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Natural leather is always in demand. It's hard to resist that pricey pair of designer shoes; that trendy brief case you know is a splurge; that black leather jacket that feels as soft as your own skin; or the comfort of a sofa set that gives a touch of quality to your home. Most people fall in love with the richness of leather and never consider the maintenance involved to keep it clean and looking its best.

There is one very important fact about leather to understand before undertaking any cleaning process. That is, not all types of leather are the same, nor do they require the same approach to cleaning.

Some leathers are smooth and shiny; others are soft or have interesting grooves with natural textures. General cleaning tips may share similarities, but unique stains can mean that a different cleaning process is warranted.

The first rule of thumb when it comes to cleaning leather? Read the manufacturer's label that came with the product. They know the type of leather you purchased and how best to care for it.

What is leather's worst enemy? Too much moisture! Habitually wet leather can lead to molds and fungus and difficult to remove stains. If you live in a wet climate and wear your leather shoes on rainy days, your cleaning routine should include the additional step of leather protection.

There are many conflicting tips about how to clean leather; and that's why following the manufacturer's instructions is the best way to avoid disaster. Also, stores that sell leather products often sell leather cleaning kits. If you would rather pay this price than attempt a less costly do-it-yourself technique, just be sure that the ingredients on the product do not contain any water based cleaning agents.

If, however, you no longer have the instructions, there are general tips that can work on all types of leather, if you are careful, and test the cleaning procedure first on a less seen area of your product.

How do you clean leather? The first general maintenance tip for all leather products is to use a soft cloth to wipe off tiny dirt particles. The next steps can be risky, and should be well tested before a general application.

On some types of leather you can actually use a little soap and water for a light overall cleaning. This is often recommended for furniture leathers.

This technique calls for a mild soap, such as dish washing liquid with a ratio of one part soap to five parts water. Saddle soap is another favorite. Using a soft cloth, gently rub the leather in a circular

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