Are Leather Cleaning Products Worth It?
Why should I care for my leather?
Do you like your leather looking rich and luxurious? Do you know dirt, dust, and other contaminants will harm your leather? Buying leather is an investment and if we do not take care of it then there could be costly repercussions. To increase its longevity, you need to give an extra level of care.
Human skin is similar to leather, it has pores and is breathable. Without the proper moisturization it is susceptible to cracking, which affects its appearance and can be an expensive repair. There are creams and dressings that can be used to prevent cracking, or from leather drying out. We recommend using Mad Cow leather cream for a deep condition.
How fast does it take mold to form?
Yuck! Mold and mildew take one to two days to form and start to grow. Once it starts growing it will become visible not too long after that. Mold spreads quickly and can easily get onto other items. Spots or other undesirable marks could take a stranglehold on your leather. Spots and other non-natural markings will make leather lose its flair. There is no cleaner that can be used on leather that will take the mold off the product. Unfortunately, you pay good money for leather products and when its molded it becomes unusable.
What to clean with?
It is especially important that when you are deciding to clean your leather you are cautious on the types of cleaners that are being used. Window cleaners, rubbing alcohol, and disinfectant sprays/wipes (even baby wipes) are not good for leather and will harm it. These products could even leave spots and marks that cannot be removed. Vinegar is a common solution people have inquired about for cleaning leather. Short answer, no. Vinegar can be too acidic for leather, and will dry it out. When it comes to cleaning before using creams and dressings, it is okay to use an exceedingly small amount of hand soap, or dish soap, diluted with water to clean off excess dirt. Make sure to then wipe down the leather with a damp cloth to ensure that there is no left-over soap residue. Now you are ready to use a leather spot cleaner, dressing, or cream.
Products
Leather dressing products are used to get deep into the leather and help moisturize. With more moisture in the leather the fibers can move and bend with less risk of them breaking or cracking. Leather dressings are generally used for less exposed pieces of leather like belts, wallets, etc. Leather conditioning creams are used for more exposed pieces: think car interiors, furniture with sun exposure, etc. Creams and dressings will restore and add protection which adds years of life to your leather.
You can also get an extra of layer of protection by using a waterproofing spray. Not only do they help keep leather safe, clean, and protected but they also leave leather looking great! Always make sure to clear off any dirt or contaminant before spraying the waterproofer.
Spot cleaners are great for getting rid of surface level stains and dirt. They are easy to use and inhibit mold and mildew from growing and forming. Unfortunately, when it comes to deep, penetrating stains and mold it is difficult to find a product that will be effective. This should be one of the biggest reasons that you want to make sure you’re caring for your leather along the way.
Leather is worth every penny you pay because of its durability and versatility. This is why so many leather items become heirlooms and can be passed down from generation to generation. Caring for your leather with the proper products will ensure that it can sand the test of time.