Use only leather cleaning products to clean leather or suede and gently blot liquid stains with a clean cloth.

Visit a professional leather cleaner for more serious stains. Normal dry cleaning methods will remove essential oils, causing the leather to crack, fade and shrink. A cleaner who specializes in leather care will use different methods to clean and condition the leather. Even the special process may case slight variations in color, texture, and shape; so it is important to clean matching garments together.

• Store your leather coat or jacket on a wide wooden, plastic or padded hanger to help maintain its shape.

• Store leather in a well-ventilated, cool, dry place. Avoid hot areas, such as attics; or damp areas, such as cellars.

• Cover your leather with breathable cloth, like a cotton sheet, when storing. Plastic bags or coverings will cause excessive drying.

• Wrinkles and creases in leather should hang out. If ironing is necessary, place heavy brown paper over the leather and use a cool to medium iron. Take care not to overheat the leather, which will cause it to shine.

• Avoid exposing leather to direct sunlight or heat for prolonged periods of time.