How to care for leather products?

A good quality leather product becomes prettier as time goes by, but only if it’s cared for properly. Some simple leather care tips can help your leather article go a long way. Cleaning the dirt off, applying conditioner, storing items carefully-these tips help your leather look its best for years.

Why does leather need special care?

Leather is a natural material that contains oils & fibers. Without care, it may dry-out, stiffen and may crack. Untreated leather becomes brittle after the years. If you care properly, leather ages gracefully and remains supple. Full grain or veg-tanned leathers develop a profuse patina over time, which an artificial material cannot.

Cleaning leather wallets and accessories

A good habit of routine cleaning prevents dirt accretion and stains. Here are some easy steps to follow.

Empty and dust first. Remove all the cash, cards and other contents from the wallet or bag. Then use a dry microfiber cloth to brush away any loose dirt or dust from seams and cervices.
Wipe gently. Use a clean cloth, moisten slightly, and gently wipe it across the surfaces. Doing this weekly removes the oils and residues that dulls the finish.
Spot clean carefully. For stains (ink, grease, etc.), dab at the spot with a cloth dampened in a leather cleaner or mild soap solution. Blot — don’t rub. And repeat if needed. For tough stains, seek a professional leather cleaning service.
Test any product first. Before using a new cleaner, try it on a hidden patch to prevent alteration of colour or finish on the whole product.
Air-dry. If leather gets wet, immediately blot it up using a cloth and let it air dry naturally. Don’t place it near a heater or under direct sunlight. It can shrink, or cracks may appear.

Conditioning and protecting leather

Cleaning removes dirt, while conditioning moisten fibers and keeps leather supple. Leather hardens and cracks in absence of oils. So, plan conditioning every five to six months. Select a high quality leather conditioner/cream that matches your product’s leather type. Here are some tips for better cleaning.

Choose right conditioner. Use a leather cream, balm or oil made for natural leather. Avoid furniture polish or household cleaners—that can damage the leather finish. For veg-tanned leather, look for a neutral or matching colour cream.
Apply sparingly. Take the conditioner on a clean cloth, buff the leather with it and wipe off any residual. Don’t overapply, as it may leave a sticky film or darken the leather too much.
Test first. Always try the conditioner on a small or hidden patch. If it changes the leather colour or it seems too greasy after 24 hours, stop and try a different conditioner.

Storing and long-term care.

When not in use, store the leather items properly. Store it in a cool, dry and ventilated area. Avoid plastic bags, closed & tight spaces-that retain moisture.

Use dust bags. Store leather products in a dustbag or a cotton cloth. They prevent scratches and dust accumulation on it. And let the leather breathe.
Maintain shape. To avoid wrinkles, lightly stuff bags and wallets with tissue paper or bubble wrap when stowing for long-term. This keeps the item from crumpling.
Rotate your item. If you own multiple leather accessories, don’t carry or wear just one all the time. Rotating between them gives a rest and helps prevent overstretching and uneven wear.
Avoid sun and heat. Extended sunlight will fade leather and dry it out. Heat vents also affect the leather. So, just avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Protect from moisture. In a rainy season, apply a weather repellent or wax before first use. Untreated leather seeks more care. If leather gets wet, wipe it up quickly and let it air dry naturally.

Embracing patina and everyday wear

Good leather is meant to change. A patina is the mellow shine or darkening you see on leather over time—the “warm, lived-in look” that adds character. Ageing is a beautiful process—Encourage it. Natural oils of your body, moisture and even sunlight will help the leather darken slightly and soften as you use it regularly.

Use it often. Heavy daily use creates patina faster. Every time you handle a leather wallet, you’re breaking in the material. A leather that is regularly touched and bent will develop a unique glow.
Keep conditioning. A supple leather (thanks to conditioner) bends and creases more uniformly. This ‘wearing in’ process yields an even, attractive patina.
Don’t overdo polish. Avoid high-shine polish or silicon polishes on top/full-grain leather; they can mask an artificial patina or create an artificial shine. Instead, let the leather’s oils shine through.
Accept variation. Every scratch or colour variation tells a story. Minor blemishes and fading are normal in natural leather. Less processed/unprocessed leather develops more scratches, which is the real beauty of the rawness. Remember, only real top-quality leather truly develops lasting patina—imitation leathers crack.

By considering all or some of these tips, your leather product will always be nicer and will create memories of daily adventures.

‘A small care today can make it last a lifetime.’