If you want leather to look functional and stylish forever, you need to put just a little extra effort to maintain its richness and great looks. You need to follow some minimal basic care tips and you can wear it on and on for years to come, and make it the most durable companion for the lifetime.

Leather cleaning

The first step to leather care is keeping your leather clean. This can be accomplished with a soft, moist rag. Wipe the leather in a small, circular pattern to remove any surface dirt and grime. For heavier soiling, use a small amount of liquid soap, making sure to wipe with a clean, wet rag to remove residue. It's advisable to use quality leather soap to deep-clean the material. Follow this with either a moisturizer or oil specifically developed for leather products. The use of the moisturizer or oil will keep the leather from cracking or tearing.

Professional leather cleaning is recommended for all leathers, and fabric garments trimmed with leather. Normal dry cleaning methods will not yield proper results. It is advisable to clean matching garments at the same time, since a slight variation is color or texture may occur as a natural result of the cleaning process. Natural marks and wrinkles could become more apparent after cleaning. Garment may shrink slightly, but will stretch again with wear.

Caring wet leather and suede

Leather and suede are not waterproof, but are not generally harmed by rain provided you dry them properly. If your leather or suede garment gets wet, remove any dirt, mud, or other stains with a cleaning agent and then condition for restoring flexibility, while the pores are still fully responsive. Remove any heavy objects from the pockets and then hang it on a sturdy hanger to retain shape away from sources of direct heat like hot air vents, radiators, furnaces, etc

Conditioning leather

Leather conditioners are meant for occasional use. They contain fats and/or oils that help lubricate leather and replenish the suppleness. Look for a product that will penetrate the strong fibers in leather. While petroleum by-products won't damage your leather immediately, they do over a period of time. Again, just as with cleaning, keep on the look out for thick, greasy conditioning treatments for the best care of your leather.

Storing leather garments

Remember Leather is a natural living breathing fabric, and as such its care is different form other fabrics. Never store leather or suede in plastic as it can?t breathe and will encourage the growth of mildew and bacteria or let the leather to dry out. These natural materials need to breathe and hence should be stored in cloth cover instead and in cool, dry area away from direct heat. Always hang leather clothing on wide or padded hangers to keep their shape.

Leather protection and maintenance

? Leather naturally repels water but, for additional protection, look for an environment friendly repellent product to help prevent absorption of water and body oils. Stiffness and spouting will happen if leather isn't protected beforehand. It's best to avoid silicone-based repellents or waxes which retard leather's ability to "breathe."

? To remove everyday dirt from smooth leathers, periodically wipe them with a water-dampened cloth. To help keep your smooth leather garment soft and supple and retain its natural oils, you can apply a leather care lotion with a soft cloth using a gentle circular motion. For minimizing the stains treat them immediately before having your garment professionally cleaned. Stains from alcohol or protein substances like food, milk or blood should be lightly dabbed with a water-dampened cloth to help prevent them from setting.

? To remove mildew from leather, create a mixture of one-cup rubbing alcohol per one-cup of water. Wipe the mildew area with a cloth dipped in the diluted alcohol, then allow it to dry. If the mildew persists, use mild soap and water that contains a germicide, then remove with a clean dampened cloth and allow to dry.

Suede protection and maintenance

For suede use the suede cleaner brush to restore the nap of your suede or nubuck garment. Never use soap and water on suede, as this will ruin the fabric. Use a clean, cotton towel to wipe up spills immediately; suede will stain quickly, even from water. If you get oil or grease on your suede or nubuck garment, dab the area with a dry, soft, absorbent cloth. Apply powdered white to the stained area and let set (without rubbing) for 24 hours, and then gently brush it away with the suede brush. For removing ground-in dirt or stains, take your garment to a professional leather and suede cleaner.

Ironing leather garments

Avoid ironing leather garments, but if you absolutely need ironing the item, set the iron on the lowest possible setting. Never use steam. Place a heavy brown grocery bag, or some felt paper on and between the garment and then iron quickly, and avoid overheating.

Altering leather garments

Alterations can be made to the Leather garment by your own professional alterationists that you know and trust who has leather or suede experience. While leather and suede garments can usually be considered for alterations, they can rarely be let out without leaving noticeable marks. Note that pins will leave holes in leather and suede and should not be used during alterations.

Fixing leather wear and tear

Leather garment hems and small rips or tears, may be fixed with a tiny amount of rubber cement or sewn with a leather needle. For best results you can see a local seamstress that specializes in leather garments.

Avoid adhesive stickers and tags

Avoid or never put adhesive stickers like name tags on leather or suede clothing as glue or any adhesive sticker will permanently make a mark on its surface.