How to Care for Your Leather Goods
It’s the most common question you’re gonna ask after making a leather purchase.
“How do I care for this beautiful thing to make sure it lasts FOREVER????”
Well. Let me just tell you. And can I start by saying, I hear ya and also let you in on a secret that I’m maybe not so proud of?
I am ROUGH on my bags. Like, I don’t store them in dustbags in the closet while singing them lullabies every night. I use them daily and I’m not doing all the things I’m about to tell you to do for prime aging. But hey, we can’t all be perfect, right? And I sort of like to test these babes out and make sure they’re gonna go strong for EVA EVA with the hardest of wear.
BUT. If you’re looking to just make sure you will get years and years and years out of your bags and then hand them down to your gorgeous grandchildren to-be, here’s a few tips to keep things lookin’ fresh.
HOW TO CLEAN AND CARE FOR YOUR LEATHER GOODS:
Handle your leather bags and accessories with clean, dry hands. Oils from your skin are one of the components that assist your leather goods in getting a beautiful patina but for cleaning purposes, well, let’s keep it clean, shall we?
It’s easy to remove dirt and build-up from your leather items. Simply wipe down with a soft cloth. Sheepskin or a cotton cloth work great for this step.
If you need a deeper clean, use a mild leather cleaner like saddle soap (see link below) and gently apply to the surface of the leather using a clean, slightly damp cloth. You’ll want to apply this in a circular motion.
Conditioning: Over time, leather will tend to dry out and get a little dull. Conditioning your leather occasionally will keep it looking fresh and new. To condition, apply just a (very) small amount of conditioner on a soft applicator and gently rub over the entire surface of your item. It doesn’t take much, and a little goes a long way. A great choice for a natural leather conditioner is Smith’s Leather Balm (see link below).
Storage: Stuff your leather bags with bubble wrap, tissue, or go full Marie Kondo with the bag in a bag method to keep its shape. It’s always great to store your handbags in a dust bag as well. Remember to let your leather goods dry fully before storage if you’ve just cleaned them.
That’s all it takes! This will restore, protect, and extend the life of your leather goods! You can condition your leather items on an as needed basis, simply allow them to dry a bit before use. It is also recommended to test your conditioner on a small section of your leather item as it can alter the color somewhat.
Other Care Tips
Avoid long-term exposure to heat and sun, such as storing your leather items in direct sunlight. If you have purchased one of our leather bags and are concerned about maintaining its shape, we recommend stuffing it with newspaper or tissue and keeping it in a dust bag when stored.
