A good starting point for cleaning leather is to determine if your leather item is finished or unfinished. In general finished leather items will have a shiny or smooth surface which may be luggage, garments, handbags, wallets, or garments. Unfinished leather and suede usually have a natural dull finish or nappy finish like saddlery, work boots and shoes or sport gloves etc.

Purchase good leather cleaner and rub it into the leather in even circular motions. After using the cleaner use a leather conditioner. Leather Balm with Atom Wax Leather Conditioner is an excellent dressing, which will clean, soften, and condition leather. Saddle soap is not recommended for use on a leather couch is too harsh for furniture.

Direct sunlight can be very harsh on leather as it will fade or discolor the leather. Removing spots from leather can be accomplished by dipping a soft cloth into rubbing alcohol and rubbing the spot. Water spots can actually be removed from the leather by moistening the area again with a little water. Let the leather dry or gently blow dry. Oil leather with a leather preservative such as mink oil after removing the spots.

Be sure to wipe leather shoes with a damp cloth frequently, and keep them well polished with a paste. For waterlogged leather shoes, insert shoe trees and let air-dry. Discoloration: For leather garments, gloves and bags that are discolored use a leather spray designed to restore color.

If you decide to use at leather conditioner, first try it on a small section not noticeable in case your particular brand of leather does not react well to the action. Spills or water need to be cleaned up immediately as they can penetrate the dye in the leather and leave a spot. Avoid products like mink oil, shoe polish and waxes when cleaning leather furniture or garments. Use a damp cloth or sponge to rub saddle soap into the leather; work soap into a light lather. Saddle soap is not recommended on a leather couch, as it is too harsh for furniture. As a finishing step, oil leather with a leather preservative.

Dry leather needs rehydrating with water and oils. Waxes are not recommended as it will dry out of the leather. It is essential to maintain a regular cleaning system cleaning dirt off the surface regularly. Stopping the absorption of body oils into the leather with a protector is the best way to doing this. Car owners manual suggest using a 5% solution of detergent made for wool on car leather seats. This cleans and protects leather of all kinds.

Another choice for cleaning leather is to take a damp cloth, wipe it across moisturizing soap and lather the leather. It is important when removing spots from leather to always test any cleaning method on an isolated spot first.

For suede shoes, try an art gum eraser. If that is unsuccessful, use undiluted white vinegar on a soft cloth, blot the spot. Never rub when cleaning suede. Suede being unfinished type of leather needs to be handled with care. An inexpensive leather cleaning processes, like baking soda or salt may also be used.

The best method for cleaning leather is determined by the type of the stain and the type of the leather. The following are instructions for common leather cleaning: Always test the cleaning on a small invisible patch of leather before proceeding on the whole item. You should also follow cleaning with a Fiebing Suede and Fabric Coat leather protector which will act like a ’scotchgard’ and inhibit dirt and stains from being absorbed and make cleaning easier the next time.

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