Leather aprons are undeniably fashionable but are also very functional, being worn to help guard you when cooking, doing arts and crafts, or even when working on the garage. But for them to retain their quality, these leather aprons require some cleaning and maintenance. In this article, we are going to look at effective ways in which you can clean your leather apron so that it looks great for many more years. Let’s get right to it.
Why Clean Your Leather Apron?
Frequent use causes your leather apron to develop creases and blemishes, which calls for regular cleaning! Especially for the first few times, grease, dust, soil, and stains will gather and accumulate and cause premature aging. Prevention is better than cure, this is what refers to as maintaining the proper leather apron for a longer period. This means leather is neat and smart when in a kitchen or workshop and also saves time.
Cleaning of a Leather Apron Step by Step:
1. Dust Off the Surface:
First, take a soft cloth or microfiber towel and tap the leather apron to remove dust from the outer surface of the leather. This will basically help lift any dirt or particles that are likely to scratch the surface of leather apron during the cleaning process.
2. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution:
If your leather has a cleaner, look for the provided instructions on the label. Or if you want the want the leather a blend of few drops from a mild soap with warm water. Stay away from normal detergent as this leaves a bad effect on the leather.
3. Spot Test:
Before you pour the cleaner on the whole apron, you have to test it on a small part of the apron on an unobtrusive spot. You will thus be able to see that the solution will not harm or stain the leather in any way.
4. Clean the Leather:
Soak the soft cloth in your solution. Do so as the cloth should not be dripping wet so as to wet the leather. Using a damp cloth, gently clean the leather surface of the apron, focusing on the dirty parts. In case there are stubborn stains, you can apply equal amounts of water and white vinegar with a soft bristle brush. Always remember to work in small sections so as not to wet the leather too much.
5. Cleaning and Succeeding-up:
Using a damp clean cloth, wash the apron with water after the soap has been removed. The Surface of the leather should never be soaked in water but sprayed a little water. After the rinsing process, the apron should be hanged in a dry shed. Do not place it under direct heat or sunshine or use a hairdryer, this brings cracks to the leather.
6. Apply Protective Coating to the Leather:
The last step before using your apron is to smear it with a leather protective substance. Use protective leather conditioners at this stage to nourish the leather and restore moisture lost during the cleaning process. Place conditioner on a cotton swab and using a circular motion, massage the conditioner into the leather. It should be left on for a couple of hours or as it is written on the product.
Additional Tips for Preserving Your Leather Apron:
• Storage: If you do not intend to use the leather apron, store it in the back of the cupboard and out of reach of scratches or accidental spillage.
• Restricted Water: Keep in mind that leather is not waterproof and try to avoid any spillage as it can lead to seepage. Wipe such spillage instantaneously.
• Clean up the surface: Besides wash the top surface before the apron goes back on see to it that usage is taken every once in a while to prevent deposits of dirt.
Conclusion:
Cleaning your leather apron need not be a labor intensive chore. By so doing within a few practices, you will maintain the leather apron in good shape. Simple dusting, wiping and moisturizing will guarantee that the leather apron will be among the items in the closet for many more years. Remember a well taken care of leather apron does not just look good but does its job much better, therefore protecting you while carrying out your activities under the apron.