Leather is a material that is quite popular when shopping for items such as shoes, wallets, belts, handbags. However, it is also a material that is easily damaged if not properly preserved and used. Preserving and using leather items is not too difficult, just pay a little attention to them and you will own beautiful and durable leather items.

Proper storage of leather goods

Avoid exposing leather to moisture such as rain, sweat, and other liquids. Unprotected leather will harden and crack more quickly. Apply a leather preservative to the leather after it has dried and been cleaned. Reapply periodically to ensure the water-based item is completely dry before wearing. For high-end leathers, it is best to take them to a shop.

To keep leather items from deforming, remember: Always keep them in a cool, dry place. Do not put leather items in plastic bags or boxes that are too tight. When hanging leather clothes, do not use metal hangers. Always stuff leather bags with newspaper and use shoe trees when storing shoes or boots. Put desiccant bags in boxes containing leather items. And never leave leather items close to the floor, even if your floor is tiled or cemented. Soil moisture will cause the leather to deteriorate quickly and especially in the rainy season, the humid air will cause the leather to become moldy.

The most effective way to preserve the leather item you buy is to ask the seller about the specific characteristics of the product and how to care for it. So when buying a leather item, don’t forget to ask the seller to tell you:

– What kind of leather is it? In the fashion world, the four types of leather commonly used are cowhide (the most durable), buffalo leather (less durable than cowhide and cheaper), lambskin (soft and thin, usually only used for jackets), and adult sheepskin (more durable and also more expensive).

– How to keep it? If you can’t remember everything the sales person says, write it down in a notebook.

– Which products are good for preserving leather? Shoe sellers will tell you which polish is good for white shoes, which is good for sheepskin coats…
The process of preserving leather goods is usually divided into four steps. Don't skip any of them:

Cleanser: Always choose a product that helps maintain the natural oils of the leather. Avoid cleansers that leave residue or any oily residue as this can trap bacteria, dull the leather and cause stitches to break.

Before bleaching the entire leather item, test a small, inconspicuous area. Wait a few minutes: If there is no discoloration, proceed. To remove excess bleach, use a damp cloth or a small brush to brush around the seams. Bleach your leather regularly to ensure it stays dust-free. Bleach and care for your leather before it dries. Do not use heat to dry your leather, but let it dry naturally to maintain its shape.

For moldy leather, mix one cup of rubbing alcohol with one cup of water, dip a clean cloth in the solution and wipe the moldy area. For tougher stains, use a bar soap containing an antibacterial agent and water. Wipe off the excess soap with a clean cloth and let the leather dry. Most oil or grease stains can be removed by crushing a piece of chalk, sprinkling it over the affected area and leaving it for about a day.

Conditioning: All leather needs to be softened after washing. The oils or greases in conditioners help lubricate the leather and add softness. Be careful with products that contain petroleum or mineral oil, as these will damage the leather later. Avoid conditioners that leave residue or are too greasy. Condition leather several times a season and expose it to sunlight and humidity regularly.

Polish: Be careful with some polishes that contain dyes, as they can damage the natural color of the leather. Some products can also clog the leather's pores, causing permanent damage. Polish the leather with a soft cloth.

Protection: Keep leather items away from moisture such as rain, sweat, and other liquids. Unprotected leather will harden and crack more quickly. Apply a leather preservative to the item after it has dried and been cleaned. Reapply periodically to ensure the item is completely dry before wearing. For high-end leathers, it is best to take it to a shop.

To keep your leather items from losing their shape, remember: Always keep them in a cool, dry place. Do not put leather items in plastic bags or airtight boxes. When hanging leather clothes, do not use metal hangers. Always stuff leather bags with newspaper and use shoe trees when storing shoes or boots.