レザーアイテム・メンテ術<br>今すぐ使える10テクニック

技術Leather item maintenance techniques
10 techniques you can use right now

Leather products come in a wide variety of materials and items.
Let's solve all your questions here!

From "Leather in Japan No. 3" published in 2010

Q. How do I remove pen ink from my wallet?

A. You can use an eraser to remove it!

When pen ink gets on your wallet, the ink has penetrated into the leather fibers. To erase this, an eraser is useful. Be sure to prepare a clean eraser with no stains on it. The key is to use the corner of the eraser to lightly press it against the stain and move it back and forth. Don't forget to pull a cloth underneath to prevent the wallet itself from moving and scratching the backside.

Q. My wallet has scratches that stand out. Is there a good way to deal with it?

A. The last resort is to use shoe polish!

Small leather goods with darker colors will stand out when scratches occur. If you can't let that go, you can use shoe polish. After wiping the surface clean, apply shoe polish in the opposite direction of the scratch. Finally, wipe again to hide the scratches. However, shoe polish may adhere to clothing, and it may also forcefully harden the scratches, so it should only be used as a last resort.

Q. Spilled food on leather wear! What should I do for first aid?

A. Use an absorbent material and dab it off with a pushing motion.

When a drink or food is spilled on leatherwear, rubbing it impatiently will cause stains. The key is to dab the stain with a towel, tissue, or other absorbent material and press the stain onto the surface.

Q. What should I be careful about when caring for exotic leather?

A. Brush and cream along the scales.

When brushing for daily care and applying moisturizing cream, it is an ironclad rule to do so along the scales. The scales, which are the charm of exotic leather, will be ruined if you damage them by brushing against them. Also, when applying cream, be careful not to allow the cream to harden between the scales.

Q. What is the most important point in growing leather wear?

A. Wear it anyway!

Wearing not only keeps the shape of the garment, but also allows the moisture stored in the leather during storage to escape through contact with human body heat and the outside air. Even in the off-season, it is ideal to put the sleeves on once every two weeks.

Q. How do I remove mold that has gotten into the seams of leather gloves?

A. A toothbrush works great!

Mold is the enemy of leather gloves. Wipe the outer leather and brush the brushed leather to maintain the gloves. To remove stubborn mold that has gotten into the seams, use a used toothbrush to scrape it out. It is also important to dry them in the shade during long-term storage or during the rainy season.

Q. How do I remove stubborn stains from leather gloves?

A. Wash them in water with a mild detergent while wearing them.

It is best to avoid soaking leather gloves in water, but if there is a stubborn stain that cannot be removed, wash them in water with neutral detergent. The key is to wash them with the gloves still on. Wash your hands as if you were washing your own hands, all the way down to between your fingers.

Q. What should I do about the fluff on my leather belt?

A. Just stroke it with clear varnish.

The more often you like and use a leather belt, the more the fluff will become fluffier. If the fluff gets worse, it can stain your clothes, so it is important to maintain it properly. A commercially available transparent varnish can be used to care for such fluff. Simply put a small amount of transparent varnish on a sponge wrapped in gauze, hold the belt vertically, and stroke the bump two or three times.

Q. What is the best way to store belts?

A. Hang and store one belt at a time.

Many people may leave their leather belts on the floor of the closet after wearing. However, be aware that the way you store them can make a big difference in their lifespan. As shown in the photo, you can hang them one by one on hangers for storage, so try it right away.

Q. How do I remove stains from brushed material?

A. Brush along the flow of the hair.

Items made of raised leather are very popular, but the drawback is that dust and dirt can easily adhere to them. Brushing is the basic care for stains, but be sure to follow the flow of the bristles carefully.