People around the globe are much more concerned today about sustainability than in the past. Consumers are mindful of the impact of their purchases on the environment. Similar patterns are observed for Australian consumers who are showing their interest in products with eco-friendly tags, sourced ethically, and with the least environmental footprint.
According to a survey, 90% of Australian consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. Leather products are made to last for decades. Ethically sourced leather is surely a sustainable choice and has an impact on reducing the prospective waste a person will create while using unsustainable vegan leather products that perish in a year or two.
Being vocal about eco-friendly practices and products, you should not ignore the impact of leather cleaning products, as you are going to use them to maintain your favorite leather accessory for decades.
In the following lines, you will have a thoughtful insight into homemade and sustainable leather care products.
Importance of leather care products
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The environmental impact of chemical-based leather care products is a point of concern for many users.
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Personal health concerns of exposure to chemical-based cleaners intensify a green or organic alternative.
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The extended life of the product using naturally sourced leather care products reduces the need for replacement or wasting the product over a longer period.
Eco-friendly Leather Cleaning Techniques
We have sorted out some eco-friendly leather hacks and tips for you using home-held items that are easily available.
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Natural cleaning agent
Vinegar has been used as a disinfectant for centuries. Due to its mildly acidic nature, it is the perfect choice for removing stains from leather without tarnishing the surface.
Here we are sharing with you how to make a natural leather cleaner that serves its purpose well.
Ingredients
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White vinegar (Cleaning agent)
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Natural oil e.g. olive or coconut oil (Moisturizing agent)
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Essential oil (Optional for having a pleasant scent)
Method
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Mix white vinegar in equal amounts of distilled water in a bottle.
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Before starting to clean do a spot test on an insignificant portion of the leather to ensure that the cleaner is not affecting the color.
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Now mildly damp the white cloth or white t-shirt you are going to discard with vinegar solution and gently wipe the surface of the leather.
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After cleaning let the bag dry for some time.
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Now take some olive or coconut oil in a bowl and mix it with essential oil like lavender or mint oil if you love to smell the scent.
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Soak cotton with an oil mixture and gently apply it to the leather surface.
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Let the leather soak in oil for some time by keeping it outside for a while.
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Enjoy the enhanced shine and sparkle of your favorite leather bag!
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Natural Leather Conditioner
The leather surface gets its distinctive appearance and glow due to the natural oils infused within the hide during the tanning process. Over time leather loses natural oils and starts to build cracks on the surface. To maintain the integrity of leather occasional conditioning is necessary practice.
Here we are giving you the recipe for 100% organic and effective leather conditioner that you can make easily at your home.
Ingredients
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Beeswax (Acts as a protective coating to retain moisture)
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Cocoa or shea butter (Softens up the leather)
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Almond oil (adds to the suppleness of leather)
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Essential oils (optional for scent or fragrance)
Method
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Take 4 tablespoons of cocoa butter, and 2 tablespoons of beeswax and melt it down over the boiling water using a double boiler.
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Let the mixture cool down but not up to the extent that it solidifies.
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Add 5-6 drops of almond oil along with lavender or tea oil for fragrance and add anti-microbial properties to the conditioner.
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Apply a thin layer of this mixture on the leather and gently buff the remaining.
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Store the remaining conditioner in a reusable jar for future use.
Sustainable storage of leather bags
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Natural fabrics for storage
Do not use a plastic bag for storing your leather as it entraps moisture and also leaves leather breathless which can tarnish leather.
If your bag comes with a breathable dust bag then it is good to go but if it is not available you can use a cotton pillow cover or even your cotton t-shirt as a dust bag.
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Natural desiccant
Instead of chemicals like silica gel pouches that pose a hazard for children to swallow, use a pouch of rice in the storage bag that serves as a natural desiccant and serves its purpose perfectly.
