Monday, September 29, 2014

What's the Best Way to Remove a Denim Stain from Leather?

There's nothing worse than seeing that faint brush of indigo on your favorite tan messenger bag or white leather sneakers. But before you swear off raw denim, know that you can do a few things to pair denim with leather and remain worry-free. The key: Your reaction time. "How fast you react to a stain or damage affects your success of remedying the problem," says David Mesquita, vice president of The Leather Spa in New York City. "It's best to remove it as soon as possible." So if you're at the office, head to the restroom or kitchen sink. A damp towel and mild detergent like dishwashing soap is a reliable first step.

You can also preempt a stain with  water and stain repellents to prevent the stain from setting, but you can't stop the effects of friction, says Mesquita. He recommends spraying your leather goods every one to two weeks, depending on how often they're used. Fortunately, most men's accessories are made from thicker leather like cow skin, which is more durable than calf or lamb skin.

Despite what you may read, the Magic Eraser isn't always the best solution. If you apply too much pressure or use it on the wrong type of leather, you can remove more than just the stain. "Be careful. You want to retain the natural oils and the color of the leather," says Mesquita. Instead, try a non-chemical product like the Leather Spa Bioclean, which will dissolve dirt and stains without harm your favorite pieces.

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