A Comprehensive Guide On How To Properly Care For Leather Goods
Leather goods, whether they are exquisite shoes, stylish handbags, or classic belts, are an indispensable element of the fashion world. In order to ensure the durability of these leather products, it is essential to master the correct maintenance techniques. Here is a detailed guide to the care of leather goods.
Basis of leather type identification and care
Full grain leather: This leather retains the natural pores of leather and feels fine to the touch. When taking care, please avoid using alcohol-based cleaners and do not cover with plastic wrap. Oil wax leather is a kind of full grain leather, and its scratches can be repaired by melting natural oils at finger temperature.
Matte/suede: velvety to the touch, but prone to water stains forming permanent marks. Therefore, shoe polish is prohibited, and special attention should be paid to waterproof.
Coated leather (finish) : The surface has a mirror-like reflection effect, but high temperatures may cause the coating to peel off. Avoid using strengthening agents such as nail polish remover.
Daily protection system
Environmental protection: Install a sunscreen film on the car Windows to protect the interior leather from UV damage. At the same time, keep the humidity of the storage space at 45-55%RH, and the use of intelligent constant humidity box is better. Keep leather products away from high temperature objects, such as radiators.
Contact protection: Nanometer waterproof spray treatment is applied to newly purchased leather products to prevent water stains and stains. Items that stain easily, like dark leather work bags, should be kept separate from leather products.
Periodic maintenance: Regular deep dusting with a soft brush and vacuum cleaner attachment, texturing massage every 30 days, nourishing with a preheated treatment oil every 90 days.
Deep cleaning and stain treatment
Water stains: Use a cotton pad to quickly absorb the water, and then use skin simulation grease to fill and repair.
Oil stains: Absorb excess oil with corn starch, and then neutralize lightly with white vinegar cotton sheet.
Ink stain: Milk soaking method, then professional treatment with collagen repair membrane.
Mildew spot: Use medical alcohol to wipe, and ultraviolet ozone double effect sterilization.
Nourish and care
Choose the right nutrient according to the “skin type” of the leather. For oily leather, mink oil is used, for dry leather, beeswax + coconut oil is used, and for sensitive leather, custom grade care sets are used.
Use body temperature to heat the oil and apply in circles to improve absorption efficiency.
Scientific storage
Plum rainy season: Use a hanging dehumidifier bag and silica gel desiccant, while real-time monitoring with a hygrometer.
Heating season: Use a humidifier to keep the humidity in the room and apply a leather moisturizing lotion.
Season change: Use a vacuum compression bag for storage, but retain 5% air to prevent indentation. It is recommended to fill the inclusions with Sydney paper to prevent fading.
Damage repair and self-rescue
Scratch repair: Shallow scratches can be ringed with colorless shoe polish, and deep scratches need to use thermal repair technology.
Edge oil regeneration: After sanding with sandpaper, oil with edge oil repair pen and cure for 24 hours.
Hardware oxidation: light oxidation can be polished with a silver cloth, heavy oxidation requires the use of silver washing water and anti-oxidation coating.
Expert advice and benefit quantification
Regularly maintained high-quality leather products can appreciate in value by 8-12% annually. Keeping a dedicated care log, recording the time, products, and effects of each care session, can help obtain a higher premium when reselling.
For valuable exotic leather products, consider professional maintenance annually at a certain percentage of the purchase price to maintain their best condition.
By following this guide, you will be able to ensure that your leather products remain in optimal condition, exhibiting unique charm and value.
