Keeping white leather items clean and in good condition is difficult, but with the proper knowledge it's much easier and less time-consuming than you think. Like anything white, varnished leather gets dirty easier and faster, so follow these tips to treat it when it gets dirty, stained or worn.
Steps
Step 1. Try hair spray
The most difficult marks are caused by various objects such as ink pens. The best way to get rid of ink or other similar substances is to use hair spray. A spray on the mark removes it; then you can rub it gently, after letting it act for a few minutes. Dampen a cloth with warm water and rub in circular motions to remove the stain. Repeat if necessary, but make sure you don't scrub too hard or you could damage your skin. This method also works on multiple spots.
Step 2. To remove stains that don't go away with hairspray, use white vinegar
Do not take the red one, as the leather may absorb the color (this is unlikely, but some leathers are more porous, so use the white one to be safe). Like hairspray, which contains alcohol, vinegar removes the stain. However, this is much more aggressive than light alcohol in hair spray. You should therefore start by diluting it with water in a ratio of 1:10 (i.e. one cup of vinegar to 10 cups of water) and slowly increase the amount of vinegar until the desired effect is achieved. Alternatively, you can use denatured alcohol, if you are afraid of the smell, but it could give slightly different results. Always dilute it by slowly increasing the concentration, and be careful to check for damage.
Step 3. Once you have followed the previous steps, rinse your leather item under fresh, clean water and let it air dry
Keep wet leather away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as leather slowly weakens over time and can crack.
Step 4. After using aggressive detergents, such as alcohol, it is advisable to apply a specific cream on the skin
A leather conditioner, preferably specially formulated for the skin, keeps it looking like new for longer and protects it from water, sun, dry air, cracking or damage.
Advice
- There are some specific products on the market for patent leather care. These can give better results than alcohol, hair spray, or vinegar, as they contain components that polish, heal and protect the skin, as well as clean it. The methods described in this article are intended as home remedies, and it would be best to use a product made specifically for skin care.
- If you prepare a 1:10 mixture of vinegar and water, you can use the residual solution for cleaning the house: it is safe, without chemicals, and healthier than standard detergents. This acts as a disinfectant and cleans very well, even glass and children's toys, and is recommended by many pediatricians for cleaning areas frequented by children.
- Patience is the main aspect when you want to remove stains or marks on the skin. The leather is tough and durable, but can be scratched or worn by repeated rubbing. Be gentle and thoughtful in cleaning, don't be hasty if you want the best results.
Warnings
- Do not use a colored cloth, as colored fabric that has not been washed thoroughly or correctly may lose color, and however, even some correctly washed fabrics may release color when used with vinegar, hairspray, or alcohol.
- Do not use colored vinegar, lacquer, or alcohol, because they can easily stain white skin. Use only diluted denatured alcohol (also known as skin disinfectant), like what you find in supermarkets.
- Rub gently with a soft cloth, to keep the leather smooth and not to scratch it, as it may create a softer halo than the rest, giving it an ugly appearance. Work calmly.
- Avoid colored leather cream or shoe polish on white leather, as they can stain it, usually irreversibly. Make sure you only use products intended for white skin.
