Noticing peeling, cracking, or stains on your leather goods can be frustrating, especially if you're unsure how to fix them. 

With conflicting advice available, it's easy to get confused. Here are some "leather care remedies" that could worsen the problem. Stay informed, or a minor issue may turn into a major one!

The Truth About Common Leather Care Mistakes

Your leather bag, shoes, or furniture may look tough, but using the wrong products can dry them out, strip their color, or ruin their texture. With so many DIY cleaning tips floating around, it's easy to fall for bad advice.

To keep your leather looking new and lasting longer, you need to know what to avoid and what to use instead.

What Happens When You Use the Wrong Products?

Using harsh chemicals or household cleaners on leather may seem harmless at first, but over time, they cause serious damage, including:

Dry, cracked leather – Harsh chemicals strip away natural oils, making leather brittle.

Fading or discoloration – Some products remove dye, leaving behind bleached spots.

Loss of water resistance – Certain cleaners break down protective finishes, leaving leather vulnerable to stains.

If you want your leather goods to stay soft, supple, and beautiful, steer clear of these common leather care myths.

6 Leather Care "Hacks" You Should Avoid

1 Window Cleaner (Windex, Glass Sprays, etc.)

Many people assume that window cleaners are mild enough for leather, but they contain alcohol that strips away protective coatings. This leaves leather dry, brittle, and prone to cracking over time.

What to use instead: Clyde's Leather Cleaning Foam safely removes dirt without drying or damaging the leather.

2 Nail Polish Remover (Acetone-Based Cleaners)

Acetone is extremely harsh on leather and can remove dye completely, leaving bleached spots that can't be reversed. Even a tiny amount can cause permanent discoloration.

What to use instead: For tough stains, use Clyde's Leather Cleaning Foam and gently massage the area with a soft cloth.

3 Shoe Polish (for Non-Shoe Leather Items)

Shoe polish is designed specifically for shoe leather, which is tanned differently from leather used in bags and furniture. It won't absorb properly and instead leaves a sticky, waxy residue that can attract dirt.

What to use instead: If your leather needs recoloring, try Clyde's Leather Recoloring Balm for a natural, even finish that blends seamlessly.

4 Hair Spray (for Removing Stains)

Some claim that hair spray removes stains, but most formulas contain alcohol, which dries out leather. Additionally, hair spray leaves a sticky residue that attracts even more dirt and dust over time, making the problem worse.

What to use instead: For stain removal, apply Clyde's Leather Cleaning Foam in gentle circular motions with a cloth to lift dirt without causing damage.

5 Disinfectant Wipes & Cleaning Sprays

Many disinfectant wipes contain alcohol or harsh cleaning agents that strip away the natural oils in leather. This causes leather to become stiff, cracked, and dull over time.

What to use instead: Use a damp cloth with Clyde's Leather Cleaning Foam for safe, residue-free cleaning that preserves leather's natural texture.

6 Toothpaste (for Scratches & Scuffs)

Toothpaste is often recommended as a DIY fix for scuffs, but its abrasive texture actually scratches leather further and wears down protective finishes. Instead of fixing the issue, it can leave permanent damage.

What to use instead: For light scuffs, Clyde's Leather Conditioning Cream moisturizes and blends out marks without damaging the surface.

The Right Way to Clean & Protect Leather

Instead of using DIY hacks that could ruin your leather, stick to trusted products designed for leather care.

1 Clean with a Safe Leather Cleaner

Use Clyde's Leather Cleaning Foam to lift dirt and grime without drying out your leather. Apply with a cloth and wipe away the residue.

2 Condition to Prevent Cracking

Moisturize with Clyde's Leather Conditioning Cream to keep leather soft, supple, and protected from dryness.

3 Restore Faded Leather

For faded or discolored areas, apply Clyde's Leather Recoloring Balm for even, long-lasting color.

Final Thoughts: Skip the Myths, Protect Your Leather

Not all cleaning hacks are created equal. While DIY solutions may seem like quick fixes, they often cause more damage than good.

By using proper leather care products like Clyde's Leather Cleaning Foam and Clyde's Leather Conditioning Cream, you can clean, condition, and restore leather without risk.

Shop Clyde's Leather Care Products today!