Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your beloved leather item has developed mold, become dirty, or even gotten stained with grease, oil, or blood, and you didn’t know how to handle it? And after resolving those issues, do you want to learn more about effective ways to care for and preserve your leather belongings? Let’s explore some handy tips from Fortuna Leather that you can “keep in your pocket” for future reference!

Reasons that can cause leather goods to be easily damaged

To learn how to distinguish different types of leather, please refer to the article provided here

Leather is a material that requires meticulous care and cleaning if users want to prolong the lifespan of the product. However, excessive use of cleaning agents or aggressive rubbing on the surface can lead to fungal contamination and affect the aesthetic appearance.

Hot and humid weather

The hot and humid climate in Vietnam creates favorable conditions for the growth of microorganisms, with the leather surface being the most affected area. To minimize this issue, you need to refer to the below methods for preserving leather goods to protect your own and your family’s belongings.

Leather material

Different types of leather materials on the market have varying levels of durability. Genuine leather, for example, has a longer lifespan, is more resistant, and limits the occurrence of mold. On the other hand, synthetic materials like PU leather or industrial leather tend to peel and deteriorate after a period of use.

Guidelines to maintain leather quality correctly

Things to avoid

• Avoid rubbing the leather surface against sharp or pointed objects that can scratch, tear, or damage the leather.
• Avoid direct contact between the leather and chemicals or dirt.
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or high temperatures, such as in the trunk of a car or using a hairdryer to dry the leather.
• Do not tape or apply adhesive tape on the leather surface.
• Avoid placing heavy objects on the leather product that can cause wrinkles or creases.
• Keep the leather product away from water, gasoline, oil, or lubricants.

Things to do

• Clean dirty leather products using a soft, clean, dry white cotton cloth or a specialized soft-bristle brush.
• Store leather products in dry and well-ventilated areas.
• For leather products not used for an extended period, stuff them with paper to prevent creases and maintain their shape. Store them in a dry, well-ventilated place.
• Recommended chemicals for leather product maintenance include:
• CLEAN-A: for cleaning dust off the leather surface.
• LEATHER LOTION, CF HANDBAG CREAM: for preventing leather cracking and nourishing the leather.
• SHINE-EVER, ELEGANT: for shining and polishing the leather product.

Guidelines to handle special cases

Exposure to rainwater

To prevent mold and damage when leather items get wet from rain, quickly use a dry cotton cloth to absorb the water and then let the item air dry in a dry and shaded area, away from direct sunlight.

Mold on leather

Mold can occur when leather items are not used or cared for over a long period. To maintain the leather in its best condition, follow these steps:

• If you spot mold, address it promptly by using a solution of dissolved saltwater. Dampen a cotton cloth with the mixture and gently apply it to the affected area. Then let the leather air dry.
• If the mold has deeply penetrated the leather, use fine sandpaper to gently rub the affected area, followed by applying a moisturizing oil and allowing it to dry naturally.
• You can also create a mild soap solution, wipe the leather surface with a clean cloth soaked, and then air dry it thoroughly.
• To prevent future mold growth, you can use a diluted alcohol-water solution, spray it directly on the leather, and let it dry. Alternatively, you can place newspaper or moisture-absorbing sachets inside the leather item and store them in a cool, dry place to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

Grease stains

Grease stains can leave an unpleasant oily residue on the leather. To remove these stains, soak a cotton ball with benzene and gently dab it onto the affected area. Then use a cotton swab to wipe it clean until completely dry. Finally, apply a small amount of moisturizing cream or wax to the benzene-treated area to avoid discoloration.

Bloodstains

To remove bloodstains from leather surfaces, quickly dilute a mixture of alcohol and water. Soak a cotton ball with the solution and gently dab it onto the stain until it gradually fades. Alcohol not only helps clean the leather but also has disinfectant properties to prevent mold growth and microbial damage.