Leather Care Guide
The Comprehensive Handbook for Leather Care
Whether you’ve purchased our leather products or not, we want you to enjoy your leather goods for a lifetime. From the moment each item is crafted to the time it reaches your hands, it requires proper care. Through our practical guide, you can preserve the beauty of your most cherished possessions for many years. From daily care and maintenance to minor repairs and professional cleaning, you’ll find all the information you need right here.
Everyday Care
Caring for your leather products begins with simple daily routines. By following these straightforward rules, you can prevent unnecessary wear and tear, ultimately extending the lifespan of your products:
Avoid Overstuffing: Leather, like skin, can stretch. Therefore, refrain from overloading your handbags, leather bags, or wallets to maintain their original shape.
Regular Use: For leather items in frequent use, it’s recommended to spend some time each week wiping off dust or stains with a soft cloth.
Scratch Prevention: Scratches can mar the appearance of your products. When heading out, avoid contact with clothing embellished with sharp objects or heavy jewelry.
Handling Wet Leather: Wet leather requires extra care. If rain is in the forecast, take appropriate measures like using an umbrella. If your product does get wet, don’t worry. High-quality top-grain leather offers excellent protection and some waterproofing. Use a soft, dry cloth to thoroughly wipe the wet item, stuff it with newspaper to help absorb moisture (change the newspaper every 1-2 hours until partially dry), then allow it to air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause deformation, and rapid drying may lead to cracking or deformities. After air-drying, apply leather conditioner generously to replenish lost oils.
Storage
Proper storage is essential to prevent damage and maintain a high-quality appearance:
Shield from Sunlight: Keep leather away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading.
Use Dust Bags: Store your bags in dust bags to protect them from dust and potential scratches. If you’ve misplaced the original dust bag, a clean, white cotton pillowcase can be a suitable alternative. Avoid colored fabrics that might bleed onto the leather.
Avoid Plastic: Plastic bags hinder proper ventilation and can trap moisture. Opt for breathable materials like cotton instead.
Stay Away from Heat Sources: Leather is sensitive to heat, which can dry it out and cause cracking. Keep your bags away from artificial heat sources, such as heaters.
Allow for Breathing: Leather breathes, so consider placing white paper balls inside your bags to absorb moisture and prevent humidity. It’s recommended to remove the bag from its dust cover every 3-6 months for proper ventilation.
Specific Products
While daily care and thoughtful storage will play a significant role in maintaining your favorite leather items, specific products may require different care techniques.
Hand Bags
While the temptation to leave your bag packed and ready for the next day is strong, it’s better to take the time to empty it fully to prevent deformation. If you plan to store the bag for an extended period, such as between seasons, you might also want to wrap hardware like zippers and buckles with tissue paper to prevent unwanted imprints on the leather.
The next step is to cover your bag, preferably with the original dust bag, as these bags are sized to prevent flattening and deformation. If you’ve lost the original dust bag, a white cotton pillowcase can be an ideal alternative, but avoid using colored fabric to prevent color transfer. Once covered, place your bag in a spot away from direct sunlight and artificial heat sources. Ensure it lies flat rather than hanging, as this can stretch the straps and their attachments.
Finally, if you notice your bag has developed mold, it typically indicates that the storage area is too damp. You can use alcohol-free wet wipes or a solution of chlorine bleach with a concentration below 100ppm. Spray it on a soft, dry cloth, wipe the leather clean, and follow up with oil conditioning. Then, store it in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Wallets/Pouches
Wallets come in various sizes and shapes. Choose one that suits your needs to prevent overfilling pockets, compartments, or card slots, reducing the risk of leather deformation. Typically, wallets or small clutches are used in conjunction with larger shoulder bags. You can store your wallet in a designated zipper pocket or compartment inside your bag to avoid contact with other items that might cause scratches. Small leather goods, due to daily use, are vulnerable at the corners, where damage is most likely to occur. Regular gentle wiping and oil conditioning are effective in removing accumulated dust and dirt. Additionally, as many individuals use hand creams or sunscreen, sweat or oils from hands may accumulate in the corners of leather items, leading to stubborn stains and oxidation or rusting of hardware. Therefore, regular wiping with a clean, soft cloth is essential.
Professional Repairs
The charm of leather lies in its ever-changing nature, with different textures, subtle shifts in hues, gradual luster variations, and the subtle marks of a life well-loved.
We sincerely hope you find a unique leather product that speaks to you, and we aim to provide assistance through our care guide. However, if your leather product is unfortunately damaged or cannot be restored to normal through self-care, we recommend seeking a nearby professional maintenance and repair shop.
