Cooler weather is on the way and now is the perfect time to pull out your leather jackets, boots and accessories and get them ready to wear.
Of course, the best way to keep leather in excellent condition is to treat moisture, spots and stains right away before they have a chance to set in. Remember to wipe leather with an absorbent cloth after wearing and always before storing away.
Here are a few tips to help keep your leather looking like new:
To store leather:
If your leather goods came with a fabric pouch, don't toss it out. It is the perfect way to store and protect your investment. Pillow cases also make for an easy and inexpensive storage option. For leather clothing, be sure to hang garments on padded hangers to avoid misshapen shoulders and use a cloth garment bag to keep articles dust-free.
For hard to remove stains:
If you find a tough stain such as lipstick or ink on your leather goods, reach for Armor All Leather Care. Although its original purpose was for car interiors, it works great for cleaning most leather and leather-like items in your closet as well.
For general cleaning:
To remove water and salt stains or general grime from leather, make a solution of 1 teaspoon baby shampoo or gentle dish soap with 1 gallon of water. Moisten a cotton towel or rag with mixture and gently wipe away stains. Use a second rag lightly dampened with plain water to remove any residue of the cleaning mixture left behind, let air dry.
To soften and condition:
Keep shoes, clothing and accessories supple by using a conditioning cream like Frye Leather Conditioning Cream or Howard Leather Conditioning Cream, both available online for under $10. For extra protection from the elements, try using a polish such as E. Vogel's Polishing Cream for around $6 at vogelboots.com.
Before using any product on your fine leather goods, always perform a "spot test" in an inconspicuous place first (like an inside seam). Not all leather is created equal and you might not wind up with the results you were hoping for.
Have a particularly difficut stain or don't want to attempt it yourself? Look for a leather expert in your neighborhood to do the job for you. Here are a few to try in the Tampa Bay area:
McNatt's Cleaners, 14944 N. Florida Ave., Tampa (Plus 22 more locations!)
Richie's Cleaners, 8777 Temple Terrace Hwy, Tampa
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