Leather care made easy: everything about cleaning and caring for smooth and suede leather

Craftsmanship, the quality of the material and the right leather cleaner all directly affect how a product looks, works and lasts. When people talk about leather, they immediately think of car seats and motorcycle boots. But many other things are made of it too: wallets, belts, shoes, dog accessories, bracelets and collars, orthopaedic products, book covers, accessories, BBQ aprons, knife rolls, beer carriers and more. Each product needs its own care and cleaning, because leather comes in so many forms. This article tells you how to clean and store leather goods properly, and what to avoid.

Types of leather and what makes them different

Leather is a natural material that careful finishing turns into a long-lasting, useful product. The original animal hide gets new, precisely defined properties through chemical and mechanical treatment, and the tanner shapes these properties deliberately. Tanners also protect animals, if only indirectly, because they want healthy, undamaged hides, and they get them when animals are kept in a way that suits the species.

Smooth leather

Smooth leather is used for functional clothing, accessories and of course furniture. It comes mainly from calves, cattle or pigs. There are two main types:

• Open-pored, usually what is called aniline leather. The open pores give it a very natural look. Every flaw shows, but it keeps a special naturalness. Home remedies can harm its appearance because it is so porous and absorbent, so it is best to choose special products that clean without clogging the pores.
• Coated leather, which is pigmented during processing, making it tough and water-repellent. To tell it from untreated leather, put a drop of water on the surface: if the water runs off and isn’t absorbed, the pores are closed. This leather is easy to clean, either with home remedies or with special cleaners.

Suede and nubuck

Suede is an animal hide treated by oil tanning. It has a short, dense nap and feels pleasant to the touch. Despite its many advantages, it has one big drawback: the surface isn’t water-repellent. Suede shoes should really only be worn in dry weather. Since anyone can be caught in sudden rain or snow, start with this simple advice: before wearing it for the first time, treat the item with a water-repellent product. This also gives extra protection against deep-seated dirt. Nubuck is a fine-napped leather whose top side has been sanded, giving a rough, velvety surface that is smoother than suede. It is popular for quality fashion shoes and similar products because it looks very elegant, is comfortable and lasts a long time. Nubuck isn’t water-repellent either, so treat it with a waterproofing spray before first use.

Patent leather

Patent leather is glossy leather coated with lacquer. It is a popular material for clothing, hats, accessories and shoes, and it makes a striking statement. Despite its mirror-like surface it needs no special care and keeps its looks for many years. Just avoid extreme conditions such as sudden temperature changes, avoid mechanical damage and keep it away from dyes.

The basics of leather care

Leather care starts with one basic rule: regular, gentle care is better than occasional heavy care. To make leather goods last as long as possible, regularly remove dust and dirt, treat them with care products and store them in the right conditions. Today there is a huge choice of special products on the market: brushes, cloths, sprays, creams, milks and more. Often, though, simple home remedies will do. We recommend going to a professional if an item is badly soiled or damaged.

Caring for smooth leather

Natural leather is a fine, hard-wearing and long-lasting material, but it needs looking after. Cleaning and storing smooth leather is usually quite simple. In autumn, leather clothing such as jackets and motorcycle gear is often put away. To protect these clothes from mould or even rot, the leather needs good ventilation. Air naturally passes through leather and lets moisture evaporate. If leather goods are tightly packed in plastic bags or parcels, the material suffocates. Store leather somewhere dry and natural, never in plastic. It is best to keep it in a special leather bag or wrap it in a breathable material.

How to clean smooth leather

Try any care product first on a spot that doesn’t show. For heavy dirt, dampen a cotton cloth and remove the dirt with light pressure and circular movements. Demineralised water and plain soap work wonders on leather, and you can repeat the process several times. With the right care, BBQ aprons, knife rolls and beer carriers in smooth leather stay smooth for a long time. Stains, splashes or grease come off easily with a damp cloth. Thanks to the quality of the leather, dirt doesn’t penetrate the fibres. Stubborn stains can also be removed with a leather cleaner. To avoid ugly marks, never clean with a cloth that is too wet.

Care tips

Smooth leather dries out, so it needs moisture, especially when exposed to sun, wind and weather. In these cases, experts recommend leather oils to restore its natural moisture. Always spread the oil evenly, or marks can form. Leather aprons can be wiped regularly with a leather care product to keep them smooth and shiny for a long time. Creases, scratches and folds can be smoothed with a cloth and gentle heat. Apply any conditioner evenly.

Caring for suede

Waterproofing products are among the most useful care products. Because suede is so delicate, experts strongly recommend using one. Apply it only to the areas most exposed to stains. Unlike smooth leather, suede and nubuck must not be treated with fats or oils, as this can destroy the texture and make the fibres stick together. It is generally better to clean this material only mechanically. As with smooth leather, store it in a dry, well-ventilated room, without plastic film or other airtight materials.

Cleaning suede and nubuck

Suede must not be cleaned with water. If there is no other option, use a special suede cleaner. Remove dust and light dirt gently with a special soft leather brush. For stains, use a special brass brush or a suede eraser, which you can buy from specialist shops. Rub the stain thoroughly but carefully, so as not to damage the surface. To clean nubuck, use only products made for this type of leather. Remove dust and light dirt with a dry cloth or soft brush, then apply a care product. If your nubuck shoes get wet, dry them in a special dryer or stuff them with paper or newspaper. Don’t put them near a heater or fireplace, as hot air damages the material.

Caring for rough leathers

Rough leathers (nubuck, suede, velour) are tanned or unprotected leathers with a warm, natural surface. They discolour if you protect them from drying out with fats, oils or care lotions. For velour leather, we recommend a care spray with the right moisture level and UV protection, which protects the leather from fading and keeps it supple. With heavy use (sunlight, heat, frequent wear), treat the leather again after a year at the latest. Depending on use, warmth and light, it should be re-treated every 3 to 12 months.

Caring for patent leather

The defining quality of this material is its shine. So it is a good idea to rub patent leather regularly with a suitable vegetable oil or with petroleum jelly, for example. Put a small amount on a cotton cloth, rub the item with it, then polish with a dry cloth. The more the leather is used, the more often it should be treated. Don’t clean patent accessories, shoes or clothes with hard brushes, which can damage the glossy surface. When choosing special care products, prefer those recommended for this type of leather.

Cleaning patent leather

Dust and light dirt can safely be removed with a dry or damp cloth, which can also be moistened with a mild cleaner. Since these products can’t be washed, regular, proper and gentle care is essential to keep them looking good and working well. To restore the shine and suppleness of patent leather, use a special cream, milk or oil.

Storage and care

The care for this type of leather is almost the same as above. Avoid sudden temperature changes and long exposure to the sun. Clean and moisturise the leather regularly with suitable products. Store it in a dry, airy room, because natural materials can go mouldy and spoil if kept in the wrong place for too long. To preserve the beautiful colour, avoid chemicals and other harsh cleaners.

Caring for different leather products

All types of leather need different care and cleaning, and so do different products. Car seats and pot holders aren’t used in the same way, for example, so their care differs too. Let’s look at the most popular products:

• Shoes. Proper care of leather shoes starts before you first wear them. It is best to waterproof them first, often with a spray. Whatever leather they are made of, clean them with suitable products as soon as they get dirty. Regular use of leather grease and timely cleaning will make your shoes last a long time.
• Accessories (gloves, phone cases, aprons, placemats, belts and so on). These are easy to clean with water and a cloth, sometimes with soapy water. For stains, you can use saddle soap or safe home remedies.
• Clothing. Caring for leather jackets, trousers or waistcoats isn’t difficult. Some leathers can even be washed if you follow the maker’s washing and drying instructions. For light dirt or regular care, simply wipe the garment with a soft, damp cloth.
• Bags and cases. If you use your bag a lot, keep it clean and store it properly, and also moisturise it regularly and protect it from UV, because sunlight affects the colour and durability of the material. Use care milks, conditioners, oils and other care products.

Cleaning and caring for genuine leather with household products

Home remedies for cleaning leather have stood the test of time. They are made from things most people have to hand, and they can remove even stubborn dirt. It is still worth being careful and trying a small amount first on a spot that doesn’t show. Here are the most popular and tested home remedies:

• Household and hygiene products. Weak soap solutions are good for cleaning leather goods. Dilute a small amount of shower gel, shampoo, washing-up liquid or laundry soap in warm boiled or distilled water. Wipe the leather with the solution and let it dry.
• Ammonia and vinegar. These are often used to remove all kinds of stains from leather handbags. To avoid damaging the leather, don’t apply them directly. Make a solution and wipe with a cotton cloth soaked in it. For regular care, a few drops of ammonia in warm water will do.
• Absorbent materials (flour, starch, baking powder, dry shampoo, baby powder, chalk). These simple things are great at removing grease stains and soaking up excess moisture. Apply one of them to the stain and leave it for a few hours.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Without knowing the types of leather and their properties, it is often hard to get things right. Here are the most common mistakes people make when cleaning, storing and caring for leather goods:

• Applying oils, fats, creams and other products to suede, which spoils its appearance;
• Storing leather in bags or other airtight covers, when the natural material needs constant access to air;
• Smoothing products by force, as any attempt to stretch or shape the leather yourself can deform it;
• Using cream for dark leather on coloured or white leather, when a universal colourless product is the better choice;
• Rubbing hard at a dirty spot or stain, as any aggressive treatment harms the material;
• Rare, irregular care: cleaning your shoes once a year with a large amount of cream and vigorous rubbing does more harm than good.

Long-lasting leather goods through proper care

Whether you use home remedies or buy the right products from a specialist shop, both are good for your leather goods. The right mix of home and specialist products will keep your leather beautiful and hard-wearing for many years. Leather is tough, but without regular cleaning, care and proper storage it soon loses its special qualities and function. And leather care is really simple. This natural, pleasant material can change your look and also be a reliable helper around the home, whether as a tray in the kitchen or as a firewood basket in the living room. The uses of leather are incredibly varied.