Q: Over the years my black leather coat has become scuffed by my car’s seat belt. Can I put black shoe polish on it, or will that just make a mess?
— E.L., Akron
A: Your suspicion is right. Shoe polish will rub off, and what’s worse, it can cause the leather to crack or peel, said Cindy Sells of the Leather Solution, a leather-cleaning company in Barberton.
If the coat is just lightly scuffed, you can try a do-it-yourself product to revive it, she said. The Leather Solution sells one called Hidey’s Beauty Treatment.
However, Sells said more extensive damage should be repaired professionally. Companies such as hers can do that, as can some shoe repair shops.
Have a question about home maintenance, decorating or gardening? Akron Beacon Journal home writer Mary Beth Breckenridge will find answers for the queries that are chosen to appear in the paper. To submit a question, call her at 330-996-3756, or send email to mbrecken@thebeaconjournal.com. Be sure to include your full name, your town and your phone number or email address.
