While leather gloves are truly stylish and go with any outfit and any season, taking care of them and cleaning them might cause their owner a little trouble.
Most leather gloves will last for years with proper care, but the slightest negligence or mistreatment and they are ruined for life. Here are a few general tips on how to clean your leather gloves and how to take care of them to make sure you make the most out of your elegant accessories for as long as possible.
1. Choose your pair of gloves wisely
Choosing high quality means paying a higher price, but it will definitely be worth it in the long run. Quality leather does not stretch over time, it keeps its shape and texture, so if you choose high quality gloves, you should make sure the size you buy fits you perfectly.
2. Waterproof leather gloves
Leather is naturally water-resistant, but you can use special leather waxes to make sure it is waterproof. You want to waterproof your gloves before first use. Be careful, though, as some waterproofing products may change the colour of light-tone leather.
3. Store your gloves accordingly
Make sure you keep your gloves in a dry place to avoid any damage to the leather such as molding. Store the gloves on a flat surface, so that they won’t wrinkle and crack. Avoid keeping them in a place where they come in contact with dust or direct sunlight. Make sure you don’t rub your gloves against coloured surfaces or objects, as color transfer may stain them permanently.
4. Nurse your gloves
In order to ensure adequate moisture, apply leather cream and massage it gently into your gloves. This will help keep them soft and avoid drying out, which may lead to cracking and thus deterioration. Make sure you don’t expose your leather gloves to chemicals of any kind (cosmetics, alcohol, oily chemicals and other substances that may damage the leather).
5. Clean your gloves accordingly
Cleaning leather gloves might be a little more difficult than cleaning fabric gloves. You should not soak them in water or wash them in a washing machine. If they get stained or dirty, dip a cloth in lukewarm water, squeeze out excess water and gently dab the gloves with the damp cloth. In case of need, use special leather cleaning products.
Avoid rubbing or rough wiping in order to keep the gloves from tearing. Once they are clean, leave them out to dry naturally instead of exposing them to any source of heat.
If the interior of your gloves gets greasy, you may use talcum powder to absorb residual oil. If the lining becomes dirty, you should take your gloves to a special dry cleaner instead of trying to clean them at home, as you may damage the material.
6. Do not expose leather gloves to humid environments
Remove your gloves in case of rainy weather and keep them safe from humidity, because too much moisture can cause molding or even rotting. Make sure you avoid this, because you don’t want your gloves to look worn and smell funny.
Knowing how to take care of and clean your leather gloves properly will greatly increase their durability and help you wear your elegant accessories for longer, without their colour, shape or texture altering over time.