How to care for leather you shouldn't do

Protect your favorite leather products! What leather care methods should you avoid?

Leather products are valuable items that can be used for a long time by properly caring for them. However, incorrect care can lead to damage to the leather and shorten its lifespan. In this article,How to care for your leather at all costsWe will explain in detail about this and introduce the correct care methods to make leather products last longer.



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Introduction: Basics of leather care

Leather products have a luxurious feel and are widely used as fashion and everyday items. but,Natural materialsLeather is extremely delicate and proper care is important. Over time, leather is susceptible to dryness, moisture and sunlight, and can cause deterioration such as cracking, fading and mold growth if not properly maintained.

To make your leather products last longer, firstThe wrong care methods to avoidIt is important to know. Improper care can damage the leather and make it difficult to repair.

In this article, we will dig deep into the points that you should pay particular attention to and show you how to properly care for leather products. Be sure to have the correct knowledge and be able to use your precious leather products for a long time.

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How to clean leather you shouldn't do

Leather products are made of very delicate materials.The wrong cleaning methodDoing so will not only shorten the lifespan of the leather, but it will also have a major impact on the appearance and texture. Below we will explain in detail the cleaning methods you should absolutely avoid when caring for leather products.

1. Use alcohol and acetone

For leather careAlcohol and acetoneUsing this is a particularly good practice to avoid. These ingredients deprive the natural oils of leather, causing dryness and cracking. Alcohol can temporarily remove dirt and stains, but after that, the leather will dry out and become hard.

Oilless leatherloses flexibility and flexibility, making it more prone to cracking and discoloration. Alcohol and acetone can also destroy the finishes and coatings applied specifically to the leather surface, resulting in a significant shortening of the lifespan of leather products.

2. Wash with a large amount of water

Leather products are extremely sensitive to water,Wash with a large amount of waterThat's not allowed. When water penetrates the leather, the fibers expand, causing deformation and mold. In particular, if moisture seeps into the inside of the leather, it is difficult to dry out, and over time the leather becomes harder and causes cracks.

Also, leather becomes softer when moisture is present, making it easier to change shape. This makes it difficult for leather products such as shoes and bags to maintain their original shape, and can significantly damage their appearance.

3. Direct heat

To dry out wet leather,Use a hair dryer or heaterBe sure to avoid doing this at all costs. Direct heat can cause the leather to shrink or harden. In particular, if you apply high-temperature heat to dry, the leather fibers will shrink and cannot be restored.

If the leather product gets wet, it is safest to let it dry naturally.In a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlightBy drying, it can be dried without compromising the texture of the leather.

These incorrect cleaning methods not only significantly shorten the lifespan of leather products, but also have a major impact on the appearance and texture, so it is important to take care of them in the right way.

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How to store leather products to avoid

To maintain beautiful leather products for a long time,Proper storage methodis required. If you use the wrong storage method, the leather will lose its texture and gloss, causing deterioration. The following storage environments should be particularly avoided:

1. Humidity locations

Leather absorbs moisture very well,Store in a humid placeAvoid doing so. Moisture accumulates can cause mold to grow on the leather. Mold destroys the fibers of leather, not only shortens the lifespan of leather products, but also damages the beauty of the product.

Especially in enclosed spaces such as shoe boxes and closets, moisture tends to accumulate, so storage is necessary for ventilation.DehumidifierBy using this product, it can protect your leather products from mold.

2. Places exposed to direct sunlight

Leather products areFade or dry out if exposed to direct sunlight for a long timeThis may cause the In particular, ultraviolet rays contained in sunlight can destroy the leather fibers and cause the color to fade.

In addition, heat from sunlight can dry out the leather, making it less soft and supple. Therefore, when storing leather products,A cool place away from direct sunlightIt is important to choose.

3. A sealed location

Leather productsA sealed placeYou should also avoid storing it in. If the product is not breathable, moisture will easily accumulate, causing the leather to become moldy and strange odors.

When storing,Good ventilation and does not easily accumulate moistureIt is ideal to choose and store it in a breathable cloth cover or paper bag. Be careful not to put it in a sealed bag such as a plastic bag.

By creating a storage environment in this way, the lifespan of leather products can be significantly extended.

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Preventing the wrong leather from getting wet

If a leather product gets wet, it will cause serious damage to the leather if not taken appropriate measures.Countermeasures to get incorrectly wetTo avoid this, please note the following points:

1. Leave it wet

When the leather product gets wet,Leave it as isBe sure to avoid doing this at all costs. Moisture soaks into the leather, making it more likely to cause stains and mold. In particular, if left wet for a long time, moisture will accumulate inside the leather and make it less likely to dry out.

If it gets wet, it is important to immediately absorb moisture with a soft cloth and then let it dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.Avoid direct sunlight and high temperature heat sourcesBy slowly drying, you can minimize damage to the leather.

2. Scrape with strong force

If you rub the wet leather hard,The surface of the leather is damaged and the gloss is lost.It's going to happen. In particular, smooth leather with a smooth surface makes it prone to visible scratches when rubbed hard.

When wiping off moisture,Gently press it down to absorb moistureThe key is to make it happen. This allows you to carefully remove moisture without putting any excess force on the leather.

By avoiding these incorrect solutions, you can protect your leather products from water and keep them beautiful for a long time.

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In the end: Make your leather last longer with the correct care

Leather products areMaintaining beauty for a long time with proper careThis is an attractive item that can be used and will increase its unique texture the more you use it. However, continuing to care for the leather incorrectly can not only shorten the lifespan of the leather, but also lead to difficult damage to repair.

Having the correct knowledge,Regular careBy doing this, you can use leather products for a long time. Use this article as a reference to properly care for your precious leather products and enjoy the texture for a long time.

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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Leather Product Care

Q1. Is it okay to use waterproof spray on leather products?

Yes, using waterproof spray on leather products is effective. however,Waterproof spray for leatherIt is important to choose. The appropriate spray varies depending on the type of leather, such as smooth leather and suede, so be sure to check the product manual before using it. Also, when using waterproof spray, we recommend that you test on inconspicuous areas to make sure the leather does not change color or texture before spraying it all over.

Q2. How should I deal with the rain when my leather product gets wet?

If the leather product gets wet in the rain, immediately wipe off the moisture with a dry, soft cloth and thenNaturally dry in a well-ventilated areaLet me do it. When drying, avoid direct sunlight or strong heat such as hair dryers. Abrupt drying can harden the leather or cause cracks. Once it's completely dry, apply a moisturizing cream specifically for the leather to keep it flexible.

Q3. Can I wash my leather jacket in the washing machine?

No, you should definitely avoid washing your leather jacket in the washing machine. Machine water and mechanical friction can damage the leather fibers and cause deformation and fading.For cleaning leather jackets, contact a specialist.It's safest to do. When cleaning at home, only wipe off partially with a cleaner.

Q4. Mold has grown on leather products. What should I do?

If mold grows on leather products, first gently wipe off the mold with a dry cloth.Leather cleanerUse to remove mold. After that, dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area and apply a cleaner or moisturizing cream to adjust the leather. If mold is spreading or it is difficult to deal with it yourself, we recommend consulting a professional leather cleaner.

Q5. How do I care for suede products?

Unlike other leathers, suede isCream containing oilwill not be used. Use a special suede brush to remove dust and dirt from the surface. If the dirt is severe, use a cleaner specifically for suede to take care of it carefully. It is also effective to use a waterproof spray to prevent dirt and water.

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Author information

Yama (Cowmono Owner)

Author name: Yama (Cowmono Owner)

Occupation: Slowth Lab Representative

He is engaged in sales and marketing for apparel companies both in Japan and abroad over quarterly. He has a deep knowledge of fashion, sports, outdoor activities, and subculture.