Leather is a beautiful, natural product which lends itself to such uses as furniture, clothing, footwear and, of course, accessories such as the beautiful replica designer handbags at MirrorImagesHandbags.com . For many of us the feel and natural smell of leather is as beautiful as its visual element. It is strong and durable but it requires care to maintain its beauty.

Naturally treated leather will gradually oxidize and darken in color. To many people this adds to the beauty. If you do not want this to happen so rapidly try to avoid extended exposure of your favorite leather pieces to direct sunlight or strong artificial light.

Many of the today’s recyclable tanning solutions prevent the leather smell from coming through. If you long for this smell you can purchase leather conditioners that restore the smell.

For most of the smooth leathers an occasional light wiping with a soft damp cloth will be sufficient to keep it clean and beautiful. Suede may require an occasional brushing with a suede brush to keep them looking good.

Patent leather is coated with a varnish or lacquer during the latter stages of the tanning process resulting in the hard shiny surface. This surface makes it relatively easy to clean with a damp cloth or in severe cases with a mild leather cleaner. Soil left on patent leather will start to erode the lacquer finish and result in dulling of the finish.

The key to cleaning stains is to get to them as quickly as possible. The more time a stain has to set the more difficult it will be to remove it. Often stains such as food or blood can be quickly wiped up with a soft, damp cloth. Lightly stained leather may be shampooed with appropriate modern leather shampoo. Many of the new water based dyes that are used today will come out or fade with harsher cleaners such as saddle soap. If the soiling is of a heavier nature seek professional help and or advice. Once the leather has been cleaned it will need to be conditioned. Again use an appropriate leather conditioner. Once the conditioner has died buff up the leather with a soft dry cloth.

In the case of an oil or grease stain, using an absorbent material such as powdered chalkboard chalk can help to lift the stain out. In this case gently sprinkle the powder over the stain completely covering it. Do not rub the stain as this will likely damage the surface of your leather. Leave this sit for 24 hours and then brush off with a soft brush. Repeat if necessary and if still unsuccessful seek professional help.

Warning: Cleaning leather on your own can be a dangerous game in that you may end up changing its color or actually damaging the appearance and texture of the leather. If you are going to attempt cleaning on you own do not use home remedy products; be sure to use appropriate leather care products. Get professional help if the soiling is major.

Leather is porous which can allow it soak up water if exposed and is also an avenue for the water to wash out the natural oils that maintain its suppleness. This can result in hardening and possible cracking.

If your leather does get wet you might, if it is excessive, gently blot up as much as possible with a soft absorbent cloth. Remember to blot (dab) gently and do not rub as that may affect the texture of the leather and may even remove some of the dye. Allow the leather to then dry naturally without any heat. Keeping it away from heat is very important as this will help to remove the oils that keep it supple. Before the leather is completely dry condition it with an appropriate leather conditioner.

Do not store leather in plastic bags. Preferably use a cloth bag or garment bag and leave an opening for air circulation to prevent mildew from forming. The leather should be stored in a cool dry place away from sunlight or strong artificial light. Use shoe trees for shoes and boots to help them keep their form. Coats and jackets should be hung on wide, rounded hangers. Handbags and purses should be filled with tissue paper to help them keep their form. It is very important to keep humidity low to prevent mildew from forming. If the climate is very dry regular conditioning should be done.

To remove mildew use a mixture of 1 part water and 1 part rubbing alcohol. Dab a soft clean cloth in the mixture and wipe the mildew away. Let dry and condition. Try to remedy the humidity and air circulation. If this does not keep the mildew away try a germicidal soap.