13 years of making the same toy and latterly buying out supply after supply of major leather chains to make them... and I think it is finally time I write how to take care of the Rabbit Fur Paddles we sell!
First and foremost I will start by saying that like any of our products, we make these to last as long as possible. That time frame depends solely up to the ones using it however. As long as you maintain the cleanliness of your toy with the below steps, there is no reason one shouldn't last you 15 years or more.
There are a couple of things to think about before you begin cleaning. There are 3 main components to the paddles:
Wooden Handle
Rabbit Fur Side
Suede Side
Each comes with there own "method of cleaning".
How to Clean the Handle:
This depends on how... intimate you get with them. General purpose furniture polish works great however the chemicals might affect sensitive bits on people.
Butcher Block oils/conditioners. Food grade and much safer for those you want to get "close" to.
How to Clean Suede Side of the Paddle
Dry the suede: If it is wet, for some reason ;), blot dry with with a towel then let air dry for a couple of hours prior to cleaning. Make sure to leave the paddle in a dry place, but not in direct sunlight. If the paddle is soaked, and you’re impatient, you can use a hair dryer on low heat, but be careful not to burn the suede.
Remove dirt and debris: A soft-bristled brush is the safest and best way to clean suede side of the paddle. Gently brush against any debris and scuff marks. Brush in the same direction unless you come across tough scuffs, where you may need to brush back and forth to loosen the grain. Finish by brushing with the grain to leave consistent brush marks.
Wipe down with a dry, clean cloth: After brushing, wipe the surface with a dry, clean cloth to remove any remaining dust or small particles. Wipe in the same direction for a consistent grain pattern. This may be your last step if you only had light dirt or scuff marks.
How to Clean Rabbit Fur Side of the Paddle
Dry the fur: If it is wet, for some reason ;), blot dry with with a towel then let air dry for a couple of hours prior to cleaning. Make sure to leave the paddle in a dry place, but not in direct sunlight. If the paddle is soaked, and you’re impatient, TOUGH, don't use a hairdryer on the fur! Sure you can be gentle and use it on the suede but not here because it will dry out the leather underneath quicker reducing the lifespan of your paddle.
Brush and Wipe down with a dry, clean cloth: Use a soft brush and gently brush with the pattern of the fur. After brushing, wipe the surface with a dry, clean cloth to remove any remaining dust or small particles. The end.
If you managed to royally screw the fur and cover it with who knows what, you can clean your rabbit or fox fur at home using a mixture of chemicals and a pet brush. Hang the paddle on a shower rod and then combine 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup alcohol, 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and 1/4 cup hot (not warm) water in a spray bottle. Shake it up, stand 8 to 10 inches away and spray the fur lightly. The hydrogen peroxide removes stains, and the vinegar and alcohol tackle any "smells" and dirt that can get into the fur. However you should really avoid doing this as much as possible since you cannot condition the under-side of the leather after meaning this will in essence reduce the lifespan of your toy.
Just remember to keep your toys clean and safe that way you can play as long as possible while avoiding damage to your product!