[Direct from the pros] We'll show you how to maintain genuine leather with oil!
Hello! Mita from HushTug here.
To enjoy your leather products for a long time, regular maintenance is essential.
Especially for items used daily, such as bags and wallets, they can get damaged or discolored over time.
However, with a little effort, you can prolong their beauty and functionality.
In this article, I will explain in detail how to maintain leather products, including the necessary tools and frequency of care.
Let's learn the basic maintenance methods to cherish your daily leather products and make them last for a long time.
Tools Needed for Leather Product Maintenance
When performing maintenance on leather products, some basic tools are required.
Using the right tools allows for efficient maintenance and helps preserve the beauty of the leather for a long time.
Here, I will introduce the following three essential leather care tools:
- Brush
- Oil
- Cloth
1. Brush
Source: https://www.columbus.co.jp/product/186859/
The first tool you use when caring for leather is a brush.
A brush is used to gently remove dust and dirt from the leather surface.
It is especially useful for removing dirt accumulated in small grooves and seams.
For leather product maintenance, it's generally best to choose a horsehair brush.
Horsehair brushes have flexible bristles and just the right amount of elasticity, so they are less likely to leave brushing marks.
Pig bristles are stiffer than horsehair and are used for removing dirt from suede, among other things.
2. Oil
For leather product maintenance, there are primarily two types of oils that can be used.
Each oil affects the texture and finish of the leather differently, so it's important to understand the characteristics of the oil you use.
Here, we will explain the characteristics of mink oil and delicate cream, and which one to choose.
・Characteristics of Mink Oil
Source: https://columbus-shop.com/item-detail/1054468
COLUMBUS Mink Oil Jar MINKOIL 45g
＜Features＞
Mink oil is suitable for thoroughly moisturizing leather, making it soft and supple.
It is especially recommended for those who prefer a soft texture.
Using mink oil gives the leather a deep luster and enhances its texture.
＜Frequency of Use＞
Typically, use once every six months is recommended.
Frequent use can lead to excessive oil penetration, causing the leather to become sticky, so be careful with the amount used.
It is also good to use it when the leather has gotten wet from rain and become dry.
・Characteristics of Delicate Cream
Source: https://columbus-shop.com/item-detail/1053136
COLUMBUS Boot Black Silver Line Delicate Cream
＜Features＞
Delicate cream is characterized by its relatively light and smooth finish.
Its penetrating power is gentler compared to mink oil, and it gives leather a crisp finish, making it ideal for maintaining a texture that isn't too soft.
＜Frequency of Use＞
Please use it about once every two weeks.
Since the oil tends to stay on the surface and there's less worry about applying too much, it can be used casually.
3. Cloth
Source: https://columbus-shop.com/item-detail/1053218
COLUMBUS Cotton Cloth
Lastly, the cloth.
It is used when applying oil to the leather and wiping off excess oil.
A cloth is an important item for smooth work without scratching the leather.
Choose a cloth that is as soft as possible and unlikely to scratch.
Cotton material is ideal.
You don't necessarily need to buy a new one; a cut-up old T-shirt will also work.
In this case, you can simply dispose of it after use, which is efficient.
Maintenance Procedure
Leather product maintenance, when done with the correct procedure, can preserve the leather's condition and allow for long-term use.
Here, using HushTug's PC sleeve case as an example, I will explain the steps for caring for leather products.
By following the steps introduced below, you can maintain your leather efficiently and effectively.
- Brush off dirt
- Apply delicate cream to moisturize
Let's look at them in order.
1. Brush off dirt
Brush the entire surface.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure.
The direction of brushing is a matter of personal preference.
For grooved areas, brush carefully along the grooves.
Once dirt and dust are removed, you're done.
2. Delicate Cream
Next, apply the delicate cream.
You can apply it by hand or use a cloth; either is fine.
(*In the case of mink oil
You can use your hands, but applying it with a brush allows for thorough penetration into the grain.
Having a dedicated brush for applying oil can be convenient, as it helps prevent over-application.)
Take a small amount in your hand and apply it carefully to avoid unevenness.
Above all, be careful not to apply too much.
Applying too much can lead to a shiny finish, excessive softening, or make it easier for dust and other particles to stick due to the oil.
Take a small amount, apply a thin layer, and repeat this to gradually blend it in.
(*For mink oil, mink oil has a high viscosity and takes time to absorb.
After application, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then wipe off any excess oil with a cloth.)
For items with a textured grain, use a brush to blend it in.
Once it's blended evenly across the entire surface, you're done.
The entire process takes about 10-15 minutes, so please try to do regular maintenance, once every one to two weeks, when you have free time on weekends.
Summary
Leather products, with their beauty and durability, are items that can be used for many years.
However, to maintain their appeal, regular maintenance is essential.
In this article, we introduced the characteristics of mink oil and delicate cream as leather product maintenance methods, and the steps for care using appropriate tools.
By performing regular maintenance, leather products can be enjoyed for their texture even as they age, deepening your attachment to them.
Please refer to the care methods introduced here to cherish your precious leather items for a long time.
▼Related video here▼
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