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Pure Aniline Leathers
All pure aniline leathers have Scotchguard/GTX incorporated into the dyeing process. All spills should be cleaned ASAP to prevent stains from setting.
- Water Based Stains: Blot the area with a colorfast cloth. If necessary, blot or gently wipe the area with a colorfast cloth dampened with bottled water. Before the area dries, mist with a mixture of two (2) tablespoons of white vinegar and one (1) quart of bottled water. This will prevent or get out any water rings. Allow area to air dry. Never dry with heat as this will set the stain and/or dry out the leather. Repeat process as needed as stubborn stains may not come out on the first attempt.
- Oil Based Stains: First clean and blot the area with a colorfast cloth. Sprinkle baking soda on the area - enough to thoroughly cover the area. Leave on the stain until the baking soda turns a greyish color. Brush or vacuum off. Repeat the process until baking soda no longer turns grey, then clean the area with a colorfast cloth, bottled water, and vinegar mixture as in water based procedure. Allow area to air dry.
- Fading From Cleaning: A light spot from cleaning may occur. Leave it for a few days and the color will most likely return. If not, apply a couple of drops of baby or mink oil to CLEAN hands and rub into hands as you would lotion. Then lightly massage the area that has faded. This will put moisture back into the leather that was lost during cleaning.
- Sunfading: THIS IS RECOMMENDED FOR DARK LEATHER COLORS ONLY. If the piece has faded over a large area, take a clean sponge and dampen it with bottled water. Apply a few drops of baby or mink oil and massage into the sponge. Lightly rub sponge over the faded area. Go in one direction - up and off. ONLY DO THIS ON BACKS AND SIDES, NOT ANYWHERE WHERE YOU WILL SIT as oil could transfer to your clothing. Go with a small amount of oil at first and increase the amount if needed. Always test this method first in an unobvious area to convince yourself of the results.
- Ink Stains: FOR BALLPOINT AND FELT TIP PENS ONLY. Use your fingertip covered by a clean, colorfast cloth. Rub up and off in one motion. DO NOT RUB INTO THE LEATHER. Change cloth area with each motion. If this does not work, try bottled water on cloth and repeat technique. If all else fails, lightly rub area with gum eraser (used on suede shoes and can be purchased in most shoe stores).
Protected Aniline Leathers
With protected aniline leathers, you can expect color consistency, easy maintenance, and more protection against sunfading (however, leather can still fade if proper care is not taken). These leathers have a pigmented finish and will not be as soft as other leathers, but require minimal care. Simply dust occasionally with a clean, colorfast cloth.
- Water and Oil Based Stains: Water and oil based spills should wipe off easily. Always use a clean, colorfast cloth and lightly wipe the spill area. For water based spills that could potentially stain, use bottled water on cloth. If oil based stains leave a darkened area, you can use the baking soda technique explained above; however, oil will most likely dissipate with time and use.
- Ink Stains: Use the same technique as with pure aniline leathers.
Nubuck Leathers
Nubucks are top grain leathers that are buffed to create a sueded effect. They do require more maintenance than pure aniline leathers because they are more porous, but they are just as durable as any top grain leather. Nubucks are generally finished with a wax or Scotchguard protectant.
- Water Based Stains: Any water based spill should bead on top of the leather unless it is pressed in. Remove spill ASAP with a clean, colorfast cloth. DO NOT PRESS IN. Go at the spill from the side and lift it up. The spill should absorb into the cloth. If the spill is pressed into the leather, or has caused a stain, use the same treatment as for pure aniline water based spills.
- Oil Based Stains: Use the same treatment as for pure aniline oil based stains. As nubucks are more porous, the stain may be harder to get out.
- Ink Stains: Use the same technique as for pure aniline ink stains. The only difference is if all else fails, gently rub the area with a Revlon emory board. Rub up and off in one motion. Do not use gum eraser on nubucks.
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