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How to Restore/Clean Leather Gloves

post #1 of 16
9/16/11 at 3:29pm
Thread Starter 
I recently found these vintage Dior leather gloves. As you can see in the pics they need some TLC.
I wouldn't bother, but hese are the best fitting gloves I have ever tried on. I would like to clean the leather and restore some of the color. Any tips?
2qnb6mq.jpg
2z66mgx.jpg
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post #2 of 16
9/16/11 at 4:29pm
I'd start with some saddle soap, then try some leather conditioner. They might get a little darker with the latter, especially, but that should help even out the color.
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post #3 of 16
9/16/11 at 10:13pm
What condition is the leather in as far as to the touch? Soft and pliable? or stiff? Looks like the previous owner used them to hold a briefcase handle or perhaps the steering wheel of his car.
If the leather is pliable, I would try Varsol or paint thinner on a terryvloth to wipe off the dark areas. then let dry about 15-20 min. Then see if that did the trick. If not, repeat once more.
If still no success you could do one single pass with acetone on terrycloth, but no more. Tan is an extremely difficult colour to work with. It is very easy to destroy the finish while trying to clean it. ....anyway, after the Varsol or acetone let dry 15-20 min then apply sparingly some leather lotion and really work it with your hands to get the leather nice and pliable. Once wet with the conditioner the leather will probably turn dark brown but this is only because it us wet..not to worry...let dry and it will come back to the tan colour again.
Perhaps let's see what DWF has to say. I am sure he will ring in on this soon.
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post #4 of 16
9/17/11 at 10:11pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the help guys. fistbump.gif
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post #5 of 16
9/23/11 at 3:01pm
Thread Starter 
I was able to remove the stains using Man of Lint's method. However, the leather now looks to have stretched. They are now a bit too loose for me. frown.gif
Is there anyway to restore the gloves to there original shape? Running them through the dryer, leaving them in the sun,...???
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post #6 of 16
9/23/11 at 3:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by deveandepot1 View Post

I was able to remove the stains using Man of Lint's method. However, the leather now looks to have stretched. They are now a bit too loose for me. frown.gif
Is there anyway to restore the gloves to there original shape? Running them through the dryer, leaving them in the sun,...???

Dave, would you snap some 'After' photos for us, preferrably with your hand in the glove. Front and back shots of your gloved hand at rest and another holding something*. I think this will help us get a better read on the situation. I am pleased you got the stain out. As to the stretching, did you over-work the area? Awaiting photos....

* (I almost typed 'and another photo of your gloved hand making a fist') peepwall[1].gif
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post #7 of 16
9/23/11 at 3:38pm
Is it okay to derail this thread slightly by making references to getting them bloody and then quipping, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit."? If so, I'm on the job!
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post #8 of 16
9/23/11 at 8:15pm
I've shrunk and shaped leather gloves by getting them wet, then wearing them when they're almost dry. Like people do w/ jeans.
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post #9 of 16
9/24/11 at 9:12pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Man Of Lint View Post


Dave, would you snap some 'After' photos for us, preferrably with your hand in the glove. Front and back shots of your gloved hand at rest and another holding something*. I think this will help us get a better read on the situation. I am pleased you got the stain out. As to the stretching, did you over-work the area? Awaiting photos....

* (I almost typed 'and another photo of your gloved hand making a fist') peepwall[1].gif

I will take some pics soon.
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post #10 of 16
9/25/11 at 10:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by emptym View Post

I've shrunk and shaped leather gloves by getting them wet, then wearing them when they're almost dry. Like people do w/ jeans.

My grandmother had a huge collection of gloves. She used to wash her gloves from time to time (maybe only certain leathers, I wouldn't know).

She put the gloves on, immersed her gloved hands in a bowl of water, used a bit of gentle shampoo and washed them like you wash your hands (“One hand washes the other one”). Then she kept the wet gloves on her hands and let them dry naturally. Usually she sat in front of the television, moving her fingers frequently to prevent the leather from becoming hard.
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post #11 of 16
1/24/12 at 11:37am
I just noticed Ive spilled alot of beer on my new Madova gloves, they are kidskin (goat) What is the best way to remove all the dark spots the beer produced frown.gif
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post #12 of 16
1/24/12 at 11:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by quuz View Post

I just noticed Ive spilled alot of beer on my new Madova gloves, they are kidskin (goat) What is the best way to remove all the dark spots the beer produced frown.gif

Spill beer over the rest of the gloves to darken them up evenly.
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post #13 of 16
1/24/12 at 12:00pm
Try the fat from the back of a ship. You can find it in arab or indian grocery stores, in frozen meat department. Rub this fat upon gloves for 10 minutes and leave them outside in order to absorb all the fat. After, you can try a special silicon for leather. The job is done!
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post #14 of 16
1/25/12 at 6:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by harvey_birdman View Post

Spill beer over the rest of the gloves to darken them up evenly.

Im all out of beer
Quote:
Originally Posted by domnideromania View Post

Try the fat from the back of a ship. You can find it in arab or indian grocery stores, in frozen meat department. Rub this fat upon gloves for 10 minutes and leave them outside in order to absorb all the fat. After, you can try a special silicon for leather. The job is done!

Wouldnt the silicone spray clog the pores of the leather?
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post #15 of 16
1/25/12 at 12:54pm
Not at all. The silicone will just cover the surface, protecting the deep skin like an invisible nylon.
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