How To Clean An Artist Chamois

The key to keeping a leather chamois in supple and in good working condition is to remove dirt without removing the natural oils in the leather. Removing dirt is important not only so the cham can continue to clean well, but also because any small specks of dirt on the leather can scratch delicate surfaces like automobile paint. As with any leather product, it is best to avoid alkaline cleaners, such as most detergents, because they can dry out the leather.  In the case of a leather chamois, the natural oils and supple texture is what makes the product work well. Follow the instructions below to clean away any dirt or grime and if needed, to restore the natural oils in the leather.

Cleaning the Chamois

You Will Need:

• Soap flakes or pH balanced soap
• A bucket
• Water

Steps to Clean the Chamois:

1. Get soap flakes or a soap that is pH balanced for skin. Most soaps and detergents are alkaline, which can dry out the leather. If you need to use an alkaline product, such as dishwashing liquid, be sure to follow the steps in the section below for Restoring Chamois Oils.
2. Fill a bucket with as much water as needed and stir in the soap.
3. Move the chamois around in the soapy water to clean it. Rub it gently between your fingers in particularly dirty areas.
4. When the chamois is clean, rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Be sure to remove all of the soap residue.
5. Gently squeeze the chamois to remove excess water. Do not twist or wring it, only press it between your fingers to squeeze it.
6. Stretch and reform the leather to its original shape with your hands to remove any wrinkles.
7. If the chamois was starting to feel stiff or dry before you cleaned it, follow the steps below for Restoring Chamois Oils.
8. Lay the chamois out flat to dry or hang it to dry if preferred. We recommend folding it over a clothes hanger and hanging it in the shower to drip dry.
9. Be sure the chamois is fully dry before putting it away.

Restoring Chamois Oils

You Will Need:

• A bucket
• Water
• Olive oil

Steps to Restore the Chamois Oils:

1. Fill a bucket half-way with water.
2. Add ½ teaspoon of olive oil to the water.
3. Put the chamois in the bucket to soak for about 10 minutes. Occasionally swirl the chamois through the water.
4. Remove the chamois from the bucket and gently squeeze it to remove excess water. Do not twist or wring the material; press it between your fingers to squeeze it.
5. Lay the chamois out flat to dry or hang it to dry if preferred. We recommend folding it over a clothes hanger and hanging it in the shower to drip dry.
6. Be sure the chamois is fully dry before putting it away.

Additional Tips:

• Do not put the chamois in direct sunlight for drying or storage.
• Do not put the chamois near a heat source for drying or storage.

Sources:

• Haynes Techbook Automotive Detailing Manual by Jay D. Storer and John H. Haynes
• Clean It Fast, Clean It Right by Jeff Bredenberg
• Joey Green's Cleaning Magic by Joey Green
• Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook by Martha Stewart
• The Cleaning Bible by Kim Woodburn and Aggie Mackenzie

Was This Guide Helpful?

Reader Interactions

How To Clean An Artist Chamois

Source: https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/leather-chamois-cleaning-and-care/

Posted by: valliereslosicessir.blogspot.com

Share this post