Can You Use Vinegar to Clean Leather?

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Leather looks great whether it's used in clothing, furnishings or accessories. At least it looks great until it gets stained, dirty and dull from repeated use. You can't machine-wash it, and having leather professionally cleaned can be expensive. In some cases, vinegar, a very common household item, can be used to clean and restore leather items.

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Vinegar Cleaning for Tough Leather Items

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Shoes, belts and other items are often made with thick, tough leather that adds a lot of durability but can be extremely hard to clean. For tougher leathers, thoroughly dampen a clean cloth with white vinegar and rub it into the material. Let the leather absorb the vinegar before buffing it out with a fresh, clean cloth.

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Remove Salt Stains from Leather

Because leather is often used in boots, it's often a target for salt stains. Mix one part white vinegar with one part water (for example, 1 cup of each) to create a cleaning solution. Moisten a clean, light-colored cloth and use this to gently blot at the stained areas of leather. This should remove the salt stains, leaving leather looking like new again.

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Use Vinegar for Cleaning and Conditioning Leather Items

Leather, a natural material, needs to retain some moisture to maintain softness and flexibility. Vinegar can be a strong cleaning agent, but it can also dry out leather items. Mix together two parts linseed oil and one part white vinegar to create a leather cleaning/conditioning solution that cleans even as it helps keep the leather soft. Apply the mixture to the leather with a soft, clean cloth, and let it sit for approximately 12 hours. Buff the leather with a clean, dry cloth -- it will be cleaner and softer once the treatment is complete.

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Vinegar with Suede and Patent Leathers

Soft, fuzzy suede and glossy patent leather have unique characteristics, but vinegar can still be applied as a cleaning agent for these materials. Use a clean, soft cloth and undiluted white vinegar to blot gently at stains on suede. A brush can be used to smooth the suede once the cleaning is complete. For patent leather, dampen a cloth with white vinegar and rub gently over the dirty, stained area. Use a second, dry cloth to wipe the leather immediately afterward.

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