Leather Product Care Guide

Caring for your leather goods is paramount to ensuring their longevity and maintaining their original beauty. By adhering to proper care practices, such as regular cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals, and seeking professional advice when needed, you not only preserve the exquisite craftsmanship but also enhance the natural aging process that gives leather its unique character. This dedicated care ritual not only safeguards the integrity of the product but also extends its lifespan, allowing you to cherish and enjoy your leather items for years to come.

About The Leather We Use 

First, let us share some information about the leather we use for our leather goods. All of our products are made from full and top grain calf leather, tanned with water-soluble dyes. These hides retain their natural surface, showcasing visible pores, scars, and grains inherent in the original animal skin structure.

Full-Grain and Top-Grain Leather
The topmost layer of an animal's hide, known as full-grain leather, is the strongest and most durable part. Its tight grain pattern resists moisture, and over time, it develops a distinctive patina from handling. Top-grain leather, the second strongest type, is similar to full-grain but with the top millimeters sanded and buffed to remove imperfections.

Saffiano and Grained Leather Products
Our saffiano and grained leather products undergo a pattern print process with a wax coating on the surface. This imparts a more uniform appearance, minimizing the natural leather grain, scars, and visible pores.

Caring for Your Leather Goods

Items fashioned from top or full grain leather will develop a patina and deeper grain lines over time. To extend the product lifespan, follow these care guidelines.

Commonly Asked Questions On Leather Goods Care 

Why Do I Find Marks and Creases On Leather Surface?
Natural hides feature small irregularities, such as healed scrapes, fatty areas, neck wrinkles, or vein marks. These are intentional, showcasing each product's natural individuality, and may diminish with use.

Are these markings on a leather surface defects?
While meticulous care is taken in selecting a near-perfect piece of leather for all our products, full-grain and top-grain leather often bear lines and markings. These unique characteristics are inherent and contribute to the quality and individuality of our goods, aligning with our commitment to slow fashion.
The Concept of Mano D'dopera - Imperfection In Handmade Leather Goods
Handmade products often bear unique characteristics due to the artisan's touch. Variations, such as stitching irregularities, contribute to the handmade and heartfelt attributes of our products—a concept known as mano d'opera.
Will Leather Products Peel?
Peeling is unlikely with products using full grain and top grain leather, as these do not have synthetic coatings common in split and bonded leather. However, scratches may occur, and proper care is essential to prevent deterioration.

What Should Be A Typical Lifespan Of A Leather?
Genuine leather products using full-grain or top-grain leather can typically last for decades with proper use and care. Daily-use items, like wallets, can last a minimum of 5 years, while belts can endure 3-4 years with daily use. In the case of belt, alternating your belt accessory usage can extend the lifespan of the accessory. 

General Belt Care
Hang or store belts loosely rolled. Wipe with a micro-fiber fabric and avoid hard surfaces to prevent scratches.

General Wallet Care
Keep wallets in inner pockets, bags, pouches, or document cases to maintain pristine condition and prevent permanent fold lines.
 

Possible Damages Of A Leather Product and Solutions

When A Leather Belt Or Wallet Is Drenched Under A Heavy Downpour
Sponge off water and let the product dry naturally. Avoid fast drying methods, such as using a hair dryer or placing it on a heating element, to prevent leather shrinkage and surface cracks.

When Cracked Surfaces Are Appearing On Your Leather Belt Or Wallet
Regular use and care prevent crackling. Polish your leather belt or wallet with a neutral-colored leather cream to heal the surface.

When Leather Surfaced Is Stained
Professional cleaning services can address light stains, but ink stains may be stubborn. Always keep pens away from leather products.

Dulling Metal Parts 
Wipe metal accessories with a micro-fiber fabric in humid conditions. Avoid chemical polish to preserve plating.

Unraveling Stitching From Leather Goods
Trim untrimmed threads with small scissors. If due to broken knots, consult a leather repair shop for manual re-knotting.

Loosening Assembled Parts On A Leather Bag or Wallet
Avoid overloading to prevent assembled joints from falling apart. Seek a leathersmith for re-assembly, sewing, and re-knotting.

Inner Lining Wear and Tear
Resinated cotton fabric (for bags) and synthetic silk (for wallets) are durable. Replace linings with a leathersmith's assistance.

Wear and Tear of Magnetic Clasp or Fastening Buttons 
Self-centering magnets have a long lifespan. If the leather is still in good condition, consider having faulty clasps or buttons replaced. Consult a local artisan for assistance.

Simple Home DIY Leather Cleaning Solutions

Proper cleaning enhances the longevity and appearance of your leather products. Caring and cleaning your leather products can be done at home without frequent trips to your leathersmith. Here are some kitchen pantry products that are effective leather cleaning solutions. While these tips are effective, always test on a small part of the leather, ideally in an inconspicuous area (e.g., the interior of the leather product). We also recommend consulting a leather care professional for complex cleaning and reparation requirements.

Regular Dusting: Gently dust your leather items with a soft, dry cloth to remove surface dirt and prevent it from settling into the pores.

Spot Cleaning: For minor stains, dampen a clean cloth with distilled water and gently blot the affected area. Avoid excessive water, and allow the leather to air dry.

Mild Soap Solution: Mix a small amount of mild soap (such as castile soap or baby shampoo) with water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Dab a clean, damp cloth in the mixture and wipe the leather. Ensure thorough drying.

Vinegar Solution: Create a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Dampen a cloth and gently wipe the leather to remove stains. Vinegar helps break down stains but should be used sparingly.

Baking Soda for Odor: To eliminate odors, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside your leather item and let it sit overnight. Vacuum or brush away the baking soda the next day.

Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Polish: Mix one part white vinegar, two parts olive oil, and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and gently polish the leather to restore shine.

Cornstarch for Grease Stains: For grease stains, sprinkle cornstarch on the affected area and leave it overnight. The cornstarch will absorb the grease. Brush away the powder the next day.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Mold: Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. Dampen a cloth and gently wipe away mold on the leather. Follow up with a clean, dry cloth and allow the leather to dry completely.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Refrain from using harsh chemicals, alcohol-based solutions, or abrasive cleaning agents, as they can damage the leather's natural oils.

Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before applying any cleaning solution, test it in a hidden area to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage. Different leathers may react differently.

Remember, these tips are general guidelines. For specific and valuable advice tailored to your leather item, consult a professional leather care shop. They can assess the type of leather, its condition, and provide expert guidance on cleaning and maintenance.

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