Right i've noticed on here threads re: Leather and how to clean and maintain it
Right i'm sure you all know that leather has a painted finish as you don't get red or green cows etc...............
Its this painted finish that needs cleaning and protecting to ensure that the leather underneath is kept free from dirt and oils.
So with this in mind you may find this very useful
Why do we need to clean and protect Leather??
Cleaning is an essential part of caring for your leather whether in your car or home. It not only removes dirt and oils (which can over time break down the leathers protective coating) but will also help to maintain the condition and moisture balance in the leather.
This is important for keeping the leather supple and makes it less likely to absorb spillages.
Dirt and body oils that are allowed to remain on the leather surface for prolonged periods of time are the main cause of damage to leather and dye transfer is of particular concern to owners of pale and cream interiors.
The best way to ensure your leather remains in the best condition is to ensure that it remains clean.
Using a Leather protector will help inhibit the absorption of dirt and oils and make leather easier to clean.
Leather does not need a conditioner as this really does nothing to the leather at all. It needs only to be cleaned and protected every 6 months and this will ensure it lasts.
Problems and how to deal with them....................
Attand to all spillages immediately
Items such as nail varnish remover, paint remover, Kitchen and Bathroom cleaner etc all have the potential to seriously damage the leather finish making further repair more difficult or impossible.
Other cleaning products like Baby wipes , washing up liquid, furniture spray polish, saddle soap, products containing waxes/oils are not designed for leather cleaning and can do damage!!
Dye Transfer can be avoided by the use of a leather protector but if you do have a case of dye transfer it can be easily removed with a strong leather cleaner.
If this is not successful it then becomes a technical job which will require the use of stronger products which may then involve recolouring and refinishing.
Therefore if you spill Ink or nail varnish on your leather interior you must seek a trained leather cleaning specialist in the first instant
Leather can be repaired if you know how.
Another thing to remember a leather seat may look dirty to the naked eye but in fact the finish could be cracked or split this can only be seen with specialist equipment, so therefore if you are unsure seek a professional
As you could end up scrubbing too hard and damaging the leather finish even more and end up with a more costly bill than you started with
Hope you find this interesting
Craig
Right i'm sure you all know that leather has a painted finish as you don't get red or green cows etc...............
Its this painted finish that needs cleaning and protecting to ensure that the leather underneath is kept free from dirt and oils.
So with this in mind you may find this very useful
Why do we need to clean and protect Leather??
Cleaning is an essential part of caring for your leather whether in your car or home. It not only removes dirt and oils (which can over time break down the leathers protective coating) but will also help to maintain the condition and moisture balance in the leather.
This is important for keeping the leather supple and makes it less likely to absorb spillages.
Dirt and body oils that are allowed to remain on the leather surface for prolonged periods of time are the main cause of damage to leather and dye transfer is of particular concern to owners of pale and cream interiors.
The best way to ensure your leather remains in the best condition is to ensure that it remains clean.
Using a Leather protector will help inhibit the absorption of dirt and oils and make leather easier to clean.
Leather does not need a conditioner as this really does nothing to the leather at all. It needs only to be cleaned and protected every 6 months and this will ensure it lasts.
Problems and how to deal with them....................
Attand to all spillages immediately
- For liquids blot off carefully and only wipe / rub towards the centre of the spill to avoid further spreading.
- Solids need to be removed first with a blunt knife or spatula before using any cleaning products.
- Ink of any type is a serious problem on leather. Immediate action is required by a specialist trained technician.
Items such as nail varnish remover, paint remover, Kitchen and Bathroom cleaner etc all have the potential to seriously damage the leather finish making further repair more difficult or impossible.
Other cleaning products like Baby wipes , washing up liquid, furniture spray polish, saddle soap, products containing waxes/oils are not designed for leather cleaning and can do damage!!
Dye Transfer can be avoided by the use of a leather protector but if you do have a case of dye transfer it can be easily removed with a strong leather cleaner.
If this is not successful it then becomes a technical job which will require the use of stronger products which may then involve recolouring and refinishing.
Therefore if you spill Ink or nail varnish on your leather interior you must seek a trained leather cleaning specialist in the first instant
Leather can be repaired if you know how.
Another thing to remember a leather seat may look dirty to the naked eye but in fact the finish could be cracked or split this can only be seen with specialist equipment, so therefore if you are unsure seek a professional
As you could end up scrubbing too hard and damaging the leather finish even more and end up with a more costly bill than you started with
Hope you find this interesting
Craig
