GQ_South_Africa_2017

READER: Is there a way to get

rid of that foul leather watch

strap smell?

GQ: Yes, but first understand that

leather soaks up everything it comes

into contact with, so to prevent the

smell in the first place avoid wearing

the watch in the bath, shower or while

perspiring. Take it off to air it out while

you sleep, and clean it each week

using a microfibre cloth with a little

water and saddle soap, or a special

leather cleaner. Now, to get rid of the

smell, simply make a paste of equal

measures of baking soda and water

(a tablespoon). Rub this on both sides

of the strap and allow to soak in for

an hour. Gently remove with a damp

cloth and leave to dry completely.

32 GQ.CO.ZA OCTOBER 2017

Send your questions to

[email protected]

STYLE

SHRINK

Words by Jason Alexander Basson

Sick of seeing those

expensive leather pieces

get stained, worn and out

of shape? With the right

care your leather goods

will last for life

READER: Can you recommend a

leather care brand that can clean,

restore and polish all types of leather?

GQ: No. Not all leather is the same, so

you will need different cleaning and care

products for different types of leather.

However, if you are looking for an

affordable brand that stocks in most

stores nationwide, offers specialised cloths

and brushes, and also stocks a variety of

speciality products for several types of

leather, including nubuck and suede, go

for Plush. It’s an old-school household

favourite and is a good place to start. For

more fragile, coloured or exotic leathers,

you will have to go to a specialist. PHOTOGRAPH BY ANTONIA STEYN

READER: I’ve ruined so many pairs of suede shoes by getting caught in

the rain. Is there anything you can do to revive suede once it’s wet?

GQ: You can buy water and stain repellents for suede, which will minimise the threat

of water – though not if you fall into a pool. If your shoes do get wet, don’t let the

suede dry on its own. Use a microfibre towel to dab dry the leather and soak up as

much water as possible. Next, use a soft bristle brush to stroke the leather back and

forth for a few minutes. The point of this is to revive the nap (the soft fuzzy surface

of the leather) before it becomes hard. Continue this process under a hand or hair

dryer, and you should save your suede.

STEP-BY-STEP

LEATHER CARE &

STORAGE GUIDE

1. Remove dirt: Use your
   fingernail or a clean, damp
   microfibre cloth.


2. Deeper cleaning: Use a
   specialised cleaner appropriate
   to the type and colour of the
   leather. Follow the instructions
   on the product and only use
   brushes when specified.


3. Oiling or preserving: This
   is essential and needs to be
   done every so often. This is like
   applying moisturiser to your
   skin and will increase the
   longevity of the leather and
   make it more supple.


4. Conditioning: This is an
   additional layer of protection,
   but will also bring the colour
   and patina of the leather to the
   surface. Always condition in
   a circular motion.


5. Hanging: Wire hangers will
   stretch and create shoulder
   grooves in a leather jacket.
   Use thick, padded and
   rounded hangers. Always zip
   closed to avoid sagging.


6. Packing: Shoes and bags
   need to be stuffed to help
   retain their shape. Never pack
   other items on top of them. It’s
   best to store leather goods in
   breathable plastic containers
   or fabric bags.


7. Storage space: Dark, cool,
   dry and well ventilated is best.
   Wood cupboards work well.

Witloft

apron

R2 499

Plush

plush.co.za