How to Care for Leather and Exotic Skins January 8, 2018January 7, 2018 Mo Mulchandani Leather shoes and exotic skin items are an investment. With the correct care, you can expect them to age beautifully and look and feel even better with time. Whether it’s your favorite leather bomber jacket or your go-to pair of gators, all your leather and exotic skins items require special care to keep them looking their best and to ensure that they do not sustain any damage. Here are some helpful tips and tricks on how to clean leather shoes and how to keep leather and exotic skin items in your wardrobe looking pristine. How to Care for Leather Shoes and Other Leather Items If you’re wondering how to clean leather shoes, it’s simple. To keep your leather footwear and other products properly hydrated and to avoid serious damage, you should apply leather conditioner every 6 to 12 months. It’s important to note that most conditioners will not waterproof your leather products. However, there are some that will make them water repellent, and there are sprays on the market that can add substantial water resistance to your leather products. Keep in mind that these sprays should be used in moderation since large amounts can actually damage your leather items. Having your leather shoes cleaned regularly protects them from cracking and discoloration. When removing dust and dirt from your leather products, use a damp, clean cloth. When using a polish or conditioner, always test a small area of your shoe and wait 24 hours before using the product on the entire item. This will ensure that the product works properly without putting your leather items at risk. With proper care, skins maintain their color for a lifetime and become more beautiful with age. How to Care for Gator Skin Items A beautiful pair of gators are the Rolex of footwear, so it’s imperative to keep yours in tip-top shape. One of the most crucial points to remember about exotic skin is to never get any gator skin product excessively wet. Although alligator skin repels water instead of absorbing it, excessive water can cause damage to the finish of alligator skin products. Therefore, if you get your gators wet, immediately wipe them off with a clean, dry towel or cleaning cloth, then apply a leather conditioner that is specially formulated for alligator skin. This is also the process for removing any dirt or dust from your alligator skin products. Gator items should also be stored in a cool, dry place in order to avoid cracking or discoloration. Proper care will ensure your gators always look pristine. Other Care Tips Never store leather or exotic skin items in sunlight because doing so can cause discoloration and cracking. Only hang your leather and exotic skin products on high-quality hangers. Never dry clean any of your leather or exotic skin items because it will remove the natural oils in the skins and will result in damage. Leather needs to breathe, never store any leather or exotic skin item in a garment bag. Did you find these tips helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.