How to properly and safely clean a leather wallet or bag: there are important nuances

Leather accessories, such as a wallet or bag, accompany us every day, which means they get dirty quickly and need to be cleaned regularly. But do you know how to clean leather properly?

Experts say that leather, due to its porous structure, easily absorbs dirt and grease. However, the right approach allows you to get rid of them quite easily and thus prolong the life of things. OBOZ.UA learned the secrets of professionals.

Empty your bag or wallet

You should always start cleaning by completely emptying your bag or wallet. Items should be taken out of all pockets and compartments. It is also a good idea to shake the open item over the trash can. This will shake out all the small debris. If you do not get rid of it, it will worsen the quality of cleaning.

Move on to cleaning the lining

If possible, pull the inside lining of your bag or wallet outward for easy access. If this is not possible, clean it from the inside.

Use a clothes roller or a handheld vacuum cleaner to remove any fine dirt. Pay special attention to the seams. Next, wipe the lining with a soft cloth dipped in warm soapy water. Pay special attention to dirty and worn areas. Let the lining air dry.

If there is no fabric lining inside the item, simply vacuum the bag and wipe the inside with a damp microfiber cloth. This will be enough to get rid of dust and dirt.

Clean the leather surface

You need to clean the leather either with special factory products or with proven products. If you prefer a ready-made liquid, oil, or foam, read the instructions carefully and follow them.

If you use home remedies, such as Castile soap, mix it with warm water and then moisten a microfiber cloth with the solution, wring it out thoroughly, and gently wipe the bag. Every time you notice that the cloth is getting dirty, rinse it in soapy water. Do this as often as possible.

Never use aggressive cleaning agents on leather. Cleaning and disinfectant wipes, bleach, ammonia, or alcohol-based cleaners are never suitable.

Polish the item

Once you have removed the dirt, polish the leather with a dry microfiber cloth. Work smoothly, making circular motions over the entire surface.

And don't forget about handles, clasps, and decor. Metal parts can be cleaned with a special metal polish. But make sure that it does not get on the skin - it can discolor it.

Treat the leather with a protective agent

Finish cleaning by applying a protective agent, such as a cream or wax. This will retain moisture inside the leather and protect it from water and dirt. You can use a ready-made product and follow the instructions. Or you can make your conditioner. Mix two parts of linseed oil and one part of white vinegar. Moisten a soft cloth with this mixture and apply it to your skin. Let the solution soak into the skin for 15 minutes, and then buff the surface dry with a clean cloth. Please note that linseed oil can cause the skin to darken after application.

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