If you
are a fashion conscious person, you will own a leather accessory, be it a designer
leather bag or a designer leather belt. Whatever it is, it will have to be
taken care of. The leather of designer accessories is always top quality, so it
is made to last. Nevertheless, you will have to take care of the leather to
protect it and keep it looking as good as new. Below are a few tips on how to
look after your gorgeous leather accessories.
The
most important thing is to look after the leather item. Do not expose it to
undue wear and tear. Placing leaky makeup and pens inside is considered undue
wear and tear, as is exposing the leather to bad weather. If you know it is
going to rain heavily, do not take your prize designer handbag with you. If the
leather does get wet, dry it slowly. In other words, room temperature is better
than a piping hot heater. Excessive heat can also damage the leather.
Store
the leather item appropriately, and use a dust cover, either the one provided
by the designer or a breathable one, such as cotton. Never use plastic bags as
they will hold moisture in.
Clean
the item on a regular basis. Cleaners made especially for leather are available
almost anywhere. Apply the cleaner with clean and dry hands. Leather goods can
also be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. Do this as often as possible.
The
most common type of damage is small scratches. Most of these can be removed by
simply rubbing them out, gently, with a finger. As always, make sure your hands
are clean and dry. Skin produces oils, and these will work well with the
leather. If it is a bigger scratch, you may need the help of another oil, such
as baby oil or olive oil. However, before using these, test them on a covered
area to see the reaction. If there is no staining, apply a small amount of the
oil to the scratch, leave it to soak for a while, and then wipe it off with a
soft clean cloth.
Note
that, if you are dealing with natural leather that has been dyed not painted,
avoid oily cleaners as they may trap dirt and moisture.
Stains
should be removed by a professional. You have invested in a designer accessory,
so professional care is sometimes necessary.
Treat
the leather with special leather conditioners. These will help keep the leather
looking fresh and healthy. (Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8307339)
