How to Care for Leather Clothes
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Caring for Leather Garments. We all have these and suede in our closets.
Here's a guide that will keep your rawhide looking tough.
Know Your Leather
There are four main types:
1 Protected: These are the toughest and most practical. It's is finished with pigments on the surface. You can restore the color on scratches.
2 Aniline: This type (also called natural, naked or unprotected) is colored with a transparent dye so that the grain shows through. It has no protective coating though you can spray it with water repellant.
3 Nubuck: This is an aniline (also called distressed or bomber) that has been brushed to create a soft velvety surface. It's very absorbent and will stain easily, although some Nubucks, such as distressed or bomber, have waxed surfaces that offer some protection.
4 Suede: Suede is actually the flesh side. But it looks like Nubuck and needs similar care. You can also protect suedes and Nubucks with a water repellant spray but it may darken the color.
Cleaning
Always follow the cleaning instructions on the garment.
Finished: Remove surface dirt and stains by rubbing with a damp sponge. If that doesn't work, apply a little saddle soap or liquid detergent and rub again.
Unfinished: These garments will spot if wet. Rub off the stain with a suede brush or ultra-fine sandpaper.
This natural fabric rarely needs to be professionally cleaned. That's good because professional cleaning is expensive and it may fade the color. If you must send it to the cleaners, find a cleaner who specializes in leather. And if you have a two-piece outfit, send both pieces so the color stays consistent.
Storage
Store these garments on shaped or padded hangers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Cover them with cloth instead of plastic so the garment can breathe; otherwise it might dry out or mildew.
Wrinkles
If the wrinkles in your garment don't hang out, try steaming them out. Hang the garment in the bathroom while you shower. If you still have wrinkles, you can iron the garment with the iron on the lowest setting (no steam). Place brown paper between the iron and the garment to protect it.
Drying
Avoid getting these garments wet. If it does get wet, blot the excess gently with a towel. Then dry it flat away from direct heat. Heat will dry out its natural oils and make the leather hard and cracked.
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From Leather Care: Return to Laundry & Stains
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