Cleaning Leather and Cleaning Suede
Leather and suede have a reputation for being difficult. Not in the diva sense but in the cleaning sense. However, you don't have to throw a diva-sized fit the next time you spill something on your favorite leather pants or suede sofa. Just follow these cleaning suggestions to restore your beloved item to its former glory.
Cleaning Leather
So you’ve spilled an unidentifiable substance onto your leather sofa. Or, worse,
your way-cool leather jacket. No worries: leather isn’t very difficult to clean.
For best results, make sure you have the following at your fingertips:
- Two damp cloths
- Saddle soap
- A dry towel
- Leather conditioner
Using one damp cloth, rub the saddle soap into the leather until a lather has
formed. Then, use the other damp cloth to wipe away the lather. After that,
run a dry towel over the leather to polish the leather. Finally, rub the leather
with leather conditioner.
Of course, this method might not work for all leather products. Many cleaning
experts suggest contacting leather cleaning professionals in the event of stains
resulting from beer, chocolate, paint or blood.
Cleaning Suede
Maybe the sofa or jacket you’re lamenting is made not of leather, but of suede.
If this is the case, arm yourself with the following:
- A bath towel
- A pencil eraser
- A suede brush
- White vinegar
- A dry cloth
First, rub the suede with a bath towel. Then, remove any dry stains with a
pencil eraser. Next, brush over the suede with a suede brush. After that, apply
a small bit of white vinegar to the stains and use the cloth to scrub the stains
away. Finally, let the stains air-dry.
Note that if you’re using vinegar to clean suede shoes, the shoes may have
a bit of a vinegar odor for a little while after.
Keep in mind, though, that suede is often expensive. So, if you’re apprehensive
about applying vinegar to your suede or by attempting to clean suede on your
own, then seek the advice of a professional specialized in cleaning suede.
Of course, the best form of cleaning is prevention. Spray suede and leather
with a leather protection spray to keep it stain-free. As well, ensure that
all your suede and leather products are professionally cleaned every two years.
