How to Wash Leather
Hand wash leather for basic maintenance and deep cleaning., Make a soapy water solution with castile soap., Dip a soft, lint-free cloth in the cleaning solution., Wipe the leather with the cloth to remove dirtiness., Remove soap film and remaining...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Hand wash leather for basic maintenance and deep cleaning.
Hand cleaning is great for spot treating scuff marks and dirt, but it’s also an effective way of deep cleaning leather.Although if your item is expensive or made of hard leather, a professional cleaner might be the safest cleaning method. -
Step 2: Make a soapy water solution with castile soap.
Pour a small amount of castile soap into a bowl of distilled water.Agitate the solution with your hand or a whisk to distribute the soap and create bubbles.
For even better leather protection, use a soap specially formulated for cleaning leather.
These kinds of soaps are available at many general retailers, hardware stores, and craft stores.
If you don’t have castile soap or a specialty leather cleaner, you can use a mild soap, like dish soap, as a substitute.Always test your cleaning solution on an out of sight spot on the leather before using it to clean more visible parts., A normal dishcloth will do if you don’t have better options, but a microfiber cloth will work best.
Avoid using any kind of abrasive material, like a scrubbing pad, as these may scratch leather, creating cloudiness in its finish.
Generally speaking, harsh cleaners should be avoided when cleaning leather.
These can cause a negative reaction the deforms the leather’s surface. , Follow the grain of the leather with your cloth as you wipe.
In areas where there is caked-on dirt or a tough-to-remove spot, rub using a light, circular motion to remove the debris.
Avoid completely saturating the leather with water as you clean, which can damage the leather.
You may want to allow the leather to dry a bit if it becomes too wet while cleaning., You should be especially careful to remove all soap when you're done, as it can dry the leather out and cause it to crack.
Take a fresh lint-free rag and dampen it with clean water.
Wipe all cleaned leather surfaces thoroughly. , Arrange the item as it would rest normally on a hanger or suitable surface (like a chair or drying rack) until it air dries completely.
Avoid exposing leather items to direct sunlight, as this can dry out the fabric and cause it to crack. , This last step will restore the leather's smooth texture and keep it protected.
Always follow the conditioner’s directions for the best results, but generally, buff conditioner into the fabric with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
Over time, oil that keeps leather supple and resilient disappears from the fabric.
Cleaning, especially, can leave leather brittle if you don’t replenish these oils with leather conditioner.When cleaning finished leather, avoid products such as mink oil and leather waxes.
They can destroy the polish and appearance of finished leather products. -
Step 3: Dip a soft
-
Step 4: lint-free cloth in the cleaning solution.
-
Step 5: Wipe the leather with the cloth to remove dirtiness.
-
Step 6: Remove soap film and remaining dirtiness with a clean rag.
-
Step 7: Let the item air dry.
-
Step 8: Treat the item with leather conditioner.
Detailed Guide
Hand cleaning is great for spot treating scuff marks and dirt, but it’s also an effective way of deep cleaning leather.Although if your item is expensive or made of hard leather, a professional cleaner might be the safest cleaning method.
Pour a small amount of castile soap into a bowl of distilled water.Agitate the solution with your hand or a whisk to distribute the soap and create bubbles.
For even better leather protection, use a soap specially formulated for cleaning leather.
These kinds of soaps are available at many general retailers, hardware stores, and craft stores.
If you don’t have castile soap or a specialty leather cleaner, you can use a mild soap, like dish soap, as a substitute.Always test your cleaning solution on an out of sight spot on the leather before using it to clean more visible parts., A normal dishcloth will do if you don’t have better options, but a microfiber cloth will work best.
Avoid using any kind of abrasive material, like a scrubbing pad, as these may scratch leather, creating cloudiness in its finish.
Generally speaking, harsh cleaners should be avoided when cleaning leather.
These can cause a negative reaction the deforms the leather’s surface. , Follow the grain of the leather with your cloth as you wipe.
In areas where there is caked-on dirt or a tough-to-remove spot, rub using a light, circular motion to remove the debris.
Avoid completely saturating the leather with water as you clean, which can damage the leather.
You may want to allow the leather to dry a bit if it becomes too wet while cleaning., You should be especially careful to remove all soap when you're done, as it can dry the leather out and cause it to crack.
Take a fresh lint-free rag and dampen it with clean water.
Wipe all cleaned leather surfaces thoroughly. , Arrange the item as it would rest normally on a hanger or suitable surface (like a chair or drying rack) until it air dries completely.
Avoid exposing leather items to direct sunlight, as this can dry out the fabric and cause it to crack. , This last step will restore the leather's smooth texture and keep it protected.
Always follow the conditioner’s directions for the best results, but generally, buff conditioner into the fabric with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
Over time, oil that keeps leather supple and resilient disappears from the fabric.
Cleaning, especially, can leave leather brittle if you don’t replenish these oils with leather conditioner.When cleaning finished leather, avoid products such as mink oil and leather waxes.
They can destroy the polish and appearance of finished leather products.
About the Author
Megan Thomas
A passionate writer with expertise in cooking topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: