Leather is a sensitive material and care must be taken when caring for and cleaning it. Because every fabric is unique, every leather product reacts differently. You'll find out what you need to pay particular attention to in a moment.

Coarse and fine leather

There are many different types of leather. They differ according to animal species, tanning method and intended use. For example, cowhide is often used for shoes and upholstery, while pigskin is more commonly used for inexpensive leather clothing.

This is relevant insofar as not every type of leather is suitable for every type of cleaning.

The basic rule is:

The coarser the leather material, the sooner it can be washed - for a leather jacket, for example.

The finer and thinner the leather, the more careful you you need to be (for example with suede).

Pay attention to the care label

We almost always write this, but in this case it is really important:

Please follow the instructions on the care label! The manufacturers know best what your leather garment can withstand. If you see the hand wash symbol on the label, then really only clean it by hand.

It is almost impossible to remove damage and discoloration from leather clothing.

If you don't know whether and how you can wash your leather product, we can give you a few tips.

Important: Try out the treatment on a tiny area first to make sure that the leather can withstand it.

Treating stains

If the stains are superficial, you can try to remove them without having to wash everything straight away.

• Grease and oil stainsThe grease must be removed from the leather as quickly as possible. Put some baking soda on the stain and leave it to work for about 30 minutes. Then wipe the powder away with a damp cloth. Do not rub!
• DirtTake a damp cloth and gently wipe over the stain. Do not use a brush!
• Water stains: Water stains form quickly on suede. You can try to remove these with a few drops of milk. Mix lukewarm water with the milk and carefully dab the water stain with it. Leave it to dry.

Never use cleaning agents with fat solvents such as washing-up liquid. This dries out the leather!

Wash by hand

If treating the stain doesn't help, it's time to wash it.

We have already given you the rule of thumb: The finer the material, the more careful you need to be.

• Pour lukewarm water into a bowl
• Tear a corner of your bluu washing strips and let it melt in the water.
• Leave your leather garment to soak for about 30 minutes, gently moving it back and forth occasionally
• Finally, rinse with clear water

Washing leather in the washing machine

If you think the leather can be cleaned in the washing machine, please note the following:

• Mild detergent is essential here. Never use normal detergent, as the chemical additives will damage the leather, its texture and color.
• The bluu washing strips are free from unnecessary additives - without optical brighteners, enzymes, preservatives, bleaching agents or starch. They are very gentle and therefore suitable for your leather.
• Turn inside out: If your leather garment has appliqués, turn it inside out. Close zippers.
• Use a bagTo protect the leather, it is best to put it in a wash bag.
• The shorter and colder, the betterWash at a maximum of 30 degrees and for a maximum of 45 minutes. A delicate wash program is recommended.

Drying leather

Naturally, leather does not belong in a tumble dryer. Place it in a well-circulated and ventilated place to dry completely.

Caring for leather

Once your smooth leather clothing is completely dry, you can apply some conditioning cream (especially for leather) or olive oil to restore the leather's shine.

After washing, the leather is sometimes a little hard. If the oil does not make it supple again, steam can help. You can hang your leather jacket in the bath while showering, for example. Only steam, no direct water!

Imitation leather

In almost all respects, you can treat and wash artificial leather in the same way as real leather. As always, please take a look at the care label first. Special care should be taken in the following cases:

Stay away from oil: What makes real leather shine is taboo for artificial leather. Do not use any moisturizing care products, as these will cover the leather like a film.

Discoloration: Imitation leather can often become discolored. It is therefore best to wash it separately or with similar colors.

Spin cycle: You should avoid spinning in the machine if possible, as artificial leather quickly becomes brittle.

Removing stains: Baby wipes are good for removing stains and also provide some moisture. A damp cloth also helps.

As leather is a natural product, each item reacts differently to treatment. There is therefore no one ultimate tip. If you want to be on the safe side, you should take your favorite leather to a dry cleaner.

You can find more tips on washing and care on our blog.