Proper Leather Care and Cleaning Methods - Part 2

In part one of our article, we talked about the different types of leather. This week we will discuss how to care for and clean leather properly.

Cleaning finished and unfinished leather is quite different. To clean finished, or top-coat protected leather, take a small amount of mild dishwashing soap and mix with water into a lather. Using a clean rag very little water, gently wipe the surface in a circular motion, cleaning small areas at a time. Take another rag and rinse with fresh clean water. Take another rag and dry immediately. Try to allow as little time as possible for water to come into contact with the leather, as even finished leather is porous and will absorb water. Finally, buffing the surface with a dry cloth may restore shine and luster to the surface.

There are commercial leather cleaners, of course, that are easy to use and effective to keep top-coated leather clean. These cleaners are simply wiped on and wiped off, buffing the leather to its desired finish. These cleaners are safe and effective, but are obviously more costly than the above method.

Suede, aniline, and nubuck are more difficult to clean, being unfinished. Investment in a suede brush is recommended, which is designed to clean and restore the desired nap to these surfaces. There are different types of suede brushes, some being composed of natural or manmade materials. Some are made of metal, and some have a combination of both. Basically, a suede brush removes any loose soil, and when used in conjunction with a cleaning solution, helps remove stain. The brush also "fluffs up" the nap, returning it to its original condition.

Cleaning unfinished leather can be tricky. By the time you are asked to clean furniture, most stains will be dry. If a stain is still wet, apply a dry, absorbent cloth to soak up as much of the liquid as possible, never rubbing it as this will push the liquid further into the surface. Keep applying clean dry cloths until dry. You may then proceed to the following method for removing dry stains.

If you are going to be cleaning much leather, get what is known as a suede eraser or a brown art gum eraser. Rubbing a stain with these may "erase" many stains you may come into contact with. Even a pencil eraser will do in a pinch, but suede erasers are cheap, so pick one up. Rub the eraser over the stain, making sure to move it in every direction, so that all sides of the leather is cleaned. This is particularly important for suede, where the nap of the leather traps stains on all sides.

You never want to use excessive amounts of water to clean suede. A slightly damp cloth with a bit of white vinegar can be used to remove light soils. Agitation with a suede brush can help on suede and nuback surfaces. Follow up with using absorbent cloths to remove as much moisture as possible, as mentioned earlier.

There are also commercial leather cleaners available that may be used to clean these unfinished leathers. I recommend sticking to a foam cleaner, as they prevent the over-wetting of the leather. Follow the directions on the label, but one good idea is to use a sponge to agitate the surface, as this prevents applying too much pressure which may possibly damage the leather. Pretreated leather cleaning cloths are also available, and are a convenient alternative. A suede brush can be used on suede and nuback leathers, to aid in cleaning and restoring the nap. After drying, use the brush to revive the surface.

Never use harsh, abrasive, or ammonia-based cleaners on leather. While saddle soap has been a long-standing product for leather care, it is not recommended for today's leather. Avoid oils (like mink oil), waxes, or silicones on furniture. It is recommended to use a leather conditioner designed for furniture, although many people recommend a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts linseed oil as a homemade conditioner. Allow this to remain on the leather for 10 minutes, then buff with a clean towel.

Conditioning leather furniture will keep the leather supple and soft, preventing drying and eventual cracking of the surface. It also offers a measure of stain prevention. Just make sure the product you use is recommended for the specific type of leather you are cleaning.

Caring for leather is necessary to protect an expensive investment. Routine vacuuming and dusting is required to keep your leather look good and last longer. Sometimes, a professional leather cleaning company may be needed to properly clean your leather, but if you follow these tips, you can help keep your leather furniture looking good.

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Jean Hanson helps owners of residential cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through her online community at MyHouseCleaningBiz.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for House Cleaning Profit Tips at //www.myhousecleaningbiz.com.