HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR FAVORITE LEATHER COAT, JACKET OR HANDBAG

All: I just received the following press release from the Professional Leather Cleaners Association, and thought it might be useful regarding the care of your leather jackets, handbags, teddies or masks (see pic.):

Leather is one of the hottest fashion trends this Fall and consumers will have many questions about caring, cleaning, and maintaining their leather garments and accessories. The Professional Leather Cleaners Association, a not for profit trade group, provides consumers with this information and much more on their website, http://www.professionalleathercleaners.org/.
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HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR FAVORITE LEATHER COAT, JACKET OR HANDBAG

The Professional Leather Cleaners Association is here to help consumers make their valuable leathers and shearlings last a very long time

NEW YORK, NY, September 28, 2011 − Leather is one of the hottest fashion trends this Fall and the Professional Leather Cleaners Association wants to make sure your valuable leather garments and accessories look their best and last a very long time!

Top ten care tips for your leather garments, shearling garments and accessories.

Leather ages gracefully and can last a lifetime with the proper care right from the start;

Always hang leather garments on wide or padded hangers to maintain their shape. Use shoetrees in footwear and stuff empty handbags with tissue to help retain their shape.

Never store leather goods in plastic or other non-breathable covers. This will cause leather to become dry.

Allow wet or damp leather to air-dry naturally away from any direct heat source. Leather can be treated with a conditioner to restore flexibility while suede can be brushed with a terry towel to restore its look.

In winter, promptly remove salt deposits from garments and footwear by sponging with water; follow with the above treatment for wet or damp leather.

Avoid very humid and dry environments as well as direct sunlight.

Do not use waxes, silicone products or other leather preparations that will impair a garment’s ability to breathe.

Wrinkles should hang out. If ironing is desired, set iron on rayon setting, use heavy brown wrapping paper as a pressing cloth on right side of the garment and a quick hand to prevent overheating and shine.

Avoid spraying perfumes or hair sprays while wearing your garment and do not apply pins, adhesive badges or tape. Wearing a scarf at the neckline will help keep hair and body oil away from the collar.

Hems may be fixed with a tiny amount of rubber cement. For best results, see a leather care professional.

All products formulated for at-home use should be tested on an inconspicuous part of the garment.