With its textured surface and easily recognizable scent, leather is prized in many fields. It is both a staple of luxury leather goods for its elegance and an essential in the equestrian world for its durability . Leather is everywhere: clothing, automobiles, watches… Each time, it adds that little something extra that makes it unforgettable.
But this fine material needs care. To prolong the life of your leather and preserve its beauty, it's important to maintain it properly. There's no need to clutter your cupboard with dozens of products; you probably already have what you need: black soap .
When should I care for my leather garment?
Leather is precious, but also robust. However, make no mistake, this material has specific needs that you must be aware of in order to care for it.
Let's go back to basics: leather is not a synthetic material, but treated animal hide. As such, it breathes and needs care to maintain its original appearance.
Using an unsuitable product or neglecting its maintenance causes leather to age poorly and quickly: cracking, yellowing, discoloration, or color transfer. It then loses its appeal.
Before it gets to that point, certain signs can alert you to the need to care for your leather. Observe it carefully. Whether it's your sofa, your favorite handbag, or your car seats, its texture tells you about its condition. Leather is subjected to numerous aggressions throughout its life. Dirty hands, excess sebum, and perspiration are all elements that clog the pores of the leather. First, feel its texture. Is it hard? Does it seem shiny or oily to the touch?
In its normal state, leather should be supple with a matte appearance. If this is not the case, it's time to clean it.
To learn more: discover our entire collection of cleaning products based on black soap.
Basic tips for cleaning leather
While leather is commonly used, it's not like other materials. What's good for cotton isn't necessarily good for leather. Before you start cleaning, it's important to take a few precautions.
First, be aware that leather doesn't like excess water. It's not recommended to soak your leather item when cleaning it. Instead, it's best to dab the stain with a damp cloth. And if you happen to spill any liquid on your leather, blot the spill rather than rubbing it off to prevent other stains from appearing.
Before applying any product to your leather, whether it is a product specifically designed for it or not, take the time to test it on a small, hidden area to ensure that it does not discolor.
When cleaning your leather, always use gentle, circular motions . This technique will minimize the risk of leaving marks.
Finally, never heat leather to dry it. Leather does not tolerate heat well. It is best to let it air dry. Similarly, when cleaning, use cold or lukewarm water.
Once these precautions are taken, it is essential to use the right tools. However, nothing too extravagant is needed to keep leather in good condition: a soft cloth, a soft-bristled brush, a moisturizing cream specifically designed for leather to give it shine after cleaning, and a mild, non-abrasive product such as black soap.
Black soap, a healthy and natural product for taking care of your leather.
Black soap is a product known for hundreds of years. Originating in Morocco 2000 years before our era, it is still highly valued for its versatility and simple composition. It cleans gently yet is formidable against dirt. It removes stubborn stains and has an unparalleled degreasing effect .
For leather, it also has the unique property of protecting and nourishing it. Therefore, using black soap to clean your leather eliminates the need to add a moisturizing cream.
This is a complete, economical and effective solution for the care of all your leather goods.
Our tips for cleaning leather with black soap
Caring for your leather is an important step to prolong its beauty and prevent further damage. Our master leather care experts share their tips for cleaning and maintaining your leather goods.
To clean a stain:
- Start by blotting up the liquid or removing any excess material.
- Dilute 1 tablespoon of black soap with olive oil in a basin of lukewarm water
- Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and wring it out as much as possible to avoid excess water.
- Clean the stain using circular motions.
- If the result is not conclusive, you can repeat the operation.
- Use a soft, dry cloth to dry it.
Black soap has a nourishing and protective effect on leather . Therefore, there is no need to add lotion.
For regular leather care:
- Dust the surface by wiping with a soft, dry cloth and use a vacuum cleaner with a soft nozzle if necessary.
- In a basin of lukewarm water, melt a spoonful of black soap.
- Brush the leather using a soft-bristled brush, making circular motions to dislodge dirt from the pores.
- Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.
To maintain the matte and supple appearance of your leather, repeat the treatment every three months.
Black soap is an undeniable asset for cleaning and caring for your leather goods. It's an effective, economical, and simple solution that will allow you to preserve the splendor of your favorite pieces.
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