How to Clean Animal Leather Clothes
There are a few methods for cleaning animal leather clothes. The most basic and safest way is spot-cleaning. Using leather lotion and hand washing are also good options. If you want to clean your leather clothing more thoroughly, consider using steam cleaning or a leather cleaning lotion. In both cases, however, be sure to follow the care instructions carefully to avoid causing damage to the leather.
Spot-cleaning is the easiest way to remove stains from animal leather
One of the simplest ways to remove stains from animal leather clothing is spot-cleaning. You can use a damp sponge to apply lemon juice or cream of tartar to the stain. After letting the mixture sit on the stain for about ten minutes, you can rub it off with a clean, damp sponge. Then, condition the leather with a conditioner. If the stain is very dark or difficult to remove, you can also use a citrus freshener in the bath to freshen the leather.
Alternatively, you can also make your own leather cleaner. This simple DIY recipe can include your favorite essential oil. This scent should be a neutral one, so it does not clash with your normal fragrance. You can spray it on with a spray bottle and then rub the stain with a soft cloth. After that, you can buff it to remove the stain and restore the luster of the leather. You can find these ingredients at natural food stores and pharmacies. However, if you have a really difficult stain, you may want to call in a professional to clean the item.
Hand-washing is safer than machine washing
If you’re worried about the environmental impact of machine washing your animal leather clothes, try hand-washing them. Not only will you avoid damage to your clothes, but you’ll also keep them looking their best longer. Hand-washing also prevents you from getting sick by spreading germs. You can use any type of soap to wash your hands.
The key to a good cleaning result is not to use too much detergent, and you should use a soft cloth soaked in the cleaning solution. A microfiber cloth works best for this, as it won’t cause the leather to become wrinkly. Avoid using abrasive cloths, as they can cause cloudy finishes and damage to the leather’s finish. Similarly, avoid using harsh cleaners, which can dry out the leather’s surface and can cause it to crack.
Using a leather lotion
Using a leather lotion is an effective method of cleaning animal leather clothes. Mineral oil forms a protective coating over the leather’s surface and prevents moisture from escaping. This moisture can cause dry rot and accelerate the breakdown of the leather fibres. Although a practical solution, mineral oil may also reduce the colour of the leather and reduce its durability.
The solution should be applied to a cloth and gently rubbed over the leather in an upwards and downwards motion. The leather should be left wet for about 5 to 10 hours before being wiped down with a clean, damp rag.
Steam cleaning
Steam cleaning animal leather clothes will help preserve their shape and keep them smelling fresh. It is also an excellent way to remove bedbugs. A steam cleaner works by passing steam over the entire mattress slowly and carefully. This process is not suitable for all types of leather, and you should check the care instructions thoroughly before you try it.
Steam cleaning can cause damage if not done properly, but it is effective for removing embedded dirt. This method is not recommended for thinner pieces of animal leather. It is advisable to use leather pre-treats before using a steam cleaner. These pre-treatments include a mix of linseed oil and vinegar.
Solvent cleaning
There are a few ways to clean animal leather. You can purchase a cleaner made for cleaning leather and apply it to the stain. However, this method will most likely bleach the leather. The best way to avoid bleaching is to purchase a solvent with a low bleaching tendency. Using this solvent will help you remove stains and odors without damaging the leather.
When cleaning leather, you need to first identify the type of stain. If the stain is water soluble, use a sponge to remove the dirt. However, some types of leather may be coated with a water-resistant layer, so you must identify the kind of leather before using any solvent. If the stain is gummy or fatty, you can use a solvent based on petroleum. However, it is important to test the product on a small area first to be sure that it will not damage the surface.
