KINGSMERE CRAFTS

HAND-CRAFTED LEATHER GOODS

Leather items can get dirty, wrinkled and maybe even stained. You may be wondering about preventative measures and may even be wondering what you should do to your new special leather item to preserve it. I also cover the cleaning of finished leather in some detail on page 15.

If you want it to stay looking just like it did when you took it out of the box ... put it back in the box. Whatever you do to leather will change its appearance in some way. This, as well as normal use, will make the item uniquely yours.

If leather stays dry it will give you years of use. What really destroys leather is mould growing on the leather. It feeds on the fibres. Eventually the leather goes dry and powdery, similar to dry rot in wood. Just putting on oil will not repair the leather.

Generally speaking people like leather because it is easy to care for. It is not, however, indestructible. In general, the more heavily finished a leather surface is, the more resistant it is to spills and stains. Untreated leather absorbs, and is easily stained, by oils. It can also be harmed by abrasive cleaners, and organic solvents. Soap and water is good for routine cleaning, but commercially available leather cleaners also work. The latter often contain lubricating materials which are intended to keep leather supple. Really dirty leather may require the use of a mild detergent solution but care should be taken, because some detergent solutions may not be pH balanced, containing compounds that could harm the leather. Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. It is also a good idea to damp-wipe rather than soaking the leather with water.

Dirt can usually be wiped off leather and exotic-skin bags and personal accessories with a clean, barely moist cloth. Saddle soap is not recommended, as it may remove the natural oils. A leather cream used sparingly enriches and if it's a transparent cream, there's no danger of it rubbing off on clothes.

A brush raises the nap and removes dust from suede items. New suedes are subject to "crocking", which means suede dust may rub off on hands and clothes. Crocking can be minimized by rubbing any new suede bag or accessory vigorously with a terry towel.

If suede or leather gets wet or rain spotted, stuff it with tissue paper and let it dry at room temperature. After suede has dried, brushing it with a terry towel will restore its appearance.

For spills: Wipe up excess liquid immediately with a clean cloth or sponge. If necessary use clean lukewarm water and let the leather air-dry.
For spots and stains: Apply a mild, non-detergent soap solution with a clean, wet sponge. Rinse well and let air-dry. Especially stubborn dirt may require a detergent solution, but care should be taken.
For butter, oil or grease: Wipe excess butter, oil or grease off the leather with a clean, dry cloth, then leave it alone as the spot should dissipate into the leather in a short period of time. Do not apply water to try to wash a butter, oil or grease mark.

Do not place your furniture too near a radiator or similar source of heat. Make sure that there is a minimum of 20-30 cm between your furniture and your heat source.

Protect your leather furniture from direct sunlight.

Keep the leather pores free from dust particles.

With minimal care, your leather furniture can last decades. A monthly wiping with a warm and damp clean cloth will prevent your body oils and dust from creating a build up. As easy as it sounds, this maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your leather furniture.

General leather care tips

* Always hang leather coats on wide, padded hangers. Use shoe-trees in shoes and boots. Stuff empty handbags with tissue-paper to retain their shape.

* Do not store leather goods in plastic bags or other non-porous coverings. If clothing must be stored in a garment bag, keep it open for ventilation.

* Allow wet or damp leather to air-dry naturally away from any source of heat. Apply a little conditioner when the leather is nearly dry, to restore flexibility. Follow this with a full conditioning treatment when the leather is completely dried.

* In winter promptly remove any salt deposits from shoes and boots by sponging with clear water; then follow with the treatment recommended above for wet or damp leather.

* To prevent mildew, protect leather from excessive humidity. In a dry environment, to prevent it from drying out and cracking, regularly condition it.

* Do not use waxes, silicon products or other leather preparations that impair the ability of the leather to "breathe"

* Never use caustic household chemicals to clean leather. Avoid leather preparations that contain alcohol or petroleum distillates, such as turpentine and mineral spirits.

* The use of mink oil or other animal fats will darken leather. Animal fat will turn rancid, causing the stitching and the leather to rot.

To retain its beauty and other 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 causes it to crack, and from moisture that may cause it to swell or mildew.

Because unprotected leather is susceptible to spotting from water and other liquids, a newly purchased leather item should be treated immediately to help prevent this from occurring.

The use of too much oil or wax however can clog the pores, causing the leather to lose its ability to allow air in and moisture out. For the best protection, I recommend Lexol, a light cleaner and conditioner that is highly effective, readily available, and very easy to use.

It cleans without stripping natural oils, conditions without clogging pores, and provides water resistance without sealing the leather surface. It prevents the leather from drying out and cracking, and protects against staining and the discolouration that can occur from contact with water, body oil and other soiling agents.

You can use Lexol for all smooth leather, and even delicate exotics such as eel and snakeskin.

Because it contains no petroleum distillates (e.g. turpentine or mineral spirits), it will not "pull" colour and is safe for even bright and light fashion tones.

Never use preparations made for smooth leather on suede or rough out leather.

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