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Caring for your Leather and Suede

APOLLO CLEANING CENTER is an authorized dealer for RAM LEATHER AND SUEDE CLEANING. RAM LEATHER CARE uses the very best technology available to custom process your leather and suede depending on the type of skin and condition of your garment.

Trust RAM to care for your luxurious suede and leather garments in a way that will keep them looking new for many years of enjoyment. Conveniently drop off your leather and suede at APOLLO CLEANING CENTER before Tuesday afternoon of this week, and your garment will be ready for pickup on Wednesday of next week. Alterations and repairs are available also.

CARING FOR YOUR LEATHERS AND SUEDE
A leather or suede garment is a major investment, and it is important to choose it carefully and care for it wisely. In selecting a leather garment:
  • Buy from a reputable store. Investment in a good garment may avoid some of the problems listed below.
  • Look for careful matching of colors and textures between portions of the garment.
  • Avoid a snug fit. Hides are stretched during tanning and some relaxation shrinkage can be expected in use and cleaning.
  • Read and save care information. CARE BEGINS AT HOME
  • Wear a scarf to protect the collar area from perspiration and body oils.
  • If the garment gets wet, let it air dry away from heat.
  • Store leather garments in a cool, ventilated area. Leather is subject to drying out if exposed to dry heat and to mildew if stored in a hot, humid environment.
  • Do not store in a plastic bag.
  • If staining occurs, take the garment to a professional suede and leather cleaner as soon as possible. Do not try to remove spots at home!
CLEANING YOUR LEATHER
  • Have all matching pieces cleaned at the same time
  • Point out any stains. Old, set stains cannot always be removed safely.
  • Don't be surprised if your cleaner asks you to sign a consent form before cleaning. This will occur only if there is some question about cleanability.
EXPECTATIONS AFTER CLEANING
  • Loss of color - Be prepared to see a slight variance in the depth of color after cleaning. In manufacturing, the tanner immersed the skin in a dye bath to obtain a uniform color, but skins from various parts of the animal may vary in colorfastness. The cleaner can correct some color variance, but must rely on spray dyeing, which will not dye the suede or leather to the same degree as the original immersion process.
  • Loss of oils - During tanning, leathers are impregnated with oils to keep them supple. Some of these oils are lost in cleaning, and although the professional cleaner has special additives to restore suppleness, there could be some change in the feel or hand of the garment. Imperfections in the skin are often apparent after cleaning.
  • Scar tissue and vein marks - These imperfections in the animal's skin are masked by the manufacturer with fillers before dyeing. These fillers disappear after cleaning revealing the imperfections.
  • Wrinkles - Skins taken from the loose neck or belly portions of the animal are naturally wrinkled. During manufacturing the skins are stretched for a smooth appearance. As the skins relax with age and cleaning, the wrinkles reappear.
  • Shrinkage - Some shrinkage will likely occur in your garment over time as the skins relax. As you wear a leather garment it tends to conform comfortably to your body. After cleaning, the garment may feel a little snug but after wearing this feeling will dissipate.
  • Thin skins - Some skins are extremely thin and too fragile for use in apparel. These skins will wear exceptionally fast and cleaning will further aggravate the damage of thin skins.
  • Oxidation - Dyes can oxidize from exposure to light and gases in the atmosphere. This is a slow progressive condition that develops with age. It may become more noticeable after cleaning.
  • Color Shading from Adhesives - Adhesives are sometimes used to glue seams, hems, and other areas during construction of the garment. These glues or adhesives may not be solvent resistant. Sometimes the glues don't dissolve completely, but leach through the leather and cause shaded areas.
International Fabricare Institute


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