How To Properly Look After Leather Goods

Leather items are an investment. They typically are more expensive compared to other materials and are designed to last with the proper care. While handbags are a popular choice for leather goods, you can buy a leather version of pretty much any accessory. Purses, wallets, journals, belts, shoes, jackets, all these items need to be properly looked after.

So here is a guide on how to care for your leather items, store them appropriately, and how to clean leather in order to make your new accessories last.

Everyday Care

With leather, you want to clean off any dirt and moisture as soon as possible. Leather absorbs grime and liquid so you want to remove them sooner rather than later.

Anything that can scratch leather should be avoided, this includes jewelry and floors. Handbags should always be placed on the floors with only their metal feet making contact.

Leather is skin so stretching it should be avoided, don’t overfill your bag, purse, or wallet. When not in use then all items should be taken out of a bag and packing paper should be put in its place in order for the leather to maintain its shape. Don’t use colored paper or newspaper as the colors can run onto the leather.

Any cosmetics should be kept in their own separate bag to avoid spillage.

Specific Item Care

Some unique leather items require different care.

• Gloves – Leather gloves are more inclined to get wet, this means they need to be properly dried after every wear. If you need to clean a glove then wear it when using soap and water. Dry it with a towel while it is still in your hand to ensure it keeps its shape before air drying.

• Journals – Make sure you wash your hands before touching a leather journal as leather absorbs oils. Don’t pull them off a bookcase from the top of their spine as it can bend it.

• Belts – Wear the correct belt size and hang it up by the buckle to dry. Rolling it up can cause the leather to crack.

Storing

Make sure no leather item is stored in direct sunlight. You also want to avoid storing them near a source of artificial heat like a radiator. The heat can warp and crack the leather over time.

Leather goods should be stored in dust bags. Most handbags come with their own which is appropriately sized, but a white cotton pillowcase will also work. Not only do these bags provide ventilation to the leather, but also protect it from scratches.

If storing your items for an extended period of time, wrap all the hardware separately to avoid it scratching or indenting on the leather. Handbags should be stood on their metal feet and not hanging by their handles as it can stretch them.

Investing in some silica gel packets or moisture absorbers can also protect your leather for longer as humidity can damage them, especially in the warmer months.

Cleaning And Maintaining Leather

The 2 items you need to keep handy when owning leather products are a soft brush and a cloth. These can be used daily in order to get any dirt or moisture off your item. For tougher marks then a mixture of soap flakes and warm water can be used to clean leather. Make sure any excess water is removed with a clean towel before allowing it to air dry.

For serious stains like ink or dye then taking your item to get professionally cleaned may be necessary. A professional cleaner may also be able to assist with any large scratches or dents.

In order to avoid any future stains, make sure you protect your leather. A suitable waterproof spray will help with certain leathers like suede and nubuck. Leather also needs to be conditioned about every 3-6 months to avoid drying out and cracking.

Other protective layers like wax, cream, or polish can be used more frequently to care for leather items and give them a nice finish.

Conclusion

While leather can last a long time, no matter how pristine you try and keep it there will always be some wear. This is not a negative thing, natural wear of your goods merely means it is adapting to your style and usage. Over time leather gains a desirable natural patina which can add a classic feel to any look. 

So while taking care of your leather is ideal, don’t panic if it doesn’t look brand new forever.