Calfskin leather products are considered to be a luxury that is desired by many. Calfskin is durable, expensive, and when taken care of properly, can last a very long time.
But, calfskin is not like other types of leather and requires proper care to ensure that the delicate surface of the calfskin is not damaged during cleaning.
Calfskin should be treated with a leather protectant or sealer and a leather conditioner to ensure its longevity. Applying these products will make cleaning calfskin very easy. First, it’s important to determine the type of stain to determine the type of cleaning. The material can be cleaned using wet or dry cleaning methods.
Best way to clean calfskin leather?
Calfskin is not a common material used when making items. Therefore, it is a very expensive material that requires proper cleaning. Because of the delicate nature of the material, using the right cleaning methods in the right way is very important. The type of stain on the calfskin will determine the type of cleaning method. There are various cleaning methods. Some are more effective than others.
Cleaning this type of material can prove to be quite challenging if you are unfamiliar with how to clean it. The wrong cleaning agents may ruin the calfskin and permanently damage it.
There are a few important factors to keep in mind when cleaning calfskin. Because of the delicate nature of the calfskin, you cannot use any type of cleaning agent on the leather. It’s best to opt for a mild soap or cleaning agent. There are mild cleaning agents that work very well on calfskin and are specifically designed for this type of material. A mild detergent and warm water can go a long way when cleaning the surface of your calfskin.
After using a water and cleaning agent solution, always use a soft, fiber cloth to wipe down the calfskin leather, before allowing it to air dry.
Water dries out the surface of the calfskin but is necessary to clean the leather. To help prevent the leather from drying out too quickly, use a leather moisturizer every few months to treat the surface of the leather and promote the longevity of the item.
There are two primary options for cleaning your calfskin item:
Water and solution
As the name implies, you will be using water, to some extent, in the process of cleaning calfskin. Wet cleaning is an ideal method if your item has some stains on it that are not too deeply embedded in the material. It’s more effective on a surface stain. This method does not require any abrasive brushing to help lift and remove the stain. Simply take a damp cloth and a cleaning agent, such as mild soap, and dab the solution onto the stained area.
After applying the solution to the stain, allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a clean damp cloth and then allowing the area to air dry.
No water required
The second method does not incorporate water but does incorporate a dry cleaning method. This method is more suited to calfskin, which has previously been treated with a leather treatment to help protect the item from stains, dirt, and grime. It’s similar to using the water and solution method, with the exception that the cloth is dry and not damp.
Apply a mild soap solution to the dry cloth and gently rub it into the stain. In this method, the stains are more deeply embedded in the leather and do require a little more effort in removing the stain.
How to treat stains on calfskin leather
The first and most important step is to determine the type of stain. Not all stains are the same. Some are tougher to remove and are embedded deeper in the calfskin. Before attempting to clean your calfskin item, you must first address the stains by identifying and removing them.
The most effective way to remove almost any type of stain from calfskin leather is to use a gentle cleaning agent like saddle soap. Use a damp cloth and a small amount of saddle soap and gently rub the soap into the stain. Keep rubbing the stain until it lifts and is removed. You may want to let the soap sit on the stain for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean damp cloth. The saddle soap can also be used to clean the entire calfskin item.
Alternatively, you could use a soft bristle brush to gently work the saddle soap into the stain. This may help to lift any debris that is under the grain of the leather and lift it to the surface so that it may be removed. The key is to ensure that you do not get the leather too wet in the process. This may have the opposite effect and damage the leather or even cause a permanent stain.
In addition, it’s important to note that you should always use gentle strokes when cleaning stains on calfskin. Do not apply too much pressure.
Oil stains may be a nightmare on your calfskin. But, they don’t have to be. Take equal parts white vinegar and water and put the mixture into a spray bottle with warm water. Spray a small amount onto the stain and gently rub the mixture until the stain lifts. Do not drench the leather in water.
How to care for your calfskin leather item
Prevention is better than cure. If you set your calfskin item up for success, then cleaning the item won’t be as challenging. By simply incorporating a few extra steps into the day-to-day care of the item, you can dramatically minimize the need to clean the item frequently. Though cleaning will still be required, it won’t be required as often.
The very first step you should take after purchasing your calfskin item is to treat the item with a protectant and/or sealant. If you frequently condition your item with a leather conditioner, it will help prevent the item from becoming lackluster over time, which is common for calfskin products.
The conditioning treatment will help to protect the item and make cleaning stains a little bit easier. A water protector will help protect the item against water damage.
Things you should do
In order to achieve a lighter shade in your calfskin product, it is dyed. Lighter-shaded calfskin products are more prone to lose their shine and luster over a shorter period of time than products that have not been dyed. One step you can incorporate is to wipe your calfskin item down after every use. Use a lint-free, dry cloth to wipe the item down to remove dirt on the surface which may become embedded into the product. And, although this may seem like a lot of effort, especially if your product is a bag or wallet, it will go a long way in protecting and preserving the item.
You can remove any dents in your product by gently massaging the inner and outer parts where the dent is located. Make sure to wash your hands before doing this. Your fingers have natural oils in them that may stain the bag.
Make sure to store your item correctly. Calfskin is very prone to scratches.
Incorporate a regular cleaning schedule for your calfskin item. This does not always need to include water. The more effort you put into caring for your item in advance, the less you will need to use water to clean it.
Things you should not do
Store your item in a cool, dark space, out of direct sunlight, to prevent the premature darkening of the item.
Never use harsh chemicals or bleach to clean the item as this may ruin or damage the calfskin. Never use abrasive pressure or tools to clean stains on the surface of your calfskin item and do not drench the item in water as it will most certainly damage it beyond repair.
