How do I clean braces with fabric and leather straps?

Fabric and leather braces require very little maintenance. Occasionally, they can become stained during use. When this happens, you need to clean them quickly to ensure they last as long as possible. In this article, you’ll learn how to care for and clean your fabric or leather braces without making a mess. The care of your braces depends on how they are used: whether you wear them regularly or not and whether there are any stains.

Braces with elastic fabric straps

First of all, do not use a washing machine to clean your straps*. It could damage the Les Bretelles de Léon leather back and metal braces. For straps with elastic bands due to the elastane contained inside, prolonged washing in the machine could weaken them.

Step 1 – Cleaning the straps: Use clear, cold or slightly warm water, a mild soap and a soft bristle brush. Marseille soap is ideal for removing stains and thoroughly cleaning the fabric without damaging it. Avoid using harsh chemical products that could discolour or damage your fabric braces prematurely.

Step 2 – Drying the straps: Once your fabric straps are clean, use a soft cloth to remove any excess water and start drying them. Then you can lay them out on your drying rack. Don’t pull on the elastic, just let them dry loosely (no clothes pegs). This will prevent them from stretching and wearing out the elastic. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight for long periods to avoid discolouring the fabric and leather backing.

Step 3 – Store your straps without folds: Elastic straps can take on the shape of folds. We recommend rolling them up on themselves or laying them flat in your drawer.

Cleaning and care of leather straps

Les Bretelles de Léon offer all-leather braces: from the straps to the back. The care and washing of these braces will be different from those made of fabric or with elasticated straps. Leather straps require special care.

Step 1 – Cleaning leather braces: First, using a soft cloth, gently rub your braces to remove any dust or dirt that may be covering the leather. Then prepare a soapy solution using cold to lukewarm water. Be careful not to use too much soap. We also recommend Marseille soap. Using a clean, soft cloth, lightly soak the cloth in the soap solution, then rub your leather braces in a circular motion. Concentrate on the dirtiest, most stained areas.

Step 2 – Drying the leather straps: Wipe your straps as dry as possible with a soft, clean cloth. Then leave your straps to air dry away from a source of heat such as the sun or a radiator. This will avoid problems of detonation and discolouration of the leather.

Step 3 – Leather care: Leather is a material that needs to be nourished to keep its suppleness and shine. There are special leather products in cream form to moisturise your leather. Apply with a soft cloth.

Step 4 – Waterproof your leather straps: With a leather waterproofing product, you can protect them from stains caused by water or other liquids.

We recommend nourishing and waterproofing your leather braces once a month, after they have been thoroughly washed.

Step 5 – Storing your leather braces: Avoid folding them, which will leave marks and damage them prematurely. Store them flat, hanging on a hanger or rolled up.

By following these cleaning and care steps, you can keep your leather braces in good condition and extend their life.

* To be completely transparent, we have carried out machine washing tests on braces with elasticated straps, and the wash held up well at up to 30°… but this remains a delicate method that can risk damaging your braces, depending on the composition and type of strap, the metal parts, the age of the brace, etc.