The Ultimate Guide To Leather Care
We want you to enjoy your leather goods for a lifetime. From the moment they are crafted, until they arrive in your arms, they need to be cared for properly.
With our handy guide, your most treasured pieces will look beautiful for years to come. Covering all day-to-day care and maintenance to small repairs and specialist cleaning, here you'll find everything there is to know about leather care.
Although it's tempting to leave our handbags packed with our daily essentials ready for the next day, instead take the time to empty them completely to avoid warping. Once empty, you can maintain the handbag's silhouette by gently filling it with plain, acid-free tissue paper.
If you are planning to leave your bag in storage for an extended period - until next season, for example - you might also like to take the time to wrap hardware such as zips and clasps in tissue paper to avoid them creating any unwanted imprints on your leather.
The next stage is to cover your bag, preferably in the dust bag in which it arrived with - these are cut to the right size to avoid squashing and warping. If you no longer have the original dust bag, a white cotton pillowcase can be an ideal substitute - avoid using a coloured fabric to avoid the colour transferring.
Once covered, place your covered handbag away from direct sunlight and artificial sources of heat. Be sure to stand it on its base rather than hanging it up, as this can stretch the handles. Additionally, take care to choose a spot that is tall enough to allow the handles to stand up unimpeded. Doing otherwise can cause them to become bent or misshapen.
How to Look After Your Leather Goods
By taking time to care for your leather, you will uphold the value and maintain the appearance of your most treasured pieces.
Everyday Care
Looking after your leather goods starts with day-to-day care. By following just a few simple rules, you can avoid unnecessary wear and tear and extend the life of your accessories for years:
- Leather is a skin, and it can stretch. Avoid overfilling your handbag, purse or wallet to maintain its original silhouette
- Take extra care with leather items you use often. Take the time each week to wipe away dust and spots with a soft cloth or brush
- Scratches can detract from a flawlessly crafted piece. Take care to avoid contact with heavily embellished clothes, sharp surfaces, or chunky jewellery when you are out and about.
- Wet leather requires extra care, so if rain is forecast, remember to take an umbrella
Storage
You may be asking yourself how should I store my handbags? Storing your leather appropriately is one of the easiest ways you can prevent damage and maintain a high-quality finish:
- Store leather away from direct sunlight as this can cause fading
- Store handbags in a dust bag to avoid scratches
- Avoid using plastic bags, they prevent good ventilation
- Store leather away from artificial sources of heat, e.g. radiators can cause leather to dry and crack