Genuine leather is the most practical and wear-resistant material. The history of the appearance of leather goes back a long way. To this day, many high-quality items are made from it, as it still does not lose its former popularity. Wealthy people, purchasing products made from genuine leather, thereby show their status and taste. All buyers appreciate this material for its practicality. If you want your favorite pair of shoes or bag to serve you for many years, then they need proper care. In our article we will talk about this in detail.
Rules for caring for leather shoes
Leather shoes require proper daily care. Otherwise, it will fail very quickly, and you will have to go for a new pair. Different types of natural leather have their own subtleties in care. Here are some useful tips:
- It is recommended to treat new shoes that you just brought from the store with a nourishing specialized cream;
- You can cleanse the skin of impurities only after it is completely dry;
- for cleaning, you can use various brushes and creams suitable for a specific type of natural leather;
- boots or shoes must be put on using a special spoon so as not to break the backs;
- if the shoes are very wet, then before putting them in a warm place to dry, first stuff them with paper or newspaper so that they do not lose their shape;
- It will take 24 hours for leather shoes to dry completely;
- wear shoes strictly according to the weather and season.
leather shoes like new after treatment
Smooth skin
Smooth is a type of natural leather that does not have lint or varnish. The basics of caring for this type of skin include: timely cleansing, applying nourishing cream and protection.
Cleansing
Shoes must be cleaned after every walk, even if it was dry outside. Wipe the surface of the boots from dust with a damp cloth and then dry. Smooth skin does not tolerate dirt. In case of severe contamination, it is permissible to clean the shoes with a soap solution or special cleaning foam. Then let it dry and put it in a closed cabinet for additional protection.
Hydration
In order for natural leather to always be shiny, you need to lubricate it with a variety of nourishing products. This manipulation should be carried out only after the shoes are dry. The product you choose is applied to a brush or napkin, and then thoroughly rubbed onto the surface of the leather product. This must be done to prevent the skin from becoming rough and starting to crack.
Protection
It is also recommended to treat smooth natural leather with various water-repellent compounds to avoid getting too wet in slushy weather. This procedure must be repeated every 3-5 days. Special sprays, wax-based products, etc. are perfect for this purpose. If you want to protect the sole of your shoe from getting wet, then apply heated drying oil to it. Do this until the substance stops being absorbed into the surface of the sole. This will mean everything is ready.
White skin
One of the most important rules for caring for white shoes made of genuine leather is to store them separately from colored items. Especially for such shoes, purchase a separate brush, rag and cream. Any white shoes are cleaned of dirt and dust as follows:
- first wipe the leather surface with a dry cloth, and then remove dirt with a soft cloth previously soaked in a soap solution to avoid the formation of dark stains;
- if a slight soap scum remains, it is removed with a damp sponge;
- shoes, wiped dry, and then stuffed with paper for more thorough drying;
- transparent or white nourishing creams must be applied first to the brush, and only then to the surface;
- You can use a small piece of velvet for polishing.
Reptile skin
Recently, shoes made from genuine leather of reptiles (snakes, crocodiles, etc.) have come into fashion. The unusual exotic appearance is what attracts buyers. But, unfortunately, such products are quite expensive. Their advantages include increased softness, strength and wear resistance. Shoes made of crocodile or snake skin are very capricious in terms of care. Here are a few secrets:
- The skin of reptiles should not dry out, so before each exit outside, lubricate it with special nourishing compounds;
- do not place exotic leather products near heating appliances;
- such shoes cannot be kept in a stuffy plastic bag; use exclusively cotton storage bags;
- natural reptile skin is easily cleaned with a sponge soaked in cool water, and the use of powder or soap is excluded;
- To moisturize and protect, it is permissible to use products intended only for this skin type.
Folk shoe care products
There are several of the most effective folk remedies that will help keep your favorite boots in perfect condition for a long time.
Vinegar solution
Stains caused by salt getting on the outer surface of shoes can be removed using ordinary table vinegar. To do this you will need:
- 9% vinegar solution – 3 tbsp;
- water – 1 tbsp.
The resulting solution is rubbed into the stain on the shoes using a soft cloth.
Soda solution
Grease stains can be removed with a solution of regular soda. Rub it in until foam is obtained, and then remove with a dry cloth. To make the cleaning composition you need to take:
- soda – 1 tsp;
- water – 250 ml.
Castor oil
Castro oil perfectly nourishes and protects the skin from pollution. Treat the surface of the shoes with the prepared mixture using a cotton pad. Leave the applied product to dry for a few minutes and then remove with warm water.
- castor oil – 1 tbsp;
- water – 1 tsp;
- beeswax – 1 tsp.
Milk and egg white
If you want your shoes to shine, you can make a mask consisting of egg whites and also milk. Whisk the ingredients until foam forms, soak a sponge in the resulting solution and wipe the skin with it. To prepare you need to take the following:
- protein – 1 piece;
- milk – 5 tbsp;
- piece of sugar – 1 pc.
Storage
Proper care of clothing also includes proper storage. Children's things are stored separately from adults. Linen is not put in the same drawer as outerwear. Do not hang knitted items on hangers, as this can cause them to stretch. Store them folded. Coats, raincoats, dresses, suits, blouses, on the contrary, are hung on hangers. Their width must correspond to the size of the clothing. It is advisable to throw a long dress over the crossbar on a hanger intended for skirts and trousers. The suit is hidden in a special case. Similar covers will be needed for coats and raincoats.
Advice
Do not hang wet clothes in the closet - if you have been exposed to rain or have recently washed your clothes, let them dry first, otherwise the microclimate in the closet will be unsuitable for storing things, the clothes will wrinkle and, possibly, even become stained.
Leather bag care
If you have bought a bag made of genuine leather that you have long dreamed of, then it is important to take timely care to preserve its appearance. A leather product can last for many years with proper care, and for this you need to do the following:
Basic Rules
There are several basic rules for caring for bags made of genuine leather. To do this, remember the following:
- Storage. A bag made of leather cannot be stored in bags, as it needs to “breathe”. To do this, use the cotton bags that come with the product. It is better to stuff the bag with soft paper so that it holds its shape and does not deform.
- Cleaning. Before storing the product in a closet or cabinet, it is necessary to thoroughly clean it both inside and outside. Take a soft sponge and apply a special natural leather care product (nourishing cream, impregnation, etc.) onto it. The use of rough rags or brushes is strictly prohibited.
- Wet bag. Try to ensure that your genuine leather bag does not get too wet. If such a problem does occur, then place the product on a soft towel and, filling it with newspapers or paper, leave to dry.
How to clean a bag?
Genuine leather bags are available in many colors, so cleaning each shade from dirt occurs differently.
- Black bag. A product of this color can be cleaned using lemon juice and onions, which have previously been cut in half. When cleaning, try not to get the bag wet.
- Brown handbag. This natural leather shade can be cleaned or dyed using coffee grounds, which are wrapped in a napkin. After the cleaning procedure is completed, wipe the product with a damp cloth.
- Beige or white bag. To clean a product of this color, you can use egg white and milk (the detailed recipe is given just above). Moisturizing body milk is also sometimes used.
- Patent leather product. Such a bag can be cleaned with a simple damp cloth that does not contain alcohol (most often for children).
Removing stubborn stains
If grease, juice, chocolate and other stubborn stains get on your handbag, wallet or any other leather goods, you can use the following tips:
- Grease stain. If it is fresh, then sprinkle its location with starch, baby powder, salt or soda. Then leave for about 30 minutes and then brush off with a soft brush. If a grease stain has long been formed on the surface of natural leather, then, as an exception, it is allowed to wipe it with vodka or alcohol lotion. In some cases, lemon juice helps.
- Ball pen. Pen stains can be removed with adhesive tape, an eraser, or a cotton pad soaked in a valerian solution.
- Lipstick. In this case, lemon juice will help, and if the stain was fresh, you can take a piece of white bread and blot the stain with it.
- Chocolate. Chocolate stains can be removed by applying glycerin, chicken eggs or ordinary laundry soap.
- Felt pen. To remove such a difficult stain, use toothpaste, makeup remover, soap, coconut oil or salt.
leather bags can be updated using available folk remedies
Oral hygiene
To keep your teeth healthy and beautiful, you need to ensure proper oral care. This will prevent the development of various diseases.
Rules:
- brush your teeth 2 times a day – in the morning and before bed. This must be done for at least 3 minutes. Don't forget to clean your tongue and the insides of your cheeks. Throughout the day, you can use dental floss, which removes food debris stuck between the teeth;
- You can’t brush your teeth with someone else’s brush;
- after eating you need to rinse your mouth;
- If you experience discomfort or pain in your gums or teeth, you should immediately consult a doctor;
- For preventative purposes, visit the dentist twice a year.
How to care for a leather wallet?
Before cleaning your wallet, remove all contents from it: money, cards, important notes, etc. In order to update the appearance of the wallet, do the following:
- wipe the inside of the product with a damp cloth;
- To clean the outside, prepare a soap solution;
- You can use both regular laundry soap and liquid soap;
- moisten a soft sponge in the resulting composition and thoroughly rinse the surface of the wallet;
- then wipe the product dry and let it sit for a while.
DECODING SIGNS ON LABELS
And, as they say, the last but not the least - the treasured decoding of the icons on the labels. Look at them more often - and “horror-horror” will no longer happen to your favorite things 
1. Hand wash. 2. Washing is prohibited. 3. Hand wash only at a maximum temperature of 30°C, do not rub or wring. 4. Hand or machine wash at a temperature not higher than specified. 5. Hand or machine wash. Carefully adhere to the specified temperature, do not subject it to strong mechanical processing, rinse, gradually turning to cold water, and when spinning in the washing machine, set the centrifuge to a slow setting. 6. Very delicate wash in plenty of water, minimal mechanical processing, quick rinse at low speed. 7. Washing with bleaches containing chlorine is allowed. Use only cold water, make sure the powder is completely dissolved. 8. When washing, do not use products containing bleaches (chlorine). 9. Ironing is allowed. 10. Ironing is allowed at a maximum temperature of 110 °C. The same rules apply to synthetic fibers: nylon, polyester, acetate and others. Use a cloth pad, do not use steam. 11. Ironing is allowed at a maximum temperature of 150 °C. Suitable for wool and mixed fibers with polyester and viscose. Use a damp cloth. 12. Ironing is allowed at a maximum temperature of 200 °C. Acceptable for linen and cotton. You can slightly moisten the product. 13. Dry clean only. 14. Dry cleaning with any solvent. 15. Cleaning with hydrocarbon, ethylene chloride and monofluorotrichloromethane only. 16. Cleaning using only hydrocarbon and trifluorotrichloromethane. 17. Cleaning only with hydrocarbon, ethylene chloride and monofluorotrichloromethane with limited addition of water, control of mechanical stress and drying temperature. 18. Cleaning only with hydrocarbon and trifluorotrichloromethane with limited addition of water, control of mechanical stress and drying temperature. 19. Allowed to wring and dry in a washing machine. 20. It is not allowed to spin or dry in a washing machine. 21. Dry at a warm temperature. 22. Dry at hot temperature. 23. After spinning, vertical drying is allowed. 24. Dry without spinning. 25. Dry on a horizontal surface.
Rules for caring for leather clothing
Leather clothing requires special attention and care. If you want to extend the life of your favorite jacket, raincoat or sheepskin coat, then you need to follow the following tips:
- Leather clothes should be stored in a closet and covered with a special fabric cover;
- choose hangers with thick tips so that the shoulders of a jacket or coat do not stretch out;
- Leather clothes should not be stored in bags or folded in half;
- clothes made of genuine leather should not be exposed to the sun for a long time to avoid color fading;
- Do not wash leather jackets, sheepskin coats, etc.;
- If the product gets wet, hang it on a hanger and let it dry on its own;
- periodically apply special impregnating compounds to leather clothing in order to restore the natural fat balance;
- The sheepskin coat is cleaned using a special double-sided brush with a rough and soft tip;
- Serious stains are best cleaned by dry cleaning.
Leather clothing retains its presentable appearance longer with proper care and timely cleaning.
Leather clothing, accessories, and shoes deserve the most careful care and respect. Genuine leather is a very capricious material. Products made from leather can last for decades, provided they are used properly. Do not wet leather items, otherwise they will become severely deformed and wrinkled. It is better to buy such products in specialized stores that have official quality certificates.
Bed hygiene
Rules:
- each family member must have their own towel and bed linen;
- change bed linen once a week;
- the sleeping place should be comfortable;
- before going to bed, you need to ventilate the room for 15-20 minutes;
- when going to bed, you need to change your underwear to pajamas or a nightie;
- It is better not to let pets into your bed.
