Leather care question...

[fairyrune]

Some of you may be familiar with the purple leather choker I wear practically 24/7:



Now, that picture shows the color it is supposed to be. I guess due to everyday wear and such, it kind of looks black at the moment.

I found a suggestion on a website that said to use one part Ivory dish soap to ten parts water. Tried that, no joy.

I want it to be that pretty purple color again, but how?!?! I said to myself "There are people who know leather on my friends list! They will know!"

So, impart to me your knowledge! How do I get my choker to be pretty again?

Comments

[synnoveaevael.livejournal.com]

http://www.winn-dixie.com/food/tips/stain_removal_tips.asp

[synnoveaevael.livejournal.com]

Stains on leather or suede? Use club soda and an old toothbrush, rubbing the stain back and forth.

[featherspy.livejournal.com]

I don't think they are really "stains" as much as body oil accumulation. The same thing as ring around the collar on men's work shirts or sweat stains on an old tee. It's a built-up, long-term accumulation of oil, sweat, etc etc.

I really don't think there is much you can do, especially since it's leather. That's just how it ages - like a leather jacket. It is stiff and creaky for while right after it's new, but once you've worn it for ages, it smooths and darkens and gets shiny where it rubs alot.

[synnoveaevael.livejournal.com]

i was thinking that too... but hopeful that maybe the club soda might lift some of it out...

[fairyrune]

:(

[fairyrune]

Hrmmmm...It's not so much stained as just dirty, but I'll try that.

My concern is that I'll take the purple off along with the dirt.

[synnoveaevael.livejournal.com]

then go gently :)

[woodchuck665.livejournal.com]

Is it dirty or faded? Maybe try a purple sharpie marker (yes they do make them). The red & black ones work wonders for scratches & scuffs on my armor and such. I'd test how well it blends first at a corner where it won't show.

[damnitnicole]

I have many colored sharpies, so if you want to borrow one, we can see if I have the right color.

I was actually thinking it might be good to look for purple colored shoe polish.

[fairyrune]

That's an idea. I'll stop by the shoe repair shop at the mall tonight on my way home.

[fairyrune]

Woodchuck, I think you may be a genius.

And OF COURSE I have purple sharpies! Several, in fact. Remember who you're talking to? :)

[ammre.livejournal.com]

there's also leather shampoo and conditioner. They sell them anyplace there's tack stuff (the petco by me sells horse stuff so i can get it there). I have a bullwhip and i use the shampoo and conditioner on that.

[fairyrune]

Are they good on colored leather? 'Cause it would be silly if it took the purple off along with the muck.

[ammre.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure, but i don't see why not. They are meant for tack materials which some as black, brown, tan, red... my whip is black and it hasne't lost it's color becasue of the stuff...

[fairyrune]

Hrrrrmmmm...well, if the saddle soap-seltzer-shoe polish combo doesn't work out, I'll try that stuff.

See how much of a slacker I am? This post was like, a month ago and I still haven't gotten off my ass and ordered purple shoe polish.

[ammre.livejournal.com]

you realize leather shampoo and conditioner you don't need to order online... Don't you live relitivelly near me? I've got some stuff if you want. Schmalex is good friends with my bestfirend/roommate, and he's not horribly far away, and he lives with your pet rich, so i'd assume you're not far away either... i'm in mahwah, at ramapo college.

[fairyrune]

**giggle** Rich isn't my pet. **heehee** It's rather the other way around. **giggle** (Sorry, I found that amusing. You have officially filled my amusement quotient for the week!)

I have the saddle soap and whatnot. Got that at the grocery store. It's the purple shoe polish that's giving me issues. That I have to order online.