Restoring and maintaining leather goods

(All the suggested products are genuinely recommended based on experience. None of the products mentioned are sponsored or affiliate links.)

Leather and suede pieces should be professionally dry-cleaned, but they also require a few care steps between cleanings.

For suede jackets, skirts, pants and even shoes, it's important to apply a waterproofing treatment to protect against water/liquid damage, as well as buildup from skin oils in high contact areas (like collars, sleeves and pocket openings). This also helps prevent mold from forming if the piece is stored in more humid conditions. Remove surface dust with a synthetic boar bristle brush, brushing lightly in whatever direction the fabric looks more even and vibrant. Apply a protective spray evenly before wearing them for the first time, I recommend Búfalo Protect Super Impregnator (the english name for this is so goofy, I'm so sorry 😭) and allow it to air dry completely out of direct sunlight. Repeat this process every few months (or at least once a year if the piece isn't worn often).

If the color of a suede piece is looking a little dull, you can use Búfalo Classic Conditioner Nubuck following the same brushing, application and air-drying method. For black pieces with small spots that need a touch-up, apply a small amount of Búfalo Express Self-Shining Liquid using a q-tip or a fine brush, gradually building and blending the color as needed (don't use the sponge included in the product directly on the garment, as it can create uneven and unblended circular shapes). Although this product is typically intended for shoes, it can be useful for minor suede touch-ups and dries quickly, but I only recommend using black as other shades are limited and may not match your piece accurately.

Finished leather is generally a lot easier to maintain than suede. You can clean it by gently wiping the surface with a microfiber cloth dampened with a mix of lukewarm water and a drop of dish soap, then wiping again with a dry cloth. Apply a leather-specific conditioner (any brand usually works well) at least once a year to hydrate the material and prevent it from becoming stiff, dull and dried out, this step usually brings back some darker tones in the leather.

If the interior has a fabric lining such as polyester or cotton, you can lightly and evenly mist it using a spray bottle with a mix of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol to help remove odors and bacteria. Allow it to air dry completely and avoid spraying areas where leather trims, hems or plackets could be damaged and overly dried by the alcohol in the mixture.

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