Leather gloves are considered to be one of the most practical, comfortable and presentable options. They can complement any look, they work perfectly for both women’s and men’s wardrobes, so their popularity does not fade. In this article we will find out how to clean leather gloves at home, while preserving their appearance.
How to clean classic dark-colored models
Black leather is a much more practical material for gloves than, for example, light shades. Machine and hand washing are prohibited, as well as ironing. The only suitable cleaning methods are the exceptionally gentle ones, using very little water.
One of the most common and effective methods is to use ammonia solution. Dip a cotton ball into the diluted ammonia, and rub the entire surface of the item with it. If the cotton sponge becomes dirty it should be replaced with a new one. When you’re done with cleaning the gloves, wipe them with a napkin slightly wetted in cool water.
If you encounter difficult to remove stains, you can use a mixture of gasoline and turpentine (2:1). After the procedure, wipe the gloves with a damp cloth and dry in the fresh air. The method can be used both to clean the entire glove, and to remove dirt in separate areas.
How to clean white leather gloves
Egg whites can perfectly perform as “detergent”. Whip them into a thick foam and apply to the light leather. When the egg whites absorb a bit, wipe the remnants off with a flannel napkin or cotton ball. Your white gloves will retain a light shade and will not change colors after this procedure.
Tough stains can be rubbed with onion, and then treated with a mixture of milk and egg whites. This cocktail will not only remove stains, but also soften tough leather, restore its elasticity. This is such a versatile method that it can be used even for lacquered and perforated leather.
How to clean colored leather gloves
The best to clean colored leather at home is using bread crumb. To do this, soak the bread in a small amount of water (for light shades, you can replace the water with milk) and the resulting solution is applied on gloves. After a few minutes, remove the crumb with a slightly damp cloth.
It’s a good idea to have restoring sprays for colored leather at home, they will help effectively cope with scuffs, micro-cracks or small scratches.
Keep in mind that care products for leather shoes can not always be used for gloves: the leather used for gloves is thinner and more delicate.
If you plan to use such products at home, check their effect on an obscure area of the leather first. To clean the leather, choose soft flannel napkins or sponges with a wide surface.
Keep in mind that any method of cleaning makes the leather noticeably rougher, so you should also buy products that soften natural leather. It can be special aerosols, creams or lotions for different leather types. For these purposes you can also use the following products at home:
- nourishing face cream (not moisturizing);
- castor oil;
- colorless cream for shoes or bags with a wax base.
Experts do not recommend using vegetable oil (especially sunflower oil) or glycerin to soften products made of genuine leather. The fact is that while using these products softens the leather, the effect does not last for long, therefore using these methods will not make sense later: the leather will get rougher, and it will not restore it anymore.
Also, the use of oil or glycerin contributes to discoloration of gloves, oil can also leave stains on them. Glycerin destroys the natural protection of genuine leather from aggressive or harmful environmental influences.
Before you clean the leather gloves, make sure you will be able to dry them well. It is best to clean in the evening. Do not use radiators or electric dryers to dry wet gloves: the leather may lose its shape, become tougher, lose its natural shine.
Naturally, for the same reasons, you can not use the dryer or the washing machine’s drying mode. The ideal place for drying the gloves is a well- ventilated place away from household heaters.