Leather & Suede Cleaning

Dynasty Drycleaners uses the Green Earth drycleaning processes for the best possible results on leather and suede garments. After leather cleaning we spray an emulsifier to even the colour closer to the original tone. Hems are re-glued if fallen out, then the garment is gently steamed into shape ready for wear. Because these processes are often repeated several times we need to keep your garment for 1 to 2 weeks. Only our most experienced of qualified Drycleaning Operators are involved in these processes.

Suede and leather are made from a natural hide, which may not be as perfect underneath the outer surface as it appears. Because of the potential issues below, don’t be surprised if your cleaner asks you to sign a consent form before cleaning.

Effects from Drycleaning

In almost every case leather and suede garments will alter in some way through a leather cleaning process. Leather and Suede garments are often not designed for solvent rinsing, but it may be necessary on occasion to keep them fresh and extend their life. Dynasty has the most advanced knowledge and technology to wet or dry clean your garment, however you must be clear about the following material before submitting your garment.

Imperfections of Leather Cleaning

Leather skins may contain a natural weakness which is cosmetically masked during Tanning.

Your garment may contain a Tick Bite or Scar Tissue camouflaged with filler.
If a garment with poor bonding or filler is immersed in solvent during leather cleaning, the adhesive may soften and can leave a staining effect or expose a weakness beneath.
Pigskin suedes have a tendency to stretch during wear and shrink in the maintenance of these garments.

Other weaknesses produced in tanning or manufacture might also be masked:

Bellies (thin area of skin) may be used which contain Wrinkles
The original hide may have been spliced up to 7 times which can create Weak Areas or expose Veins
Some Glues used in seam areas may lack resistance to drycleaning solvent causing a leaching effect.

Colour Changes

Aniline dyes used for colouring most leathers and suedes can oxidize from exposure to light and gases in the atmosphere. This can become more noticeable after the necessary drying cycle of drycleaning.
To avoid colour variations, all matching accessories need to be cleaned together with the garment.
Dynasty does provide the additional service of re-dressing of all items after cleaning to restore (as near as possible to original colour).

Soiling and Professional Leather Cleaning

Set stains cannot always be removed. In particular:

sticky labels have an adhesive that causes a chemical reaction with the garment’s dye, and will leave permanent staining.
Long term soiling can become ingrained in the hide, and any form of protein (blood, milk, etc) can cause instant and permanent damage to the hide.

Buying Leather/Suede Garments

Buy from a reputable store.
Look for careful matching of colours and textures between portions of the garment. Suede will never be completely uniform, but that is part of its desirability.
Avoid a snug fit. Hides are stretched during tanning and some relaxation shrinkage can be expected in use and cleaning.
Read and save any accompanying care information.
Choose light and pastel colours. They are less likely to fade in cleaning than deep colours.

Care Begins at Home

If staining occurs, take the garment to a professional suede and leather cleaning specialist as soon as possible. Do not try to remove spots at home.
Don’t fall into the trap of having your leathers cleaned when you bring them out of storage at the end of winter. A final leather cleaning before your garment goes into storage will prevent: food sugars oxidising the dye colour; protein stains reacting with the hide; and insect larvae and mites from eating the hide.
Wear a scarf or collared shirt to protect the collar area from perspiration and body oils.
Leather is subject to drying out if exposed to dry heat and to mildew if stored in a hot, humid environment.
If the garment gets wet, let it air dry away from heat. Store leather garments in a cool, ventilated area.
Do not store leather in a plastic bag – as it encourages discolouration and sometimes mildew.

Click here for Dynasty Drycleaners “Conditions of Acceptance form”