Leather Jacket Tips and Maintenance
Tips and advice on how to make leather last longer
Help your Leather jacket last longer
*Recommended Leather Care is every 3 years or when you spill something. Addressing spills in a timely fashion is important.
Leather outerwear stays in style. With economic uncertainty, it is important to protect and care for your leather items. Most leather jackets and other leather apparel represent a significant investment. Leather garments are durable and can outlast other natural fabrics like cotton or even synthetic fabrics. Cared for properly, they'll age gracefully and have more character each year. Below is a list of suggestions for keeping your leather jackets looking and feeling great.
Leather is a natural fiber that contains natural oils. It is important to keep oil in the garment. Topical applications of mink oil, for instance will help maintain and extend the life of smooth leather garments. They also help repel water and make them stain resistant . Be careful with products that can dry out leather. Some of the synthetic sprays may look great when first applied, but may evaporate quickly and cause skin to dry out. Do not over oil. A wax buildup may occur by repeating the oil process too frequently. As with any home application, test first to make sure results of products are desired. Application of oil on a naked skin or an aniline finish may create a nasty oil stain. The oil stain will dissipate over time, bur may have to be professionally treated for removal. Leather creams and oils will provide luster and moisturizers for leather and will allow maintenance for soft, supple leather. Shoe polish on leather jackets should be avoided. They seldom can be sufficiently buffed out and will cause more harm than good. Read the package directions and pay particular attention to the precautions.
will extend the life and original feel of a leather jacket. Use any oil or cream sparingly. Gently work into skin in a circular motion. These applications should not be applied over dirt. A damp lint free cloth will take care of most surface soil. Use of a mild soapy solution can help with dirt. Allow to air dry fully before applying a creme.
on leather should be treated right away. Food and beverage spills should be wiped down as soon as possible. Ink stains may be treats with a non acetone finger nail polish remover wipe. Extreme caution must be used in using this technique. There is a good chance refinishing of the smooth leather will be necessary. The acetone finger nail polish remover is unsafe on acetate linings.
should be applied before a garment is put on. These solutions have a high concentration of alcohol that can cause drying.
cannot be avoided in many cases. Salts exist in coastal climates and also anywhere snow happens. Types of salt are used for melting snow on roadways. Wiping down garments can help. It cannot replace professional periodic leather cleaning. Perspiration can also cause a salty build-up. While topical cremes can help preserve leather, the salts can cause damage when left unattended. Professional Cleaning will help alleviate salt accumulation.
can scare people unfamiliar with leather care. Simply allow the leather jacket to dry out naturally. Do not try to speed the process up using a heat source, though a fan may be added to assist air movement. The hair drier is definitely out. After garment is dried completely, topical treatment may be necessary. On suede, a kitchen brush or the green side of the yellow kitchen sponge may be necessary. Be careful not to chafe material. A properly oiled garment will repel most moisture.
is a good way leather last, but timely addressing of stains is important. Food that is allowed to sit in any type of fabric attracts bugs and may allow mildew to grow. The moth in your closet would rather nibble on the spilled spaghetti sauce on your leather jacket. Then he'll go after the cashmere sweater for desert.
will extend the life of the metal zipper parts. A zipper will rarely wear out. It may need lubrication from time to time. At the first sign of sticking, a candle or crayon may be rubbed on the zipper. If the zipper pull becomes bent or worn, it may be replaced at a much lower cost than full zipper replacement. Prevention is an important element of zipper life expectancy. Tears and rips should be addressed in a timely fashion before they get bigger.
is an essential part of leather jacket care. Cleaners often return garments in a plastic bag for transport. They should not be left in the bag. If dust is a factor, they can be wrapped in a sheet or pillow case. Cedar blocks can be used in a closet to help with bugs and moisture. Furs have their own requirements. Cold Storage is recommended for Furs. Always use a sturdy hanger to help jacket maintain it's shape.
at home is possible using a warm iron (Rayon setting) with a cloth between the leather and the iron. A professional leather cleaner is equipped to remove most wrinkles. Home ironing should be done with extreme caution.
*Recommended Leather Care is every 3 years or when you spill something. Addressing spills in a timely fashion is important.
