Cleaning leather bags

Nataly Brunner philini's designer Germany

How to Clean and Care for Your Leather Bags

When cleaning leather bags, it’s essential to recognize that different types of leather have unique care requirements. You can find specific details about the care for various leather types in our blog articles, such as “Care of Nappa Leather” and “Care of Buffalo Leather.” Here are some general guidelines to help you maintain your leather bags:

General Leather Care Tips:

1. Avoid Heat and UV Light:

Never dry leather bags using heat sources like hairdryers or direct sunlight. Heat and UV light can bleach the leather and make it porous and brittle.

2. Drying Wet Leather:

If your leather bag gets wet, allow it to dry naturally. Stuff the bag with paper (avoid newspaper to prevent ink transfer) to help it retain its shape and leave it to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

3. Removing Small Stains:

For small stains, use a special leather sponge or leather eraser. Gently rub the affected area to lift the stain without damaging the leather.

4. Handling Scratches on Smooth Leather:

Small scratches on smooth leather can often be corrected by gently rubbing the area with your fingers or a soft cloth. The natural oils in your skin or the cloth can help to diminish the appearance of the scratch.

5. Regular Cleaning:

Wipe your leather bag with a soft, dry cloth regularly to remove dust and dirt. For deeper cleaning, use a leather cleaner appropriate for your bag’s specific type of leather.

6. Conditioning:

Apply a high-quality leather conditioner periodically to keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out. Conditioning also helps to maintain the leather’s natural luster.