Thank you for choosing a leather product from Detroit Leather Shop. This informaiton will most liley apply in the context of using our gun slings. To ensure the longevity and beauty of your item, please follow these care instructions:
- Cleaning:
- Regularly wipe your leather product with a soft, dry cloth to prevent dirt buildup.
- For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth with a mild soap solution. Gently wipe the surface and then wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the leather's finish.
- On the other hand, consider that stains and signs of usage often just add character to the look of your gun sling.
- Conditioning:
- Leather can dry out over time, leading to cracks. Use a leather conditioner every 6 to 12 months to keep the leather supple and prevent drying.
- Some people use neat foot oil to condition, protect and waterproof their leather products. Please understand that it will give it a darker appearance and may make the leather more susceptible to build-up of dust and dirt. We have no objection to you using neats foot oil, but it is not our preferred leather conditioner. There are many fine products available, but after many years, we have settled on a favorite. We use exclusively Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner. Apply a liberal amount of Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner with a clean, soft cloth and rub it into the leather in circular motions. Leave it overnight to soak into the leather and then wipe off all excess conditioner with a dry paper towel. Keeping wiping until you don’t see it on the leather surface. A 15 oz. container of Fiebing’s will last for many leather applications. Here is an Amazon link to Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner:
Note that all Detroit Leather Shop leather goods receive a Fiebing’s application before we ship it to you.
3. Avoid Water and Moisture (at least try to):
Excessive exposure to water can stain and damage leather, but products such as our gun slings are intended to be used in the field. You will inevitably expose your sling to water if you use it as intended because you don't just give up your hunt and go back to your cabin to sit by the fire if you encounter some nasty weather. You likely won't have any venison hanging if that is your gameplan. So, use your sling and don't worry about hunting in the rain and snow. This does not mean that you can just let the leather get completely saturated for an extended time period. Just know that you will have to take steps to care for your sling after exposure to the elements.
If your sling gets wet, blot it with a dry cloth and follow these step:.
- Dry it out at room temperature.
- Avoid using heat sources like hairdryers. Don't dry it by the fireplace.
- After the leather completely dries you should apply some Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner. Conditioing the leather is intended to replace to moisture in the leather that you lose after the drying out process.
- Sunlight and Heat:
- Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat can cause leather to fade, dry out, and crack. Store your item away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Storage:
- When not in use, store your leather product in a cool, dry place. Keep it away from damp or humid environments.
- Scratches and Scuffs:
- Minor scratches and scuffs are normal and add character to leather. Generally, you can rub the area with your fingertips to help the natural oils in the leather blend and minimize the appearance of marks.
- Test First:
- Before using any cleaning or conditioning product, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your leather product to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage.
Following these care instructions will help maintain the beauty and quality of your leather product for years to come. Each item is unique, so remember that leather develops a patina over time, adding to its individual charm.