A leather apron is not just a utilitarian garment but also serves the function of fashion apparel among practitioners such as chefs, baristas, blacksmiths, and artisans. … However, to clean and maintain your leather apron in great form and last for ages as expected, adequate attention to their care and maintenance is important. In this step-by-step guide, we shall take you through the best practices for cleaning and safeguarding your leather so that it does not lose its glam or durability over time.
Step 1: Gather the Right Cleaning Supplies
You should have all the necessary cleaning materials before you begin the process, this will prevent you from damaging the leather whichever way it might come. Here is what you will need:
- Soft-bristled brush: This is meant for cleaning dust, grit, and other particles away from the surface.
- Mild soap solution: This is a soap that is safe for leather and is intended for removing stains.
- Damp cloth: use it to clean the surface of the apron.
- Leather conditioner: This is applied to the leather to keep it pliable, thus preventing any potential cracking of the leather.
One should remember to stay away from using anything that may contain potent chemicals or wanton methods of cleansing that can be unfriendly to the leather.
Step 2: Trim the Seams of the Finished Leather Leather
Start with a soft-bristled brush to dust off the surface of the oilcloth, removing any dirt and debris. Do not exert too much force in this case, as it may leave scratch marks on the leather surface. This step serves to get rid of the grease which would have otherwise hindered the subsequent cleaning.
To remove them, rub gently with a damp cloth soaked in a mild soap solution. Then, rinse the area with a clean damp cloth to get rid of the soap. Avoid soaking leather in water since this leads to stiffer or even discolored leather.
Step 3: Treatment of the Finished Leather
When your apron is dry, always remember to apply a finish to the leather. With time, leather tends to lose moisture and can become very brittle and cracked. Investment in a quality leather conditioner helps to retain the softness and flexibility of the apron.
- Take a small amount of conditioner on a cloth.
- Work it in the leather in a circular motion concentrating on stressed areas.
- Let the conditioner soak into the leather for a few hours.
In the case of your towel, conditioning it at regular intervals, say every 3-6 months will help ensure that it is of good quality for an extended period.
Step 4: Take Care Of Your Leather Apron
If you are still worried about your leather apron being damaged in any way, you might want to consider the leather protectant option. This will help in making the apron stain and waterproof as well as safe from other outer damages. For instance, softening products such as leather waxes or sprays can come in handy to prevent your leather apron from drying and cracking.
Although leather aprons are comfortable and practical everyday wear, they are not exactly immune to damage. Because certain materials can easily scratch the school, it should be kept away from any sharp objects, heavy dampness, and extended periods of heat.
Step 5: Leather Apron Storage – Undoing the Zip
Wear and tear occurs in leather aprons even though they are meant for hard labor. Leather aprons are usually kept folded. Instead, when not in use, it is better to simply hang the apron in a well-ventilated area to prevent it from developing odors.
Summary
Keeping your leather apron free from dirt, and taking good care of it helps in maintaining its functionality, beauty, and longevity. Although most of these activities are confined to the appearance side of your leather, specifically cleaning, it extend beyond cleaning. It does include regular care, conditioning, and proper storage. There is a good chance therefore that your apron will very likely remain looking new over a longer period.
Check The Apron Shop for tips on caring for leather aprons and take a look at our leather apron collection.
