Whether it's a contemporary red leather handbag, a fine leather wallet, or a traditional black leather briefcase, both new and well-worn leather goods are subject to the elements and effects of use. Excess heat or cold, dry air, heavy moisture, oxidation, abrasions, and oil or chemical damage will affect the life of your leather. To maintain your leather properly, keep in mind that leather was once a living hide and should be treated as such. Want to protect your investment and keep your leather in excellent condition? Here are some tips for easy care and prolonging the life of your leather items.
Tip One: Condition the leather regularly
Use a quality conditioning product designed specifically for leather. We recommend a natural balm leather lotion, that doesn’t contain oils, chemicals, or waxes so that you can avoid shortening the life of the leather product. A natural balm lotion is safe and can be applied with your hands or a clean soft cloth – but be sure that the cloth does not bleed any color before using it.
After massaging the leather lotion over the entire leather surface, allow it to dry on its own. If the leather has a scratch and stain resistant coating, you can wipe any excess lotion with a clean cloth. In arid climates, you should treat the leather every couple of months. In humid regions, once every six months will suffice. Please note that naked leathers, especially light colored Belting, should not be treated with any lotions to avoid darkening the leather.
Lotion is not recommended on textured leathers because it is hard to clean up extra residue (not because it would harm the leather on: Chelsea, Croco, Monserrate, Prestige, and Sienna Woven
Leather Lotion should not be used on:
Buffalo Leather that is distressed or with a hunter finish
Patent Leathers with a glossy finish or cotton-backed flecked suede leathers
Leather Lotion should only be used on the smoother leather trim; handles, flaps and areas not on the main body
Tip Two: Remove water or excess moisture from leather quickly
Whenever rain, snow, or excess moisture get on your leather item, use a dry cloth to blot, not rub, moist spots as quickly as possible. Remember moisture from winter weather may contain ice melt or salt-based products that are harmful to leather and should be blotted with a damp cloth and allowed to air-dry. Do not place your leather bag near a heat source to dry, especially if it is a coated leather. Also, never put a briefcase, tote, or handbag on wet ground or a snowy surface.
Tip Three: Fully air-dry rain-soaked leather
Lay the bag on the floor or a table so that it is flat – this will avoid drooping, slouching, or wrinkling. Do not place it near a radiator, heater, or in the clothes dryer, as their heat will damage the leather. If you’re drying a briefcase, tote, or handbag, it is best to stuff it with dry cloth to help it maintain its shape and draw out moisture from inside of the bag. You can use newsprint but be sure that the ink will not run or you risk staining the inside of the bag.
Tip Five: Wipe the inside of your leather bag or briefcase at least once a month
Tip Six: Store leather briefcases and bags when not in use
