Leather Care 101: Everything You Need to Know

Leather is a classic, stylish, and durable product that can last a lifetime if properly cared for. Whether you have a leather wallet, belt, sofa, or other leather gear, it’s important to know how to care for and maintain it to ensure it remains unique and durable for many years to come. However, like many other items, your leather products can get dirty or scratched over time. In this guide, we will provide you with simple and effective tips to take care of your leather, preserving its natural shine and softness.

Everyday Care

Taking care of your leather products starts with daily maintenance. By simply following a few simple tips, you can avoid unnecessary wear and tear and prolong the life of your leather.

• Leather, like skin, can stretch. Avoid overloading your handbag, wallet, or purse to preserve its original shape.
• Spend some time each week wiping away dust and stains with a soft cloth or brush.
• Scratches can be difficult to get rid of. Therefore, be careful to avoid contact with sharp surfaces or other objects when you’re out.
• Wet leather requires extra care, so if rain is in the forecast, remember to bring an umbrella and dry it thoroughly.

Preserve Your Leather’s Beauty: Essential Cleaning and Leather Care Tips

Although leather is resilient and durable, it sometimes requires cleaning to remove grease, stains, dirt, or other types of grime. When leather absorbs dirt, the oils in the leather can become discolored, so it’s important to remove stains as soon as possible.

Start by removing any dust and dirt from the leather surface by gently brushing it with a soft brush or using a dust remover. This prevents dirt from being rubbed into the leather.

Light Cleaning

For light cleaning with little or no visible dirt, our leather cream may be sufficient. The leather cream penetrates the leather, cleans, and leaves it soft and well-maintained. The cream adds a natural shine to the leather surface.

Deep Cleaning

For very visible dirt, use a small amount of leather cleaner or just water on a lint-free cloth. Gently massage the leather to remove dirt and grime, focusing on heavily soiled or stained areas – always test first on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire leather.

Never use strong soap, baby wipes, or harsh chemicals for cleaning or stain removal. This can lead to discoloration, drying out, cracking, and accumulation of grease.

After removing the dirt, allow the leather to dry completely – preferably up to 24 hours. Then, the leather needs moisture and nourishment again. Depending on your product, choose either a cream or grease, and follow the instructions on how to apply it.

If you want to watch a visual guide on the application of leather cream or leather grease, this can be found on YouTube.

Caring for Leather Wallets and Bags

When it comes to wallets and bags, your primary concern should be avoiding overstuffing them. When these items stretch, they will not return to their original shape.

To keep them in good condition, clean the leather regularly and remember to use the right leather care products.

When carrying your wallet in a handbag, you can easily avoid scratches and marks by storing your wallet in a separate compartment. It’s a good idea to regularly wipe or brush your wallet to remove the daily buildup of dust and dirt.

If you want to read more about caring for leather bags, you can do so here.

Caring for and Storing Leather Belts

Since belts are an accessory that many of us wear every day, it’s important to care for them to extend their lifespan. When you’re not wearing your belt, remove any dust or dirt and hang it up in a dry place away from direct heat or sunlight. By letting the belt hang instead of rolling it up, you avoid deformation and deterioration of the leather. Additionally, it’s good to avoid unnecessarily stretching the belt to preserve its shape and strength.

We recommend using a Hanger, which is an elegant and space-saving alternative to the boxes belts are often delivered in.

Storing Leather Products

You might be wondering, how should I store my handbags, belts, or wallets? Properly storing your leather is one of the easiest ways to prevent damage and maintain high quality:

• Store leather away from direct sunlight.
• Store handbags in a dust bag to avoid scratches.
• Keep leather away from artificial heat sources, such as radiators, as they can cause the leather to dry out and crack.
• Use a belt holder or hanger to prevent the leather belt from becoming creased or losing its shape. This ensures the belt remains smooth and free of wrinkles.
• Store your wallet separately from sharp objects. Leather can be scratched or damaged by sharp objects like keys or coins.