Practical guide: leather care
Leather is a noble, durable, and elegant material, but it requires regular care to maintain its shine and suppleness. Whether it's a sofa, bag, shoes, or clothing, here are some simple steps to extend the life of your leather goods.
1. Cleanse gently
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Avoid harsh products: choose a special leather soap such as glycerin soap.
Glycerin soap is the most commonly used leather cleaner. It comes in several forms: liquid or solid.
How to apply it?
- Place the liquid or solid glycerin soap on a damp sponge
- Rub the leather gently with the sponge
- Remove residue with a second clean damp sponge
- Polish with a soft, clean cloth
- Let it dry and apply a nourishing cream or milk
2. Feed regularly
Leather, like hide, needs moisturizing. Apply neatsfoot oil, leather grease, or a special nourishing cream with a clean cloth, using circular motions. This step prevents drying and cracking.
Neatsfoot oil
Fiebing's neatsfoot oil is a popular leather care and preservation product.
Bear fat
Bear fat is a traditional treatment valued for its protective and nourishing properties. It softens leather, makes it more resistant to moisture, and extends its lifespan.
Mink oil paste
Fiebing's Mink Oil is a popular product for conditioning, softening, and waterproofing leather goods.
Carnauba Cream
Carnauba cream nourishes, protects and shines leather thanks to its formula based on natural vegetable wax.
3. Protect against attacks
To avoid stains and premature wear, use a suitable waterproofing product. Be sure to test the product on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it fully.
Waterproofing leather is essential to protect it from water, stains, and premature wear. Leather is a natural material that can absorb moisture, which can cause it to harden, warp, or crack over time. Applying a waterproofing product extends its lifespan while maintaining its suppleness and original appearance. It's a simple step to preserve the beauty and quality of leather every day.
4. Avoid heat sources
Never place a leather item near a radiator or in prolonged direct sunlight: direct heat dries out the leather and can cause it to warp.
5. Store with care
Store your leather items away from light and moisture. For bags or shoes, use shoe trees or stuff them with paper to maintain their shape.