Latest News for Jonval Leathers & Furs

How to Choose a Leather Conditioner


How to Choose a Leather Conditioner
Your leather jacket is designed to last for years even with regular wear. The material is incredibly durable, and when the jacket is made by a reputable and high-quality company, you can expect it to look like-new for years to come without trouble. But you’ll still need to condition your leather regularly to keep it supple and hide any scuffs or minor blemishes that might make the leather look older than it is. Choosing the right leather conditioner can be tough if you’re not sure where to start. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice.

Consider the Type of Leather You Have
Believe it or not, not all leather conditioners are designed to treat all types of leather. Before you pick one up, identify the type or types of leather your jacket is made of. If you have suede, you’ll want to avoid most leather conditioners. But if you have full-grain leather or to-grain leather, you’ll want to look for conditioners that are designed to provide moisture and improve the look of those types of leather. If you’re not sure what your jacket is made of, consider stopping by your local leather repair specialist and asking their advice.

Be Careful About Waterproofing
Leather is resilient. It can get wet and, when properly dried and cleaned, will look just as good as it did before you wore your leather jacket in wet conditions. But many conditioners advertise that they’ll make your jacket waterproof. 

Using these conditioners will change the look and breathability of your jacket permanently. Instead of choosing a conditioner that promises to waterproof your leather, choose one that says it will help the leather naturally repel water. This will help you maintain the breathability of your jacket while still making it more comfortable to wear in all weather conditions.

Read up on Reviews
Before you make a purchase, take your time to read up on reviews for each conditioner you’re considering. See what others have to say and check out the pictures they post in their reviews to inspect the quality of the conditioner. If people seem happy with the product, you’ll likely have a similar experience. But if they express concerns about the conditioner, mention off-putting smells, or the pictures show jackets that look less well-kept than they did before the conditioner was used, choose a different product.

Ask Your Leather Care Experts at Jonval
One of the best ways to make sure you’re choosing a leather conditioner that will work for your jacket is to speak with a local leather care specialist like the team at Jonval. They’ll be able to inspect your jacket, identify the key areas of concern, and recommend products that will help you care for your unique piece of clothing. 

Keeping Leather in Good Shape Is Easy
Using leather conditioner correctly is one of the easiest ways to keep your jacket looking like new for years to come. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t feel like you have to go it alone. Contact Jonval Leather and Furs and let our team help you find the right conditioner for your jacket. 
 
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How to Get Bad Smells Out of Leather Jackets


How to Get Bad Smells Out of Leather Jackets
Leather jackets are designed to be worn and can be worn for decades with the proper care and maintenance. But like any clothing item, the leather can pick up strange or off-putting smells over time. If they’re bad enough, those smells can leave you wondering if you should give your leather jacket away. Luckily, you don’t have to. There are a few easy things you can do to get rid of those bad smells so you can enjoy wearing your jacket again. Here are a few things you can try.

Air It Out
Believe it or not, bad smells can dissipate over time, but you can speed up the process by airing your jacket out. Hang it in a well-ventilated space or set it out in a covered or protected space outside. If you’re hanging your jacket indoors, open the windows and point a fan or two at your jacket. This can help circulate the air and makes it easier for the odors to dissipate. If you’re hanging it outside, try to do so on a lightly breezy day. The breeze will act like the fans you use indoors and will circulate the air around your jacket, gradually removing those smells.

Use Baking Soda
If the odors are really stubborn and airing your jacket out doesn’t work, you may be able to use baking soda to remove the smell. Sprinkle dry baking soda on your jacket and let it sit for about 24 hours. Then, inspect your jacket to see if the odor remains. In most cases, the baking soda should be enough to get rid of even the most stubborn smells. After letting the baking soda sit, simply shake it off outside and vacuum up any residue that remains. If the smell persists, try reapplying the baking soda and repeating the process.

Wrap Your Jacket in Packing Paper
If your jacket just smells a bit musty or stale, baking soda may seem like more trouble than it’s worth. Instead, consider wrapping your jacket in packing paper. This plain brown paper can help absorb odors when left to sit for a week or two. Once you unwrap the jacket, much of the smell should’ve been absorbed by the paper which you can then recycle or throw away. 

If you don’t have access to packing paper, you can use newspaper. But the ink can transfer onto the leather if you’re not careful. If you choose to use newspaper, only do so if you have a dark jacket and be prepared to clean your jacket afterward to remove any of the ink left behind.

Clean and Condition the Leather
Believe it or not, some odors can be trapped in the dirt and grime your jacket collects from regular wear. Often, cleaning up that dirt will help get rid of the smell. Use a dedicated leather cleaner that’s safe for your jacket’s material. Then, condition the leather and check it for odors.


Restore Your Leather Jacket the Easy Way
These tips can help you get rid of minor odors on your own, but if the smells are overly strong or you don’t have the time to get rid of odors yourself, let an expert help. At Jonval Leather and Furs, our team can repair and restore your jacket for you. Contact us today to learn more.
 
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Can You Wash Your Leather Jacket in a Washing Machine?


Can You Wash Your Leather Jacket in a Washing Machine?
Leather jackets are some of the most durable pieces of outerwear you can buy. But as with any piece of clothing, they will get dirty after tons of wear. And when your jacket gets dirty, it’s normal to wonder how you can and should clean it. For most people, this means wondering if it’s okay to wash their jackets with the rest of their laundry in a standard washing machine. Here’s what you need to know to keep your leather jacket looking its best.

You Can Toss Your Jacket in the Wash, But You Shouldn’t
Technically, you can toss your leather jacket in a washing machine and run it through the standard cycle, but doing so will wreck the look and feel of your jacket. Washing machines soak every piece of clothing you put in them. Getting your jacket drenched in water and soap can lead to major discoloration of the leather itself. Worse, the agitation the machine produces to remove dirt will damage the leather and could leave your jacket misshapen and almost impossible to wear.

If you’re tempted to wash your leather jacket in your washing machine, don’t. You’ll thank yourself in the future.

Dry Cleaning Isn’t Ideal Either
When clothing isn’t safe to toss in the washing machine, most people assume that it’s okay to dry clean. This may be true for that fancy suit jacket or your wool sweaters, but it’s not the best idea for your leather jacket. Most dry cleaners lack the experience and the supplies needed to safely clean leather. If they use their normal products on your leather apparel, the chemicals and dry cleaning process can wreck your jacket and leave it looking almost as bad as it would if you washed it at home.

Spot-Clean as Needed Instead
The best way to keep your jacket looking great is to spot clean stains and dirt away as needed. Use a dedicated leather cleaning solution and follow the instructions on the label. Be sure to test the product you’re using on an inconspicuous spot like under the collar before applying it to more visible areas. Many leather cleaning products end up causing some discoloration in the leather. This isn’t necessarily bad, and it doesn’t mean your jacket is damaged beyond repair, but it does mean your jacket could look different after you clean it. If you’re not comfortable with the color change, stop what you’re doing and seek help.

Leave the Deep Cleaning to a Leather Care Specialist
Leather jackets can be difficult to clean. That’s why it’s always best to leave the deep cleaning and repair work to an experienced leather care specialist. They have the tools and training needed to restore your jacket without damaging the leather or the look and feel you’ve come to love. 

Let Jonval Leather and Furs Help
If you’re worried about a buildup of dirt and grime on your leather jacket, don’t try to clean it on your own. Instead, leave the cleaning to the experts at Jonval Leather and Furs. Our team will get your jacket looking like new in no time. Contact us today for more information.
 
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Why a Leather Jacket Should Be Part of Your Spring Wardrobe Refresh


Why a Leather Jacket Should Be Part of Your Spring Wardrobe Refresh
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe. And while you can replace all of last season’s shirts with new, stylish choices, upgrading your outerwear can have a greater impact. And one of the best upgrades you can make to your spring clothing lineup is a beautiful leather jacket. Here’s why a leather jacket should be part of your spring wardrobe this year.

Leather Jackets Go With Anything
One of the best ways to make your wardrobe more versatile is to add pieces that can go with just about anything you pull out of your closet. A leather jacket is one of those items. When paired with a t-shirt, it can make you look trendy. When paired with a button down, it can transform an otherwise bland work-friendly outfit into one that showcases your personality. And there’s not a single color or type of fabric that leather won’t complement. 

They’re Warm, Not Hot
Spring weather in the greater Denver area can change quickly. Often, it’s close to freezing in the morning and more temperate in the afternoon, making dressing for the weather a challenge. Leather jackets offer the perfect balance of warmth and breathability. When paired with a warm sweater, these jackets can keep you toasty during the early morning hours and when worn over a shirt, they’re cool enough to be comfortable once the temperatures rise. 

Every Jacket Is Unique
Unless you’re buying custom clothing or making it yourself, your shirts, sweaters, and other accessories may be fairly common. If you can buy it in a store, other people can, too. That makes it hard to stand out and showcase your individual style. But leather jackets are completely unique. Every piece of leather will have different characteristics and colors, even if your jacket is made from the same general design as others. This makes it easier to stand out and helps you create a unique look that’s yours and yours alone. 

You’ll Stay Dry in Spring Rains
Though no item of clothing will keep you as dry as a proper raincoat, leather jackets are water resistant when properly treated. This means you’ll stay dry even in unexpected showers. Keep in mind that not all leather is able to stand up to moisture. You may notice some discoloration or staining in the material if it gets too wet.

Leather Jackets Are Durable
Much of the clothing and outerwear on the market these days is relatively low quality. That means it won’t last for years even if you take great care of it. Leather jackets are different. When you invest in a high-quality jacket and do what you can to keep it in good shape, it can last for decades. You’ll be able to enjoy using it for years to come without having to worry about replacing it just a few months after you bought it.

Let Jonval Help You Find the Perfect Fit
If you’re in the market for a leather jacket, take the stress out of the search. At Jonval Leather and Furs, we have beautiful leather jackets that can be custom tailored to fit your unique shape. Contact us to learn more about our selection and to discuss your needs.
 
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Summer Storage for Furs


Summer Storage for Furs
Storage time is here!  In Colorado’s dry, hot climate, you need to store ALL your fur pieces to maintain the viability of the leather under the fur.  This includes any fur coats, vests, hats, pillows, lap robes and purses, for example, ---- anything made from real fur.

Our in-house leather storage is maintained at the recommended temperature and humidity. Your items will be stored with proper attention and care.

Also, now is a good time to have your fur cleaned and checked over for those small, almost invisible moths that like to lay their young in the fur and munch on it.  They can ruin fur if not fumigated and cleaned thoroughly.  Don’t take any chances.  Bring your fur in or send them in for a thorough inspection.

While we are inspecting for moths and moth damage, we also inspect for any tears in the fur, pockets, or lining.  Repairs are made after approval, of course, and our charges are known to be very reasonable.

Summer is also the time of year for those remodeling plans you may have for any of your fur.  Coats can be made smaller, sometimes larger, as well as have volume taken out.  Turning an outmoded coat into a vest is one idea.  And, of course, turning coats into lap robes or pillows are other popular ideas
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