from suede, so you should know the proper tactics for suede cleaning. For these, and other cleaning tasks to be always successful, remember that you should only choose cleaning products that work efficiently.
Cleaning Leather Image Gallery
on March 1st, 2012 at 11:30 pm
[...] Make sure that after you use these odor-removal treatments, you clean and condition the leather. (Tips on how to clean leather) [...]
on January 29th, 2012 at 3:18 am
I have a light brown leather couch that has 2 stains on it. They are old stains. Is there any way to get this out?
on September 7th, 2010 at 4:27 am
I have a sticky residue on my brown leather sofa. what would be the best thing to try and remove it without destroying the sofa? Thanks
on May 6th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Soft leather purse, purchased in Italy, the leather strap is sticky and needs cleaning. What can I use? I really don’t know what process was used in tanning.
on March 20th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
how do i get mould spots off a leather collar on my jacket?? Any help would be very appreciated. Thanks
on February 2nd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
How do i clean mold out of my leather coat?
on January 13th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Recently purchased an inexpensive motorcycle jacket.Like everything about it..Except the mildly strong ‘leather’ odor..other than waiting for the smell to ‘go away’ is there anything that can be done to remove this odor??? thanks
on January 8th, 2010 at 9:33 am
I have a mission oak rocking chair that has been in a storage room. When I brought it out it has the mystery gluey/sticky stuff on the leather seat and back. What can I use to take the sticky off?
on January 6th, 2010 at 10:45 am
How do I remove an oil stain on leather?
on December 25th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
How do I clean mold from leather and suede clothing ?????????
on October 19th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Perfect!Amazing!Super!Thank you very much
on July 27th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
How do I clean the leather seat in a car that has some mystery gluey/sticky stuff on it. I’ve already tried diluted dish soap with no results.
on April 19th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Annatijie,
Call Leather Medic. They can get ink out of leather. Jamea, you too should call Leather Medic, they may be able to give you some advice on the mold problem.
Phone: 888-561-0423, Fax: 239-277-5715
on April 10th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I have a leather lounge suite and have pen marks on it, have tried cleaning it with no luck. Can you help?
on March 31st, 2009 at 12:41 pm
i have a leather holster for my gun.. It is moldy (very) and would like to clean it up… Can you help me with this???? jim b
on March 21st, 2009 at 6:36 am
I have a black leather blazer that was looking dull and when unbuttoned the edges had a worn look as though the black had worn off. I tried leather conditioners and cleaners but they tend to leave spots. I then tried a light coat of neutral shoe polish with a soft cloth, then buffed it. The jacket looks clean, shiny and close to new.