LEATHER CARE TIPS

Never store your leather goods in a plastic bag or any nonporous cover. If you store it in a garment bag leave it open for ventilation.

You should use shoetrees for shoes and boots. And use tissue to stuff empty handbags to retain their shape.

Always hang leather coats on a wide padded hanger.

Do not dry leather near heat, let it air-dry naturally. When the leather is nearly dry apply a little conditioner. This will restore flexibility. Follow up with a full conditioning treatment when the leather is completely dried.

Use clear water to remove salt deposits from boots and shoes. This is a wintertime problem. After removing the salt deposits follow up with the treatment recommended above for wet or damp leather.

Try to keep your leather from excessive humidity to prevent mildew. If you in a dry environment you must condition your leather regularly to prevent it from drying out and cracking.

Do not impair your leather to breath by using waxes, silicon products. There are other preparations that can impair breathing so be careful what you use.

Do not use alcohol or petroleum distillates, such as turpentine and mineral spirits. Never use caustic household chemicals to clean leather.

The use of Mink oil or other animal fats will darken leather. Animal fat can turn rancid, causing the stitching and leather to rot.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Leather requires frequent conditioning to replace the natural lubricants lost during normal use. Frequent conditioning will retain the beauty and other qualities of your leather product. With the proper care, leather can be protected from excessive dryness that can cause it to crack, and from moisture that may cause it to swell or mildew.

Unprotected leather is susceptible to spotting from water and other liquids. For this reason you should treat your newly purchased leather immediately to help prevent permanent stains from occurring.

Do not over do it, use a light cleaner such as Apple Brand leather care. To much wax or oil can clog pores causing leather to lose its ability to allow air in and moisture out.

Never use preparations made for smooth leather on suede or rough out leather. Use cleaners that are made specifically for suede, such as Apple Brand Garde.