How and how to clean a leather bag at home
A bag is not only an element of style, but also an important wardrobe attribute that is used almost every day. Among the most popular materials are leather and leatherette. They are practical, comfortable and durable.
How to clean a leather bag at home in order to return it to its previous appearance, what to use for this, and much more later in the article.
Basic rules and recommendations
Skin care will vary slightly depending on your skin type. But there are general recommendations that will help preserve the aesthetic appearance of the product for a long time.
Let's list some of them:
- carry out periodic moistening (it is better to use special means to create a moisture-protective layer);
- the surface must be cleaned immediately when stains appear;
- use professional cleaners and detergents.
The question often arises of how to clean white skin, because the pollution on it is more noticeable. But leaving isn't that different. Moreover, if you pay attention to folk remedies, you can designate a wider range of safe solutions. For example, nail polish remover or alcohol.
What not to do
There are a number of restrictions on skin care. Many of them are related to the physical characteristics of the material. The more delicate and whimsical the product, the more difficult it is to find the right product.
What to do is strongly discouraged:
- do not use aggressive chemicals;
- do not use abrasive materials and hard brushes for cleaning;
- for the lacquered surface, you need to use professional care products, wipe with soft cloths.
Note! There are folk methods that can really damage the material. For example, gasoline, thinner and other chemicals.
Cleaning features depending on the material
Leather products differ from each other. These differences may seem insignificant only at first glance.
For example, it may differ:
- type of skin (lamb, pork, beef, etc.);
- surface texture (smooth or porous);
- whether an additional protective layer is used (varnish and similar types of coating);
- exposure to moisture, etc.
In fairness, you need to consider the features of the material in more detail.
Natural smooth leather
Products made of smooth leather are easy enough to clean from dirt. In addition to professional products for smooth skin care, there is an effective method. A simple soapy solution. Moreover, it is permissible to use detergents, liquid soap and other, non-aggressive formulations.
The method is quite simple:
- dip the sponge into the prepared soapy solution;
- squeeze to release excess water;
- we wipe the places of pollution with foam;
- remove the remnants with a dry cloth.
A citric acid solution is no less effective in practice. For 1 liter of water 15-20 g of the substance, stir thoroughly. Then we use it in the same way as a soap solution.
Polished leather
The peculiarity of the lacquered surface is its extreme smoothness and moisture resistance. This allows you to remove all kinds of contamination with particular ease. You can even use a regular alcohol-based wet wipe.
Recommendations:
- do not use the accessory in winter (freezing temperatures contribute to the cracking of the varnish);
- do not use gasoline or thinner for cleaning;
- it is advisable to use a protective cream, which will create an additional layer.
You can add shine using polishes, waxes, skin care sprays, and more.
Artificial leather
Due to its cost, artificial leather is more popular than real leather. However, it has its own advantages. For example, resistance to external influences. You can use soapy water for washing. There are additional care products.
For example, glycerin will give the product a natural shine, make it softer and prevent cracking. There are other ways to improve the physical properties of the bag. For example:
- face milk (from conventional cosmetics);
- glycerin-based creams (preferably with a moisturizing effect);
- emulsions.
It is better not to use aggressive chemicals for artificial leather.
How to care for white skin
Dirt and dust from white leather can be removed with hydrogen peroxide or ammonia solution. For everyday care, special products are used: sprays, wax, polish. Color restoration is also possible.
This effect is achieved by rubbing the surface with a stationery eraser. If you need to achieve more clarification, you will need to follow a simple recipe:
- we separate the egg yolks (they are not needed) from the proteins;
- mix until smooth together with cow's milk;
- wipe the surface of the bag, let it dry.
White skin is less whimsical to care for, but any imperfections on it will be visible immediately.
How to clean a leather bag with folk remedies
Long before the advent of professional skin care products, there were folk. And many of them are not only known, but also actively used in practice. Popular methods have both adherents and opponents.
In fact, they can be divided into:
- universal (which are used for all types and types of leather products);
- to remove stains;
- harmless (they will not harm the surface, but are not always effective).
Let's get acquainted with the most popular ones to find out which one to use and for what purposes.
Vinegar
A simple tool available at hand in any kitchen will eliminate even serious dirt without damaging the surface. To protect the surface, it is best to prepare a solution by diluting it with water.
The procedure looks like this:
- prepare a solution, for this we mix vinegar and warm water 1: 2, respectively;
- apply the solution to the spots with a cotton sponge;
- leave for 5 minutes for the substance to interact;
- remove residues with a clean napkin.
This method is quite effective for light and white leather bags. Note! Inexpensive bags can be made from low-quality materials, including dyed ones. It is not recommended to apply this method to them.
Starch
A harmless and versatile method for cleaning leather bags. Best for eliminating greasy splashes. The principle of its action is simple - starch interacts with fat, even absorbed into the surface of the product, and absorbs it.
To complete the procedure, you need to use a detergent or soap solution. Talcum powder or baby powder can have an additional effect.
Laundry soap
This folk remedy is quite simple to use. It can be used without fear of damaging the product.
The process looks like this:
- grate a little soap (ordinary, household);
- dilute it in slightly warmed water (to dissolve faster);
- using a sponge moistened with a solution, we remove dirt.
In order to enhance the effect and prevent the skin from drying out, it is best to lubricate it with glycerin. Wax sprays, creams, and other products have a similar effect.
Cream
The tool is designed to create an additional layer. It serves as a barrier, does not allow moisture to enter the product. In addition, it protects the product from premature loss of color, drying out.
Creams are suitable for hands and face, with a moisturizing effect. It must be rubbed well into the surface with a cotton sponge.
Dishwashing liquid
Regular detergent can help degrease the surface and get rid of dirt. The effect is similar to that achieved with laundry soap. The chronology of the actions is the same.
Petrol
Even dry paint, varnish or ink can be removed with gasoline. It is not always possible to use it, but before using it, be sure to test the product on an inconspicuous fragment of the surface. If after a few hours nothing happened, then you can apply.
Note! Gasoline must be refined. A gas station will not work. Special gasoline is sold in hardware stores.
Ammonia
With its help, problematic pollution is eliminated. Recommended for unpretentious skin types, preferably light tones.
Care Tips
Leather is a natural material. It needs to be treated with special means in order to keep it in good condition for a long time. First of all, you need to create a water-repellent layer, professional skin care products will help to achieve this goal.
Don't forget about easy-to-use folk remedies.
Video: cleaning a leather bag