Tips and Methods for cleaning leather

The best method for cleaning leather.
The best method for cleaning leather is determined by the type of the stain and the type of the leather. Read How to Treat Stains in Leather for advice on removing specific stains (below).

The following are instructions for general leather cleaning:
Before cleaning leather, determine whether the leather is finished - like car leather seats, luggage, furniture and garments
or unfinished - like baseball gloves, work boots and saddles. Then follow the instructions below to keep your leather looking fabulous.

Instructions - Difficulty level: Easy

Finished Leather
Step One
Place a small amount of a gentle, moisturizing soap such as Dove on a damp cloth and bring it to a light lather.

Step Two
Rub the damp cloth on the leather without putting too much water on the leather.

Step Three
Wipe away lather with a fresh damp cloth. Don't rinse the leather in water.

Step Four
Polish leather with a dry towel.

Step Five
Treat leather with a Restoration Conditioner after it has dried completely.

Tips & Warnings:
• Cleaning leather is a dangerous game. Cleaning can change the color or appearance of the leather. Always test the cleaning on a small invisible patch of leather before proceeding on the whole item.
• Avoid products like mink oil, shoe polish and waxes when cleaning leather furniture or garments.

Unfinished Leather
Step One
Use a damp cloth or sponge to rub saddle soap into the leather; work soap into a light lather.

Step Two
Wipe away lather and allow to air dry.

Step Three
Oil leather with a leather preservative such as mink oil.

Tips & Warnings
• Consider seeking professional assistance as improper cleaning might damage the leather.

How to Treat Stains on Leather.

Here are basic guidelines for treating stains on leather clothing, shoes and furniture, and they apply to all gradations of the material. However, cleaning can alter the color or appearance of leather, so when in doubt, consult a leather-cleaning professional.

Instructions: Difficulty level: Moderate
Step One
Mildew stains; Mix 1 cup (8 fl oz/250 ml) rubbing alcohol with 1 cup (8 fl oz/250 ml) water. Moisten a cloth with the mixture and wipe the affected area. Leave to dry.

Step Two
Ink stains: Spray the affected area with hairspray, then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Ink can be extremely difficult to remove, so you may need to consult a leather-cleaning professional.

Step Three
Water stains: Allow a soaked leather garment to dry slowly and naturally. Keep the item away from heat sources, and restore its softness with a leather conditioner after it's dry. For soaked leather shoes, insert shoe trees and let air-dry.

Step Four
Grease stains: Blot excess grease with a clean cloth. Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on the affected area. Let sit for at least 4 hours, then wipe off the powder.

Step Five
Protein (Blood, Urine) Stains: Blot excess moisture with a clean, damp cloth. Allow item to dry slowly, away from a heat source.

Step Six
Gum: Rub with a plastic bag of ice cubes to harden the gum, and then pull off the gum. For any residual gum, heat the area with a hair dryer and rub off the gum with a clean cloth.

Step Seven
Salt Stains: Mix a solution of 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water. Moisten a cloth with the vinegar solution and dab on the affected area.

Step Eight
Discoloration: For leather garments, gloves and bags that are discolored, use a leather spray designed to restore color. These products are sold at shoe repair shops; choose the color that most closely matches.