Washing a leather dress

Leather items are very popular. Clothing made from genuine leather is practical, elegant, and always in fashion. Of course, like any other fabric, this material gets dirty and needs cleaning.

In addition to the iconic biker jackets and leggings, shirts and dresses made of faux and genuine leather are in high demand today. We'll explain how to wash a leather dress and what products to use. We'll also explore the key care considerations for items made from this material.

What happens if you wash it in the washing machine?

Opinions vary regarding the suitability of washing genuine leather in a washing machine. Some people are categorically against it, believing it will surely ruin the material. Others happily throw a leather dress or shirt in the machine, selecting the most delicate cycle.

Before washing a leather dress, be sure to read the information on its label. Usually the manufacturer prohibits machine washing of leather items. They also cannot be wrung out or ironed.

A leather dress can be damaged after being in soapy water for a long time.

Therefore, it's best to avoid machine washing a leather dress. After 20-30 minutes in water, it may shrink and lose its luster. And even spinning it at a low speed will inevitably cause it to become misshapen.

Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, it's best not to machine wash a leather dress. Manufacturers recommend spot cleaning or dry cleaning. You can also take a risk and hand wash it thoroughly. The key is to keep the garment in water as little as possible.

Before washing the dress thoroughly, even by hand, try a test. Wet a white cloth and rub it in an inconspicuous area. If the cloth takes on the color of the fabric, don't completely soak the garment. Otherwise, you risk fading.

Let's risk washing the dress

Before washing a leather dress, check the care label. It provides basic care instructions. If the label indicates hand wash, follow these steps:

• Fill a basin with cool water and add detergent;
• soak the item in a basin for a couple of minutes;
• wet a soft sponge in a soapy solution, wipe the dress with it first from the outside, then from the inside;
• rinse the product in clean water;
• Shake out the dress and remove excess moisture from your skin.

Leather items should not be twisted when wringing, as the material may crack.

To dry, hang the dress inside out on a hanger. Leather doesn't absorb moisture, so the main goal is to dry the lining. Be sure to straighten the material to prevent creases.

Effective cleaning methods

There are several ways to update a leather dress. The safest way to clean natural leather is with a steam generator. The garment is hung on a hanger and steamed on both sides. This softens the stains, making them easy to remove with a damp cloth.

Various chemical compounds for treating leather goods are available in stores. The most effective of these are:

• Saphir Tenax (smooth leather spray paint);
• Hi Gear Proline Leather Cleaner & Conditioner;
• Motul Perfect Leather (leather care product);
• DoctorWax (a whole line of care products for natural and artificial leather).

Before using any household chemicals, carefully read the instructions. They are provided on the packaging. Failure to follow the correct dosage or cleaning technique can ruin your leather dress.

An effective folk remedy is a mixture of soap, glycerin, and ammonia. You can also clean a leather dress with citrus juice. The easiest way is a solution of water and shampoo. Soak a cloth in the soap and wipe the garment with it.

   

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