Guide to Leather Care

But leather goods are more than possessions; they're investments in style and durability. And can even be handed down or even sold on the ever growing secondhand market for used leather goods. Properly caring for your leather items ensures their longevity and maintains their timeless appeal. This quick guide, inspired by the best online resources, will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to master the art of leather care.

Part 1: Daily Maintenance

1.1 Avoid Overloading

Leather, akin to human skin, can stretch under excessive weight. Prevent overfilling your leather handbags, wallets, and purses to maintain their original shape. Distribute the load evenly to preserve their structure and style.

1.2 Regular Cleaning

Items in frequent use are prone to accumulating dust and dirt. Dedicate a weekly routine to cleanliness. Utilize a soft, lint-free cloth or a natural bristle brush to gently eliminate surface dust. For more stubborn dirt, lightly dampen the cloth with lukewarm water and gently wipe the leather's surface, taking care not to saturate it.

1.3 Handle with Caution

Leather is resilient, but not impervious. Protect your leather items from heavily embellished clothing, sharp objects, and chunky jewelry, which can scratch, scuff, or puncture them. Maintaining an awareness of your surroundings will safeguard your items from unintentional harm.

1.4 Weather Awareness

Leather items are not immune to weather. In the face of rain, always have an umbrella on hand to shield your leather from moisture. Exposure to rain, especially without subsequent treatment, can result in water stains and damage.

Part 2: Proper Storage

2.1 Shield from Sunlight

Leather is susceptible to damage from heat and moisture, so it's important to store it in a cool, dry place. Direct sunlight can cause leather to fade over time, resulting in a loss of color vibrancy and natural luster. To protect the vivid hues and quality of your leather, store it away from direct sunlight. If you have leather furniture, position it away from windows or use curtains or blinds to avoid direct exposure.

2.2 Dust Bag Protection

Dust bags or fabric pouches are indispensable for safeguarding your leather goods when not in use. Place your handbags, wallets, and smaller leather accessories in these bags to deter dust accumulation and prevent scratches. Opt for fabric bags, which provide ventilation while safeguarding your items.

2.3 Temperature Control

Leather thrives in a stable, moderate-temperature environment. Artificial heat sources, like radiators or heating vents, can be detrimental, causing leather to dry and potentially crack. Store your leather in a cool, dry area and maintain a consistent climate.

Preferred Storage Environment:

• Clean
• Dry
• Well-ventilated
• Shaded
• Cool
• Away from objects that could potentially cause scratches or other damage.

Unsuitable Storage Environments:

• Wet
• Damp
• Under direct sunlight
• Humid
• Warm
• Enclosed spaces

Places to consider for storage are:

• Drawers
• Closet
• A dedicated rack
• A shelf in your wardrobe
• Trunk

Part 3: Specific Products Care

3.1 Handbags

Your handbags often take center stage in your outfit, warranting special attention:

• Empty It: When storing your handbag for an extended period, empty it of its contents. To maintain its shape, gently fill it with acid-free tissue paper or an inflatable bag designed for this purpose.
• Hardware Protection: Shield metallic hardware, such as zippers and clasps, with tissue paper to prevent unwanted imprints on the leather.
• Use Dust Bags: Store your handbags in their original dust bags or opt for breathable cotton pillowcases. These covers prevent color transfer and help maintain the bags' structural integrity.
• Proper Placement: Always avoid direct sunlight, heat sources, and damp conditions. Store your handbag on its base or flat, not hanging, to prevent undue strain on the handles or straps.

3.2 Purses

To extend the lifespan of your purses, consider these strategies:

• Proper Compartment: Keep your purse in a separate compartment within your handbag or designate a zip pocket specifically for it. This will prevent scratches and imprints from contact with other items.
• Regular Cleaning: Wipe or brush your purse regularly to remove accumulated dust and dirt. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a dedicated leather brush to preserve its cleanliness.

3.3 Travel Bags

Travel bags are built to endure wear and tear, but for their longevity, consider the following:

• Wheels or Feet: When using your travel bag, always keep it on its wheels or elevate it on protective feet to minimize contact with the floor, reducing wear and tear.
• Luggage Cover: Shield your travel bag from potential damage in the hold or overhead compartment by using a luggage cover. This protective layer guards against scratches and marks.
• Proper Storage: When not in use, empty your travel bag to maintain its structure. Store it in its protective bag without folding handles or over-packing, which can cause creasing and stretching.

3.4 Briefcases

A professional appearance often necessitates a well-maintained briefcase. Follow these tips:

• Protective Feet: If your briefcase lacks protective feet, consider adding them. These safeguards protect the bottom of your case from abrasion, increasing its lifespan.
• Avoid Overfilling: To prevent strain on zippers, hardware, and seams, avoid overloading your briefcase with heavy items. Distribute the weight evenly for longevity.
• Travel Bag Protection: If you're using a briefcase within a larger travel bag, make sure it's safeguarded within a protective bag to prevent contact with other items that may cause scratches or damage.

3.5 Gloves

Leather gloves, especially those worn in varying weather conditions, require special care:

• Dry Naturally: If your leather gloves become wet, let them dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight. Hanging them in a well-ventilated area with the fingers pointing upwards can help maintain their shape as they dry.
• Cleaning Method: To address minor dirt and stains, gently wipe soiled areas with a soft brush or a clean, damp cloth. For a more thorough cleaning, prepare a solution of mild soap flakes and warm water, dampen a soft cloth, and lightly clean the entire glove.
• Dry Properly: After cleaning, allow your gloves to dry in a cool, dry place, but avoid using heaters or radiators for drying, as excessive heat can cause leather to crack. To maintain their shape, occasionally wear the gloves while they dry.

3.6 Albums and Journals

Leather-bound albums and journals often hold cherished memories and deserve meticulous care:

• Clean Hands: Before handling leather-bound books, ensure your hands are clean and free of any oils or residues. Even a small amount of dirt or grease on your hands can transfer to the leather surface.
• Regular Polish: Maintain the beauty of leather covers by periodically applying clear leather wax or cream to hydrate and preserve the leather. Apply the product evenly and gently buff the surface with a soft, clean cloth to maintain its shine.
• Proper Storage: When placing leather-bound books on a shelf, keep them out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperature fluctuations, as these can cause leather to expand and contract. Avoid stacking them too tightly, as this can lead to warping or distortion.

3.7 Belts

Rotating your belts and ensuring they're properly stored can significantly extend their lifespan:

• Dust and Debris: Wipe away dust and debris from your belts when not in use. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a brush designed for leather to maintain their cleanliness.
• Proper Hanging: Store your belts in a cool, dry space away from direct heat or sunlight. To prevent creasing, hang them by the buckle, ensuring they lie flat and aren't folded or kinked.

Part 4: Dos and Don'ts

Maintaining leather goods is an art, and following these dos and don'ts will ensure your leather items remain in excellent condition:

Dos:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean leather items regularly with a soft brush or a clean, lint-free cloth to remove surface dirt and dust.
• Air Out Leather: Allow leather to breathe and air out, preventing the buildup of musty odors.
• Blot Moisture: Quickly blot away water or moisture with a clean, dry cloth to prevent it from penetrating and damaging the leather.
• Dry Naturally: Dry wet leather naturally at room temperature, away from artificial heat sources, which can cause the leather to lose its natural oils and become brittle.
• Condition Leather: Apply specialized leather conditioner every 3-6 months to keep it supple and prevent drying or cracking.
• Spot Cleaning: For spots and stains, create a cleaning solution by mixing soap flakes with warm water. Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with the solution and gently dab at the stained area. Always test the solution in an inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn't discolor the leather.
• Steam Cleaning: A steam cleaner can be used to disinfect and remove buildup from leather items that see regular use. This method is particularly effective for deep cleaning and removing ingrained dirt and stains.
• Test Products: Before applying any conditioners, cleaners, polishes, or waxes, test them on an inconspicuous area of the leather to ensure they don't cause any adverse reactions or discoloration.

Don'ts:

• Avoid Machines: Never attempt to machine wash leather items, as it can lead to irreversible damage, including shrinking, warping, and color fading.
• Minimize Moisture: Whenever possible, avoid getting your leather items wet, as water can cause leather to lose its natural oils, leading to drying and cracking.
• No Heat: Refrain from drying wet leather items near a radiator or using a hairdryer, as excessive heat can cause the leather to lose its natural oils and become brittle.
• No Tumble Drying: Leather items should never be tumble-dried, as the tumbling action can deform and damage the leather.
• No Ironing: Ironing leather is not recommended, as the heat and pressure can cause irreversible damage to the material.
• Avoid Immersion: Do not immerse leather items in water for cleaning, as submerging leather can lead to warping, color fading, and structural damage.

The big No-No:

Avoid Folding Your Leather Bag Folding your leather bag is highly detrimental to its quality. It's crucial to store your bag in an upright position without subjecting the handles or the bag to any pressure. Additionally, refrain from stacking your leather bags, and maintain adequate space between each one. This practice will help preserve the bag's pristine, wrinkle-free appearance when you retrieve it from storage, ensuring its longevity. Remember that this advice applies to various types of leather bags, including purses, backpacks, pouches, and sling bags.

Part 5: Maintenance

Different types of leather require unique maintenance approaches to ensure they age gracefully:

5.1 Polishing

Polishing leather maintains its original shine and is ideal for high-gloss, formal, or eveningwear accessories. Use a high-quality leather polish that matches the color of your leather items. Apply the polish evenly with a soft, clean cloth and gently buff the surface to restore its luster.

5.2 Natural Aging

Certain leather items, like casual duffel bags, look better with age and develop a unique character over time. Maintain their appearance by occasionally dusting them with a clean, soft cloth and wiping them with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt.

5.3 Supple Leathers

Fine, smooth, and patent leathers benefit from the application of a soft leather cream to preserve their supple qualities and remove light scratches. Apply the cream evenly using a clean, soft cloth and buff the leather to restore its shine.

5.4 Color Restoration

Brightly colored leather items may develop scratches and scuffs over time. You can spot-buff these areas with a leather polish that matches the color. Alternatively, there are specialized color-restoring balms available that can rejuvenate the appearance of your leather items.

Part 6: Cleaning Different Types of Leather

Leather comes in various types, and each necessitates specific cleaning methods:

Black/Ebony Leather

Regular cleaning with a soft brush or a damp, lint-free cloth is essential to maintain the appearance of black and ebony leather goods. Dust and dirt can be removed easily with this routine care.

Cream/Ivory Leather

Lighter leather tones are more susceptible to wear and tear and show stains more clearly. To maintain their pristine appearance:

• Wipe away surface dust and dirt with a clean, dry cloth or a soft brush.
• For subtle marks or stains, prepare a solution of mild soap flakes and warm water. Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth and gently wipe the affected areas, taking care not to oversaturate the leather.
• For more stubborn or deeply ingrained stains, consult a professional leather cleaner to avoid any risk of discoloration or damage.

Deep Shine/Patent Leather

Patent leather is known for its high shine. To maintain this glossy appearance:

• Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
• For more significant scuffs or marks, use a specialized patent leather cleaner according to the product's instructions. These cleaners can help restore the shine and appearance of patent leather.

Saffiano Leather

Saffiano leather, characterized by its unique crosshatch texture, requires gentle care to avoid damage. To clean Saffiano leather:

• Wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth or a cloth designed for leather cleaning.
• Use a specific Saffiano leather cleaning solution for deeper cleaning, following the manufacturer's instructions. This ensures that the texture and appearance of the leather are preserved.

Smooth Leather

Smooth leather, known for its fine, unblemished surface, requires careful cleaning:

• Brush the leather with a soft bristle brush to remove surface dust and dirt. This prepares the leather for conditioning.
• To nourish the leather and maintain its suppleness, apply a gentle leather conditioner. Test the conditioner on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't discolor the leather.

Textured Leather

Textured leathers, such as lizard, pebble-grain, and silk-printed leather, may collect dirt and debris in their grooves and crevices. To clean them:

• Prepare a mild solution of soap and warm water.
• Dampen a clean, soft cloth with this solution and gently clean the leather.
• Use a soft brush or cloth to ensure you remove product build-up from the textured areas, keeping the leather looking its best.

Part 7: How to Clean Specialist Materials

Exotic and delicate leather types, such as buffalo hide and snakeskin, as well as suede, nubuck, printed leather, and velvet, require special care:

Buffalo Hide and Snakeskin

Leather from exotic animals like buffalo and snakeskin requires unique care due to its delicate nature:

• Handle these leathers with care to avoid damage.
• Clean them gently, using a soft, damp cloth or a cloth designed for exotic leathers.
• Avoid oversaturating the leather, as excessive moisture can lead to damage or distortion.
• Store these items in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources, as they are more susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures.

Suede and Nubuck

Suede and nubuck leathers are delicate and require special attention:

• Use dry cleaning methods for these materials. A dedicated suede brush is essential for lifting dust and dirt from the surface.
• To address stains, employ a suede or nubuck cleaning solution, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully. These specialized solutions are designed to target stains without damaging the delicate texture.

Printed Leather

Printed leather often features intricate designs or patterns, which require extra care to preserve:

• Dust the leather with a soft brush or clean it with a damp cloth.
• Avoid using color-based balms or conditioners that may alter the appearance of the print.
• Prior to using any cleaning or conditioning products, test them in inconspicuous areas to ensure they don't affect the printed design.

Velvet

Velvet is a luxurious but delicate material, particularly sensitive to moisture:

• Handle velvet items with care, avoiding exposure to wet conditions. Velvet can be easily damaged by water and can lose its soft texture.
• In the event of spills or stains, blot them gently with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid vigorous rubbing, as this can damage the fabric.
• For persistent or severe stains, consider professional dry cleaning to avoid damaging the velvet pile.

Part 8: How to Remove Deep Scratches

Deep scratches on leather goods can be a cause for concern, but with the right approach, they can often be mitigated:

Clean the Area: Begin by cleaning the scratched area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any surface dirt or debris. Allow it to dry completely.

Assess the Damage: Examine the scratch to determine its severity. If it's a surface scratch, you may be able to address it with a color-matching balm or polish.

Buff Surface Scratches: For surface scratches, use a soft, dry cloth to apply a matching color balm or polish. Gently rub the product into the scratch in a circular motion, gradually building up the color until the scratch is less noticeable. Finish by protecting the area with a leather protector.

For Compromised Surfaces: If the leather surface is compromised, meaning the scratch is deep and affects the texture, consider using a leather filler. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply the filler, smooth it into the scratch, and allow it to dry. Once the filler is dry, use a matching color balm or polish to blend the repair with the surrounding leather. Finish with a leather protector to maintain the leather's natural sheen.

Consult a Professional: For deep or extensive scratches, or if you're uncomfortable with DIY repairs, it's best to consult a professional leather repair service. These experts have the tools and expertise to restore your leather items to their former glory.

By following these quick and easy guidelines, you'll not only extend the life of your leather goods but also preserve their timeless beauty and value. Each step you take in caring for your leather is an investment in their lasting quality, ensuring that they continue to be a testament to your style and sophistication for many years to come.