Old wallet in a new look - updating your favorite accessory

A wallet is an accessory that you have to use almost daily. Due to constant contact with hands, pockets, and various objects, his condition worsens over time: scuffs appear on the surface, dirt forms, and garbage accumulates in internal pockets. What you need for proper care of the leather product, and how to update the wallet with your own hands.

Basic rules for skin cleansing

Leather products are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, humidity and potent substances, so you will have to approach the issue of cleaning with great care.

Advice! Before using this or that tool, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area.

At all stages of purification, water from the water supply is not recommended because of the high content of harmful impurities in it. It is better to replace it with distilled.

If you don’t want to experiment with improvised means, fearing for the safety of things, you can purchase a special stain remover.

to contents ↑

We clean the purse from pollution

Let's talk about some options for self-cleaning leather products.

Training

At the preparatory stage, you need to remove all contents from the wallet, shake out small debris. Then inspect the subject for complex spots. If there are none, it will be enough to walk along the surface with a cloth soaked in soapy water.

Before the main stage of removing contaminants, you must leave the accessory at least for a day in a room with room temperature. This eliminates the risk of deformation and shrinkage of the processed material. Drying is preferably carried out in natural conditions, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight and heating appliances.

to contents ↑

Mud

If a small amount of dirt has accumulated on the surface of the purse, you must perform the following steps:

1. Dilute a little liquid soap in 400 ml of warm water.
2. Add to the solution 1 tsp. ammonia.
3. Beat the mixture to a foam, apply on a dirty surface with a sponge.
4. You can use a cotton swab to clean small parts and hard-to-reach spots.
5. Wipe the renewed coating with a damp cloth, then polish.

Advice! To maintain shine and attractive appearance for a long time, treat the product with a special protective agent.

Despite the effectiveness of the composition, it is unlikely to cope with serious pollution. To combat persistent stains, you will have to turn to other methods.

to contents ↑

Ink

Traces of ink or paste for a ballpoint pen can be removed with any alcohol-containing substance. To do this, wipe the area with contamination with a piece of cotton wool soaked in an alcohol solution. Then blow dry at minimum temperatures. This technique is not suitable for painted products.

to contents ↑

Coffee and blood

Lemon juice is the most effective way to eliminate such traces.It will be enough to apply the juice to the stain for 5-10 minutes, then remove it with soapy water and polish the material to a shine.

Coffee stains are removed not only with lemon, but also with vinegar. A few drops of the product should be distributed over the contaminated area and covered with a napkin for 30 minutes. After that, wipe the product with a damp, and then dry towel.

to contents ↑

Fat

Getting rid of greasy marks is possible by the following methods:

1. Grate problem areas with half onions, let the juice stand out soak. To make processing by soap solution and polishing.
2. Apply a few drops of pure turpentine to a grease stain. Wash off after 3-4 minutes.
3. Substances like starch, chalk or talc will help get rid of fresh spots. The powder must be poured onto the place of contamination, left for half an hour, and then shaken off.

to contents ↑

Clogged areas

This problem is quite common, but dealing with it is easy. There are several recipes:

1. Prepare a cleaning composition of turpentine and ethyl alcohol (1: 1), apply to problem areas for 2 minutes, wash off with soap.
2. 1 tsp. Dissolve citric acid and vinegar in 1 liter of water. Lubricate areas with resulting fluid.
3. Stubborn contaminants are removed with refined gasoline. To enhance the effect, you can add 2-3 drops of ammonia to it.

Important! The listed components act quite aggressively, so we recommend working with gloves to avoid getting the substance on the skin of the hands.

to contents ↑

Cleaning according to color

To bring a purse of a certain color into a neat appearance, use the recommendations described below.

White

The contaminated surface of the white wallet can be covered with petroleum jelly, wait a while until it works, and then wipe the product with a damp cloth. Such a tool will not only perfectly cope with spots, but also soften the skin, preventing the occurrence of cracks.

to contents ↑

Brown

Ground coffee is perfect for cleaning brown skin. To do this, dilute it with a small amount of water and apply the finished composition to the contaminated coating. After the mass has dried, it remains only to remove the excess with a brush. Processing light skin coffee is not recommended.

to contents ↑

Red

To remove stains from a colored wallet, petroleum jelly, an onion, or a mixture of beaten egg white and 2 tablespoons of milk are suitable. When caring for a red varnished accessory, you should limit yourself to daily wiping with a dry soft cloth. Water in this case should be avoided.

to contents ↑

Ways to prevent pollution, storage

The following actions will help maintain the perfect condition of a leather bag:

• for daily care, use alcohol-free wet wipes;
• to soften the material periodically treat it with castor oil;
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, water and heating equipment;
• Do not store coins in your wallet, as they can stretch the natural material.

Compliance with these simple rules and regular regular cleaning will extend the life of the wallet at times.

to contents ↑

How to update your wallet with your own hands

Any accessories wear out over time. It is a pity to throw out a worn wallet, and there’s not always extra money to buy a new one. Take your time to part with your favorite thing. It can always be updated independently.

to contents ↑

Painting

The easiest way to decorate an old thing is to paint it. A small instruction:

1. Before starting work, the material must be degreased with a cotton swab treated with alcohol, then dried.
2. If you plan to partial painting, you can seal off excess elements with masking tape or use stencils.
3. Staining should be done in stages in several thin layers, completely drying each of them.
4. At the end of the work, you need to cover the product with a transparent protective varnish.

to contents ↑

Decoupage

To use decoupage technique you need:

1. Degrease the surface and tint it with 2-3 coats of paint.
2. Find a suitable piece of fabric or napkin with a pattern and place it on your wallet.
3. Fix the material with varnish, avoiding the appearance of wrinkles.
4. If there is surplus, carefully cut them with a clerical knife or scissors.

Important! Each subsequent layer is applied only when the previous one dries. Changing the direction of the brush is undesirable, as the paint may lie unevenly.

to contents ↑

Rhinestones and Beads

Rhinestones, beads, sequins are useful for decorating a wallet. In addition to individual elements, you can use ready-made decorative stripes. Fix the whole decor on a fat-free surface with glue, not forgetting to remove excesses in a timely manner.

to contents ↑

Lace and leather appliques

The technique of decorating with lace and leather elements resembles decoupage. Useful tips to help diversify the look:

1. Leather applications can not only be glued, but also sewn.
2. Metal corners-inserts will help to give a finished look to an accessory decorated with lace.
3. If the purchased applications have an adhesive layer, this will greatly facilitate your task. You only need to remove the protection and gently stick the picture.
4. All manipulations must be carried out on a previously cleaned and dried item.

Quality leather products always require proper care. Maintaining cleanliness does not take much time, but it will allow you to keep a thing in good condition for more than one year. And with a little imagination and skill, you can turn an old wallet into a new stylish accessory.