As the nights get longer and the weather gets colder and wetter, more people turn to leather for its comfort and durability. Here is our guide on how to keep your clothes, bags and shoes in peak condition and ready to see you through all conditions.
Clothes
If you get caught in the rain, don’t try to dry your leather clothes with a hairdryer or over a radiator. Hang them to dry at room temperature and don’t wear them again until they are back to their best.
Clean any mud splashes with a soft damp, cloth. More troublesome stains can be tackled with soapy water but be sure to make sure it is all rinsed off before being left to dry at room temperature.
Grease splashes can be removed with Fullers Earth (available from DIY stores) or baking soda (available from supermarkets). Sprinkle a small amount on the stain and let it sit for a few hours. Carefully wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Clean suede first by steaming – use a clothes steamer if you have one, but a boiling kettle works well – then brushing gently. Do not use the wire brushes that are sometimes marketed for suede. They are too hard and will damage your clothes. Use a clean tooth or nail brush with nylon bristles. Stains can be avoided with the application of Scotchguard, or a similar suede protector, although this can make the surface a little harsher to the touch.
Leather Bags
Leather bags are usually sturdier and more highly polished than leather shoes and clothes and so are more resistant to harsh weather.
If they get stained, treat them the same as leather clothes, clean with a soft, damp cloth or use soapy water of Fullers Earth or baking powder if needed.
Leather bags can be nourished with saddle soap, this will bring back a pleasing shine and reintroduce any internal moisture they may be lacking. Saddle soap should be applied with a soft, dry cloth and gently worked into the leather until it disappears. Any excess can be wiped off with another dry cloth.
Shoes
Most people know how to polish shoes – clean the dirt off, gently work the polish into the leather with a soft brush, then buff to a shine with cloth or chamois.
But there are other steps to making your shoes last longer. Try to rotate the pairs you wear and don’t wear them on consecutive days. This allows them to dry properly between uses.
And make sure you get them reheeled or resoled as soon as you see signs of them needing it. The longer you leave it, the more damage will be done to the actual structure of the shoe.
Clean suede shoes by steaming and brushing with a soft, nylon-bristled brush. And we really would recommend treating them with Scotchguard or a similar suede protector. It won’t affect the look of the suede and the feel is less important in shoes than it is in clothes.
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