Mallika Sharma
Certified Leather Care Technician
wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Co-authored Articles (81)
How to
Spot a Fake Coach Bag
Due to their popularity, designer bags are often replicated and Coach bags are no exception. Knowing how to spot a fake bag can be extremely helpful if you're looking to purchase one outside of a department store or the ...
Fake vs. Real Longchamp: How to Authenticate Your Bag
Plus, learn where authentic Longchamp bags are madeIt’s important to look out for fakes when buying a Longchamp, especially considering their recent rise in popularity. Determining whether your Longchamp is real or fak...
How to
Spot a Fake Michael Kors Bag
Buying a designer brand handbag is a big decision, and it’s important to make sure that you don’t get ripped off. Brands like Versace, Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Michael Kors are common targets for counterfeit supplie...
How to Determine if a Louis Vuitton Wallet is Real
Tell the difference between a real LV wallet and a fake Louis Vuitton (LV) is a French luxury fashion company that has been producing high-quality products since the 1850s. Louis Vuitton wallets are known for pristine co...
How to Tell the Difference Between Fake vs Real Golden Goose Shoes
The tell-tale signs that you’re looking at fake Golden Goose sneakers Golden Goose sneakers are incredibly popular for their chic, worn-in look, iconic star, and comfortable fit. However, with their popularity comes a ...
10 Simple Ways to Check if Genuine Leather is Real
Spot fake vs real leather by look, feel, & smell Products made of genuine leather are a class apart from their faux leather counterparts due to their natural, rich, and elegant finish. However, synthetic leather made fro...
How to
Repair Faux Leather
Faux leather is also known as imitation, synthetic, or artificial leather. It has a similar appearance to natural leather, but faux leather items typically consist of a fabric base with a polyurethane coating. This compo...
How to Restore and Revive Suede At Home
Fix your suede shoes, jacket, or furniture without damaging itSuede is a type of beautiful, soft leather that's often used to make things like shoes, furniture, or clothing items. If you have a suede item that needs a li...
How to
Repair Torn Leather
Repairing a leather tear can be a little time consuming, but it shouldn’t be excessively difficult if the damage is relatively small. To fix a leather tear, get a leather repair kit with a color compound that matches t...
How to
Check if a Furla Bag Is Authentic
Furla bags are a huge hit in the designer market right now—since they're both fashion-forward and timeless, they're a great investment for your wardrobe. Buying an imitation can be frustrating, and counterfeit products...
How to
Restore a Leather Jacket
A leather jacket is a prized possession that, when cared for correctly, can be worn proudly for life. However, leather jackets start to dry out and fade after years of wear. When your old trusty jacket starts to look wor...
How to Tell the Difference Between Fake & Real Chanel Bags
A simple guide to authenticating Chanel handbagsChanel is a luxury fashion brand that is well known for their signature quilted purses and other chic handbags. Because Chanel bags are highly sought after, it’s common f...
How to
Get Oil Out of Suede
Suede is known for its soft, comfortable texture as well as its delicacy. However, even though suede is hard to clean, you can remove oil stains with some basic household products. Use an absorbent material to pull fresh...
How to
Repair Cracked Leather
Cracks often appear when leather dries out or is exposed to sunlight. The fibers in the leather abrade one another. Although the damage is permanent, many cracks are easy to hide by rehydrating the leather with a good co...
How to
Hand Sew Leather
Sewing leather by hand makes for a traditional and handsome project. Stitching through leather is not as difficult as it may seem. Whether your leather project is large or small it can be simple. Gather a few importan...
How to Get Bad Smells Out of Leather Jackets, Couches, Shoes & More
Expert-backed remedies for removing funky smells from your leather Leather is a material made from tanned animal hide, and it’s a popular choice for making jackets, furniture, shoes, purses, belts, and other products. ...
How to Harden Leather: A DIY Guide
Make your leather more durable with these techniques If you plan on making leather accessories or other leatherwork, you may need to stiffen the leather so it holds its shape. Luckily, there are a ton of effective ways t...
How to
Repair Scratches on Leather Furniture
No matter how careful you are around your leather furniture, it’s very common for leather furniture to get scratches due to normal use. This is especially the case if you live in a household with pets or small children...
How to Restore a Leather Sofa: Fix Tears and Rips
Does your favorite leather couch have a tear, rip, or hole in it? Leather is both durable and long-lasting, but it can be prone to damage (especially if any children or pets are around). Fortunately, repairing a leather ...
How to
Get Smoke Odor Out of Leather
Smoky odors, whether from being around things like a bonfire or cigarette smoke, can be tricky to get out of materials. There are lots of regular household items like vinegar, baking soda, or cat litter that you can use ...
