Leather is a natural product and therefore is not an easy thing to clean once it has become dirty. It is best to maintain it and then it will be protected from accidental spills and accidents. If your item is of great value, always seek professional advice.
Leather is very prone to going moldy, mold forms on the leather when it has been stored in a damp place. Bear this in mind when storing your leather products. If your item has got mold on it and you do not want to seek the advice of a professional then you must dry the product out. Do not put close to direct heat as that will damage the leather but hang it up in a warm room. When the item is fully dry then you can remove the mold with a damp cloth. Allow it to dry out again. You now need to clean the leather.
The first thing to try is simply wipe down with a damp cloth or sponge then allow to dry. Small spots and stains can removed by using a damp cloth and a leather cleaner, such as Lexol Leather Cleaner, or saddle soap. Be sure to read the directions. Then you need to give it a good coat of quality leather polish, regularly. It'll keep the leather soft and semi waterproof. You can never fully waterproof leather.
Visit a professional leather cleaner for more serious stains. Normal dry cleaning methods will remove essential oils, causing the leather to crack, fade and shrink. A cleaner who specializes in leather care will use a different method to clean and condition the leather. Even this special process may cause slight variations in color, texture, and shape; so it is important to clean matching garments together.
Leather that has come into contact with body fluids should be washed and disinfected if appropriate (see toys for disinfection tips).
You should also consider using a specifically made leather cleaner. Follow the directions. If the piece has cleaned up to your satisfaction then treat it with a conditioner to restore its luster and replace the leather's natural oils. (Always test these products on an inconspicuous area before using). Clothing should be reconditioned every 6-9 months, which will greatly extend the life of the garment. Be careful not to soak the stitching, as this can weaken it.
If your leather becomes wet, allow it to dry at room temperature. (Never put leather in the dryer.) Then apply leather conditioner. Buff suede with a soft towel to restore the nap.
If the leather has become discolored, there are available leather sprays that can restore color to the item. Simply match the color as close as possible to the original. If in doubt, seek the advice of a professional leather cleaner, especially if it is an expensive item. They will have the expertise to repair the piece as close as possible to the original color and condition.
Any metal parts that contact skin can be protected from tarnishing by carefully applying a coating of clear nail polish.
