| Getting stains out of leather | | | | An important key to keeping leather in top-notch |
| Fresh stains from things such as blood and food can | | | | condition is to treat wet leather before it has a |
| be cleaned up quickly with a damp cloth. Stains from | | | | chance to dry. Remove any dirt, mud, or other stains |
| oil or grease can be lifted by grinding ordinary | | | | with a cleaning agent, then condition while the pores |
| blackboard chalk, sprinkling the area, and leaving the | | | | are still fully responsive. It is critical to remember that |
| powder on for a twenty-four hour period. Resist the | | | | leather should be dried away from heat. If the |
| urge to rub the powder in. After a sufficient time has | | | | leather in question is a garment, it's a good idea to |
| past, simply use a leather care brush to remove the | | | | stuff the garment to retain shape. |
| powder. While fresh stains can be treated and | | | | Conditioning |
| cleaned at home, ground-in stains should be attended | | | | Leather conditioners are meant for occasional use. |
| to by a professional cleaner who deals in leather. | | | | They contain fats and/or oils that help lubricate |
| Storing Leather | | | | leather and replenish the suppleness. Look for a |
| Remember that leather is a natural material and | | | | product that will penetrate the strong fibers in |
| should never be stored in plastic because it | | | | leather, but beware of any that include petroleum or |
| encourages the growth of mildew and bacteria and | | | | mineral oils. While petroleum by-products won't |
| will ruin the leather. Always store leather in a cool, | | | | damage your leather immediately, they do over a |
| dry place away from heat. If the leather item is a | | | | period of time. Again, just as with cleaning, keep on |
| garment, store in a breathable bag. | | | | the look out for thick, greasy conditioning treatments |
| Wet Leather | | | | for the best care of your leather. |