LEATHER CARE

Leather ages gracefully and can last a lifetime if cared for properly, right from the start. 

1-Leather Dyes:  Whenever cleaning your leather apparel by hand, you may notice a small amount of dye may come off. This is normal and part of the wearing process.  For this reason you should avoid using household cleaners on you garment, since they may take off more dye than usual.

2- Because unprotected leather is susceptible to spotting from water and other liquids, a newly purchased leather item should be treated immediately to prevent permanent stains.  The use of too much oil and wax, however, can clog pores, causing leather to lose its ability to allow air in and moisture out.

3- Be careful not to use waxes, silicone products or other leather preparations that impair a garment’s ability to breathe. 

4- To retain its beauty and other desirable qualities, Leather requires frequent conditioning to replace the natural lubricants lost during normal use.  With proper care, Leather can be protected from excessive dryness that can cause it to crack, and from moisture that may cause it to swell or mildew.  Just like your skin, if leather gets dry, it cracks and splits, the cow is no longer there to produce the oils, so conditioning is important if you want your leather garment to last!

5- Without regular cleaning and conditioning, perspiration will draw the moisture out of the leather, turning it hard and eventually making it tear like paper. If this occurs, there is no product or treatments that will bring it back. 

6-Stains: clean them when they are fresh!  Most stains can be cleaned up quickly with a damp cloth.  Stains from oil or grease can be removed by grinding ordinary white blackboard chalk, sprinkle it on the stain, leaving it there for about a day.  Don’t rub it in, just let it sit.  After about a day, simply use a leather care brush to remove the powder. 
Any stain that can’t be removed by a damp cloth or chalk, consider taking to a professional cleaner who knows how to clean leather.

7- If not cared for properly, the skins in your garment can stretch or sag.  Leather jackets, vests and shirts should be hung on wide or padded hangers to best maintain their shape. 
 
8- Do not store leather goods in plastic bags or other non-breathable covers once received.  If your leather garment must be stored in a garment bag, keep it open for ventilation.  Consider cutting a hole in an old sheet or pillowcase to cover your leather when storing it.

9- Store your leathers in a well ventilated, cool, dry place.  Avoid hot areas such as attics; or damp areas such as cellars.  Avoid very humid and dry environments as well as direct sunlight. 

10- Allow wet or damp leather to air-dry naturally away from any source of heat.  Apply a little leather conditioner when the leather is nearly dry to restore flexibility.  Follow this with a full conditioning treatment after the leather has completely air-dried.  Suede can be brushed with a terry towel to restore its look.

11- In winter, promptly remove any salt deposits from garments by sponging with clear water, then follow with the treatment recommended above for wet or damp leather.  To prevent mildew try to protect leather from excessive humidity.

12- In a dry environment, regularly condition the leather in order to prevent it from drying out and cracking.

13- Avoid spraying perfumes or hair sprays while wearing your garment

14- Wrinkles should hang out.  If ironing is desired, set iron on rayon setting, use a heavy
Brown wrapping paper (such as a brown paper bag) as a pressing cloth on the right side of the garment and a quick hand to prevent overheating and shine.

15- Never use caustic household chemicals to clean leather.  Also, avoid leather preparations that contain alcohol.

16- Avoid turpentine and mineral spirits as they can pull color.

17- Caution, use of mink oil or other animal fats will darken leather.

18- When treating and conditioning your leather apparel, don’t forget your leather on your bike!!