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How do you clean leather?

PARIS FRANCE  JUNE 08 A passerby wears a brown shiny crocodile pattern leather jacket a black leather bag on June 08…

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And its a good question to ask because, as you clearly know, leather is truly timeless.

Only if you take care of it, that is.

We asked experts for simple steps on how to clean leather as well as which care products they recommend.

how to clean suede shoes

Now you too can make your leather last forever.

How do you clean and restore leather?

Thats because each kind of leather requires different methods and products.

And its all about cleansing and conditioning.

This helps the fibers remain fresh and strong, he says.

Again, research the bang out of material you have before choosing which leather conditioners or cleansers to use.

Leatherstein recommends trying specialty cleaners or leather wipes on a discreet area first.

For example, if your leather looks very natural (like aniline, nubuck, natural vachetta, etc.

), its highly likely it doesnt have much of a protective finish on it.

Overall, Leathersteins top tips for maintaining your leather outside of cleaning include avoiding sharp objects and extreme temperatures.

Alexandrou also advises against storing or placing leather in humid places or in direct sunlight.

What soap is good for leather?

Yes, you might use soap!

So check the ingredients before buying or using.

Instead of soap, Alexandrou suggests using a leather cleaner or gel instead.

We likeRapide, which is a leather gel that maintains and cleans all in one, she says.

It is a win-win.

Never apply soap directly to the leather as it can cause damage.

Is it okay to clean leather with water?

Notably, most experts dont recommend using water to care for your leather at all.

Leatherstein says its a huge no-no because leather doesnt like water.

Can I use vinegar to clean leather?

Does that mean you could also use vinegar on a leather surface?

The short answer, according to the leather experts: No.

Translation: Vinegar is more acidic than leather, which can weaken the fibers.

Leatherstein also advises against using vinegar on leather, saying, I would never do that.

What else do I need to know about how to care for leather?

Leatherstein has also tested differentcleaning methodsand varioushousehold productson his TikTok.

PS: Some buttery leathers aredry-cleanfriendly!

Check the label for instructions to see if this applies to you so youre ready for leather weather.