To care for and treat your leather, look to your skincare regimen for inspiration.
When it comes to caring for our skin, gentle cleansing of dirt and impurities followed by moisturizing is a tried and true basic formula. Avoiding harsh and overzealous treatment, which can strip natural protections, is important. Equally important is moisturizing the appropriate amount. Too little will leave our skin dry, and too much will cause heavy build-up. Caring for leather uses these same basic guidelines.
Leather may not require as much maintenance as our skin, but when it does need a bit of some cleaning or is starting to look a little dry, it's important to give it the appropriate attention.
Start with a soft damp cloth or sponge.
Use a small amount of leather cleaner on the cloth or sponge and rub it onto the leather in a circular motion (just like you would do when washing your face). Once your leather is clean, allow it to air dry.
Next, use a small amount of leather conditioner applied directly to the cloth or sponge, and then rubbed in a circular motion on the leather. Start with a pea size drop of conditioner, as you can always add more if needed. The conditioner will not only moisturize, it will also protect your leather.
For stronger protection on leather that may be regularly exposed to harsh or wet conditions, you may want to also apply leather protector once the conditioner has fully dried. Leather protector can generally be sprayed over your leather in a circular motion, again being mindful to not apply too much protector. Protector will also prevent the transfer of colour from your leather onto other fabric. Note that during this process your leather may temporarily darken, but will lighten again over time.
Caring for your leather properly, will keep your favourite leather piece (or horse tack!) both functioning and looking beautiful for years to come.
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