WHAT NOT TO USE ON LEATHER
When it comes to caring for leather, it's important to avoid certain substances and practices that can damage or degrade the leather.
Here are some things you should not use on leather:
- Saddle Soap: Contains glycerine which is great for traditional old saddles but NOT for upholstery leather, using it on your sofa or car seats will eventually make the leather sticky AND attract dirt.
- Baby Wipes: Can contain lanolin which can break down the colour on your leather surface, or even remove colour on two tone leathers.
- harsh Chemicals: Avoid using bleach, ammonia, alcohol, and other strong chemicals. These can strip the leather of its colour, natural oils and cause it to dry out and crack.
- Abrasive Cleaners: Do not use abrasive cleaners or tools like sponge scourers or magic sponges that can scratch or damage the leather surface.
- Heat Sources: Avoid using heat sources like heat guns, radiators or direct heat , this can cause the leather to burn, crack, fade and dry out too quickly.
- Vinegar: Although sometimes recommended for household cleaning, vinegar can be too harsh and acidic, potentially damaging the leather and causing it to smell.
- Remember most leather is absorbent and can hold on to that vinegar smell.
- Household Detergents: Regular soaps, laundry detergents, and dishwashing liquids are not formulated for leather and can remove its natural oils as they’re very harsh.
- Silicone Products: These can leave a residue that builds up over time and attracts dirt, the residue also prevents future restoration of the leather preventing dyes or repair products to adhere to the surface.
- Nail Polish Remover: This contains acetone, which can severely damage and discolour leather.
- Coloured Cloths or Sponges: These can transfer dye onto the leather, leading to staining.
To properly care for leather, use products specifically designed for leather cleaning and restoring. Always test any new product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause any adverse effects.
