Caring for Leather Lingerie

How to Care for and Clean your Leather Lingerie

Unlike vinyl, leather lingerie should not be stored in garment bags or other plastic bags and containers. Leather has natural moisture and needs to be able to ‘breathe’. If there is no airflow, moisture can build up and cause mold and mildew to grow on the leather. Molds can cause discoloration and odor, which is definitely undesirable in lingerie of any kind. Removing the mold smell or color is not always possible, which means the piece is ruined. The excessive moisture can also contribute to the deterioration of the leather.

Protect your Leather Lingerie with Cloth Garment Bags

If you would like to separate your leather lingerie from other items in your closet or drawers, consider using cloth bags. Cloth protects the leather but allows for moisture to move in and out.

Hang Leather Pieces of Lingerie Carefully without Stress Points

Leather can become out of shape if it is hung with stress on a particular area. For example, if you hang a leather bustier by folding it over the bar of a hanger, the weight of the leather will pull on the section bent over the bar which can cause some bulging or stretching. Some leather lingerie pieces such as corsets, bustiers and bras are better stored by placing in a drawer or trunk, either flat or gently folded.

Cleaning Leather

It is important not to strip the leather of its natural oils. At the same time, none of us wants sweaty smelling lingerie, whether it is made of leather or otherwise. Cleaning can be done in several ways. At Home: Several products are specially made for using to wash leather items at home. Always carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. Whenever leather is washed or gets wet, it is very important to let it dry thoroughly. Periodically condition your leather with special conditioners to keep it supple and looking great. Professionally: Many professional leather cleaning services are available in most cities. If you can’t locate a service on your own, ask at your local drycleaners to see if they can recommend somewhere.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 29 April 2009 )