Cleaning Tips For Exotic Leather And Skins.

So you"ve had your beautiful crocodile leather wallet for about 6 months and it"s starting to look a little dull. Here are some tips on how to restore exotic leather products to their former glory.


Do's and Don"ts for croc leather care
During the latter stages of the tanning process oils are used to make the leather soft and pliable. During normal usage and over time these oils are gradually reduced and should be restored to maintain the durability and esthetic qualities of the product. It is important to clean the skin before applying a conditioning product. A soft and very slightly damp cloth to remove any surface dirt is all that is required. Failure to clean the skin first will lock dirt in and over time make it appear dull.
When properly cared for Crocodile leather products will last a generation or more.

Do
Clean leather first, you should do this at least 2 or 3 times a year. Test conditioner, wax or any other cleaning product on a small inconspicuous area before applying to the rest of the leather. Try an extra fine beeswax, this is a safe and effective way to care for most croc leathers. Try mink oil for matte leathers, although keep it away from the stitching as it can weaken it.
Don"t
Don"t apply any conditioning product before cleaning. Don"t use any alcohol based cleaners, these will dry out the skin. Don"t keep croc products near sources of heat such as radiators or boilers. Don't let croc products come into contact with water for extended periods. Don't store in sealed plastic bags, keep in a cloth bag to allow the leather to "breath".


Do's and Don"ts for Lizard and Snake skin care
Some of the most beautiful natural patterns of all exotic leathers can be found on Lizard and Snake skins therefore it's important to keep them in prime condition.
Lizard and Snakeskin will dry out over time as the oils used in the tanning process dissipate. Before conditioning the skin it should first be cleaned with a soft dry or hardly damp cloth. If you need to clean under scales do so with a small very soft brush such as the ones used by watercolor painters. Never lift the scales to clean them. After cleaning a conditioning cream can be applied. Always test a small area first to check for adverse reactions. A properly cared for Lizard or snake skin product will give you many years of usage.

Do
Gently clean before conditioning. Clean only with the direction of the scales. Try a neutral instant shine sponge (shoe shine sponge) for a fast and effective result.
Don't
Don't keep skins in a hot or damp area. Don't use alcohol based or household cleaning products. Don't try using shoe polish on skins.


Do's and Don'ts for Ostrich leather care.
Although Ostrich leather has lots of naturally occurring oils it will, like all leathers tend to dry out over time. Ostrich leather should be cleaned before conditioning with either a damp cloth or a little saddle soap (make sure all soap residue is removed). A light conditioning cream can be used similar to those used to treat croc skins. If the leather has come into direct contact with oil, a little talcum powder can be sprinkled on the stain and left overnight; this will draw the oil out and can be brushed away. A properly cared for ostrich leather product will give you many years of usage.

Do
Clean leather before conditioning. Store leather in a cool dry environment. Try a neutral instant shine sponge (shoe shine sponge) for a fast and effective result.
Don't
Don"t use alcohol based cleaners or abrasives. Don"t keep Ostrich leather in direct sunlight, this will dry and fade the leather. Don"t use colored shoe cleaning creams or waxes.


Stingray skin care
Stingray leather is incredibly beautiful as well as being incredibly durable. The skin consists of thousands of tiny "pearls" each pearl is rooted into the underside of the skin making the leather virtually impossible to cut or tear. Because of the indestructible nature of the skin, stingray leather was used by ancient samurais for body armor and to cover sword handles.
The majority of leathers are composed of fibers running parallel to each other. Stingray leather consists of fibers crossing in all directions. This as well as the hard tiny pearls gives stingray an amazing water and fire resistance. When properly taken care of it will last a lifetime. Caring for Stingray is easy, needing only a wipe over with a clean damp cloth!


Shark skin care
Shark skin leather is tough, durable and lighter than cow leather. It has been said that Shark leather maybe up to 25 times stronger than cow leather! Although sharkskin is water resistant it is not waterproof if it gets wet too often for too long it will dry the leather out. Caring for Shark leather is similar to caring for cow leather. Using a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dirt and dust. Sharkskin can also be cleaned with saddle soap but make sure you remove any soap residue before it dries.