Unique character, unparalleled charm, stories, and sentiments they carry are the reasons why you still want to hold thrifted or worn leather items. So, caring for and maintaining their life is your responsibility.
I will help you in this daunting task through a complete guide to cleaning and restoring worn leather using the quality leather restoration products of the Eagle brand. Join me in this process, giving a thorough read to this piece of writing!
Prepare the Leather Item for Cleaning
Any worn-out leather product needs some preparation before passing through the cleaning and restoration phase. You need to follow these simple steps for it:
1. Examine the Leather Product
Start by inspecting your leather product to pinpoint the damaged parts. It can be detached stitching, worn-out parts, glaring cracks, scuffs, stains, fading, or marks of tears. Knowing the extent of destruction can help in deciding the method, type, and products for its restoration.
2. Single out Vulnerable Areas
Next, identify the risky spots such as zippers, stitching, and embroider areas to keep them safe during cleaning.
3. Read the Product Label
Look over the manufacturer’s label on your Worn (Thrifted) Leather item. If it has its label intact, you may find some instructions for cleaning, conditioning and restoring your leather article. Reading the label is important because every leather type needs a different treatment.
4. Know the Leather Type
If you did not find the leather type on the label, then identify it from other sources, such as a leather expert. Understanding the leather type helps to get the best restoration finish and avoid further damage. For your information, I have listed three widely used leather types.
◈ Smooth Leather: This type comes in jackets and bags. It needs the lowest possible moisture.
◈ Suede / Nubuck Leather: The most delicate leather type requires special attention, tools and products while cleaning.
5. Collect Supplies for Leather Cleaning and Restoration
The process of thrifted leather cleaning and restoration needs some mandatory ingredients. Here is the list to gather them from your nearest leather store or online:
◈ Soft Cloth: You need a microfiber soft cloth for dusting and cleaning the leather product without giving any scratches.
◈ Fluffy Brush: It is required to remove the embedded dirt and debris on the leather surface.
◈ Cotton Swabs: You need small cotton swabs for spot cleaning of crevices and seams.
◈ Eagle Saddle Soap: The natural Eagle Saddle Soap can efficiently clean different leather items. It has lanolin to deeply nourish the leather to avoid cracking and preserve its natural beauty.
◈ Eagle Mink Oil Conditioner & Cleaner: This premium mink oil paste serves the dual role of cleaner and conditioner. It is made with natural ingredients such as mink oil, beeswax, lanolin and maintenance oil. It does not have silicon. It shields the leather surface against salt, water, perspiration and dirt stains while maintaining the leather's breathability.
◈ Eagle LP Heavy Duty Leather Conditioner is made of natural ingredients such as neatsfoot oil. Its penetration enhances the leather color and makes it darker. Its quick absorption keeps your leather product clean and fresh without any sticky and greasy finish.
Note: You do not need to buy a cloth and brush separately. You will get it with the Eagle Complete leather cleaning kit.
Step-By-Step Guide to Clean & Restore the Worn (Thrifted) Leather
After completing the preparation for leather cleaning, you need to follow these easy steps to clean and condition your worn leather:
Step 1: Spot Test the Leather
Begin the cleaning process by testing a spot of your worn leather. Apply the cleaning soap to a small area and see whether it discolors or damages the leather or not. If it does not cause harm, then move toward the next step of the cleaning process.
Step 2: Dusting off the Leather Surface
Next, use the soft towel to delicately wipe down the leather product. It will remove the surface dirt, dust, and debris.
Step 3: Clean the Leather with the Eagle Saddle Soap
Now, pick the horsehair applicator brush, dip it in the Eagle Saddle Soap jar, and start applying it to your leather article. Cover each end of the product with saddle soap.
Step 4: Removing the Dirt
Wipe out the leather surface with a damp cloth to remove all kinds of dirt with soap coating.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
Remove the saddle soap residue with another dampened cloth. After that, pat the leather surface with a clean towel.
Step 6: Take off the Stains
Now, use Eagle Mink Oil Conditioner & Cleaner to remove the water, salt, dirt, and perspiration stains. Simply apply the mink oil to the leather surface using a horsehair brush or sponge applicator. Then, allow it to dry and absorb in the leather fibers.
Step 7: Conditioning and Finishing
Once the leather surface becomes dry,use Eagle LP Heavy Duty Leather Conditioner to get a long-lasting shine. You can apply the conditioner on the leather fibers with your hand to achieve even coverage.
Note: Put in the second coat of conditioner for a better and durable finish.
Conclusion
Restoring thrifted leather items will save you money. Moreover, it will keep you busy and creative.
Following the comprehensive guide and Eagle leather care products featured in this blog post, you can easily do this daunting task. Share your worn leather restoration journey with us and recommend any changes you want for these Eagle products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often should I clean my thrifted leather product?
It depends on the condition of the leather product and frequency of use. However, you should clean it twice a year.
Q2: Can I machine wash my leather products?
No! Machine washing will deteriorate the quality and look of your leather product. Always hand-clean or hire professional leather cleaning services.
Q3: What is the best website to buy all the leather care products on a single platform?
Yes! You can buy all the necessary leather care products on the My Shoe Supplies website by visiting MY SHOE SUPPLIES.
Q4: What is the best leather conditioner available online?
The Eagle LP Heavy Duty Leather Conditioner is the best leather conditioner available online on this link:
Q5: What is the recommendation for a leather cleaner soap under $15?
You can buy Eagle Saddle Soap with a complete cleaning kit for online here.
