We all know that boots and shoes can benefit from regular cleaning, conditioning and polishing with high quality leather care products. But many other leather items that work hard for us in our daily lives also could use a cleaning and conditioning routine. Here is a non-exhaustive list of leather goods we may forget to treat when we break out the leather care products. Suggestions for effective products are made from our extensive leather cleaning and conditioning range; pick your favorites from any of our brands for superior treatment of your valuable leathers.
1. Belts
Whether you have just a few or a large collection of belts you will find they last longer and fit more comfortably when they are added to your leather care list. The typical belt is cinched tightly and curves the entire time it is worn. At the end of the day, be sure to take it out of the pants or skirt loops and hang it to allow it to relax. Remember that it is worn close to the body and handled often meaning that dirt, oil and perspiration may work their way into the leather. Most belts are smooth leather very similar to the bridle leather used for horse tack. A good cleaning and conditioning duo would be Saphir leather balm, developed originally for harnesses but now used to restore and maintain all fine leathers. Clean and condition belts at least once monthly and see how much they improve your fashionable look while lasting years longer.
2. Bags
Purses, messenger bags and briefcases are just a sampling of the totes we use to transport and protect our possessions. Just like our shoes and boots, bags often spend much of their time on the ground or floor, including in our personal vehicles, on public transport and other areas that may be wet, dirty or even muddy. It is no wonder that they begin to stiffen, show wear and peel and crack. Make time every time you clean and polish your shoes to check your most used bags; every two weeks would be a reasonable routine for bags used often. Collonil leather care products clean and condition both smooth and napped leathers and are good choices for these faithful companions. At least once per season treat bags used less frequently so they are ready to work for you at a moment’s notice.
3. Small Accessories
Used everyday, pulled out of pockets or bags multiple times, your wallet, credit card case, key chain and the like are handled, dropped, and may even fall victim to spilled coffee, condiments or an icy puddle when you are juggling several items to open a car door in a snowy parking lot. Because of the intricate workmanship used to fashion these fine leathers they often carry a significant price tag. Ensure these beautiful and expensive small leathers continue to serve you well for years by using the high quality products from the French leather experts at Avel / Saphir, including color restorers, de-salters and creams for even the most delicate, buttery leathers.
4. Suitcases and Chests
Often neglected because they are used infrequently or their leather construction is forgotten during general cleaning, take a close look at your luggage; jewelry boxes; razor, knife or silverware cases; storage boxes; and artwork. Even if the body of your luggage is made from synthetics or canvas, handles and straps are often leather, and you will greatly increase the lifespan of these items if they are cleaned and conditioned with proper leather care products. Chests and cases to hold your valuable jewelry or other personal items frequently are trimmed or completely wrapped in leather. They will look much more attractive and last longer if their leather care needs are met. Check picture frames, tables and decorative items in your home and office for leather decorations or trim and treat appropriately. Try a natural product like Woly Natura Lemon Cleaner to insure a healthy, safe and breathable living area even after a thorough leather cleaning of household items.
5. Camping / Outdoor Equipment
The worst time for leather breakage is when you rely upon it for your safety and well being. If yours is a household that enjoys the great outdoors, no adventure is complete until your have cleaned and conditioned the equipment after the excursion. Tents, backpacks and pack sacks, hunting and fishing cases, and a variety of other items may have handles, straps and bottoms made of leather. Extremely hardworking, these leather items respond well when pretreated with dubbins, oils and cleansed with saddle soaps from a us. Be sure to clean and condition after use or at least yearly.