“The heart doesn't age, it's the leather that wrinkles” says the Spanish proverb. And even though leather lasts a long time, it can end up getting damaged if it is not treated well. For this reason, we bring you this guide on How to clean leather and what maintenance You need this material so that it lasts a long time.
Leather is one of the most durable natural materials available if it is well cared for. Many items are made from leather, from sofas, to clothing such as jackets and shoes, and even car seats.
In this article we explain How to clean the leather of any product or accessory and make it last a lifetime with a gentle clean and a shine as if it were the first day.
What are leather, suede and nubuck? What do you need to know to clean these materials?
Leather is a natural, manufactured fabric obtained from animal skins. The skins are tanned to obtain leather.
Specifically, leather is the outer part of animal skin that is polished and tanned until it has a smooth surface.
Suede and nubuck are also products derived from animal skins. and they look like leather, the difference is that the first two are made from the inside of the leather.
So much Nubuck and suede are softer than leather and are used in delicate products such as gloves and accessories.
Being more delicate and resistant, They require more care than leather, which is more durable.
This fabric is produced by many kinds of animals, from pigs, horses, goats and sheep to ostriches. In fact, the leather obtained from this bird is reputed to be the most durable of all, as well as the finest.
The types of leather vary depending on the origin of the animal. Each skin is different and has its own characteristics.
- For example, pigskin is quite tough, resistant and rigid when working with it. On the other hand, sheepskin is finer, softer and has less opacity, that is, it shines less.
- Although it is made from the skin of many animals, The most common way to make leather is from cowhide.
The main reason for using cowhide is that This animal has a large surface area and many of them are slaughtered for the food sector.To prevent the skin of these animals from spoiling, leather is made from them.
Bovine leather is very versatile, it is rigid and flexible. so it can be used very well to make clothes, bags and other products with its skin.
The most important thing when cleaning this material is to know the type of leather it is., that is, the origin of the animal.
This way, we can better adjust the product.
Another important factor is the thickness of the skin, this aspect is fundamental to determine the quantity of product that we are going to need.
The same amount of product is not used for a thin skin of 1,5 millimetres, such as that of a sheep or horse, as for a thick skin, such as that of a cow, of 3 or more millimetres.
Tips for cleaning leather, suede and nubuck
Any product or material is susceptible to stains and leather is no exception. However, there are certain tips to keep in mind when cleaning this material.
How to clean leather and suede? Cleaning leather is easy if you know the type of leather and use neutral products. Experts recommend using a conditioner or neutral soap in case it gets stained.
Please note that common cleaning products such as soaps, solvents or detergents can damage this material. Avoid using these products as much as possible., especially if you are cleaning finished or treated leather.
Untreated leather is easier to clean than treated leather that looks like suede. As a general rule, it is advisable to use a cloth with water or cleaning products specifically designed for leather.
An example is our product SKU 1095 leather cleaner capable of cleaning all types of dirt, stains and grease on leather, suede and nubuck.
A little soap without rubbing too much can be useful to clean a used leather such as a sofa. Be careful though, as even the mildest soap can be quite harsh on sensitive and old leather.
A trick to avoid damage to leather surfaces is Test the cleaning product in an inconspicuous area such as a corner.
The recommendations for cleaning leather also apply to suede and nubuck. However, these surfaces are more delicate, so it is advisable to be more careful.
Another tip is to treat stains as quickly as possible. Don't think that because it's leather, it can be easily removed. The ideal is to treat any liquid stain immediately, for this it's best to use a little liquid and a soft cloth to remove as much dirt as possible.
Next, it is recommended to wipe the stained area with another soft, damp cloth. It is better if the cloth is slightly warm and does not contain soap.
Another option is to moisten a cloth with a leather cleaner., never apply the product directly onto the leather and always onto the cloth.
Leather care and maintenance
There is a trick to using leather, as you should not rub it too much if you don't want to leave a mark.
The key is to use several different cloths: first a dry one, then a semi-damp one, and finally a dry one.
Once we know this, let's move on to the keys to good leather maintenance:
- Cleaning: Even though leather is a durable material, it is advisable to clean it from time to time. Ideally, dust it once a week with a cloth.
- Hydration: Leather is similar to our skin and over time it dries out and needs hydration. Hydrating leather is essential to keep it from losing its shine. Leather surfaces can be moisturized after cleaning, in fact, it is the most convenient thing to do. First we must remove the dust and then moisturize. We can use a leather conditioner to recover moisture or a home remedy such as a moisturizing hand cream. We should pour it onto a clean, soft cloth and distribute it evenly over the entire leather, ideally with a soft brush or sponge using circular movements.
- Protection. To prevent leather from getting too dirty we can protect it by removing dust and dirt regularly. One solution is to cover them from time to time to prevent them from accumulating dust. In the case of products that we are going to use in the rain, such as shoes, boots or hunters, It is advisable to spray it with a waterproofing spray to give it a layer of wax. and that it is waterproof.
- Dry and immediate cleaning. If leather gets dirty it is best to remove the stain immediately. In case of a difficult to remove stain such as grease, ink or makeup try using a degreasing product for upholstery cleaning such as our detergent SKU 1278 Ideal for carpets, mats and leather seats. If it doesn't come off by rubbing, don't insist and let some time pass. If it doesn't come off, you may need to hire a professional cleaner.
- Store leather goods in a dry place. Heat and mildew can damage leather and suede. Keep them out of the sun and store them in a dry place out of direct sunlight. To keep rigid items like leather bags in shape, store them in a dry place out of direct sunlight. stuff them with a clean towel and put them inside a dust bag.
Products for cleaning leather
Leather can last for many years if we take good care of it, this means use suitable products that do not damage this material.
There are products that can be used to clean all types of surfaces such as leather, suede and nubuck, such as our leather cleaner SKU 1095. However, It is advisable to read the instructions carefully.
And is that Not all products act in the same way or have the same composition.
For instance, of our leather cleaner SKU 1095 It evaporates quickly and does not require drying., however, other products do require a quick wipe with a cloth.
It is applied by spraying directly onto the surface. In the case of For delicate surfaces such as suede or nubuck, it is advisable to read the manufacturer's recommendations.
Avoid toxic products such as detergents and chemicals and whenever possible use neutral products specifically for leather and upholstery.
Cleaning a leather sofa is similar to cleaning a car seat made of the same material.If the stains are difficult to remove, try changing the solution and do a test before adding it to the product.
With these tips and recommendations we finish this guide on how to clean leather, suede and nubuck of any surface.
If you want your leather and suede products to last a long time, don't forget to follow these tips!