There are some simple ways to make your leather look and feel its best. Here are our top tips for keeping your leather in tip-top shape:
- Avoid overfilling leather bags to keep them in shape. The same goes for wallets – throw away those loyalty cards that you no longer use!
- Be careful if it is a sunny day and don’t leave your bag near the radiator. The sun and artificial heat will dehydrate leather and cause it to crack and stiffen. Its colour may also fade.
- To clean it, first try removing any dirt with a microfibre brush or cloth. To remove more stubborn stains, you can use warm water and a dampened cloth with a mild soap. Always air-dry your leather pieces, and blot them dry. You can use tissue paper to keep the shape of the leather. For Handmade Leather Belts, visit https://www.hipandwaisted.com/handmade-leather-belts/
- Keep your leather in a cotton canvas bag while you store it until your next wear. This will prevent it from being scratched up by other items in your wardrobe while still allowing the fabric to breathe.
- If your item has been in storage for some time, it is important to periodically air it to avoid any mould growth. White mould can grow in even the cleanest of storage spaces.
- You can keep your leather bags, accessories and even journals and albums looking as new as they did when you first bought them by buffing with a leather conditioner about every 3 to 6 months. The protective oils that our leather is treated with before it reaches you can give it a worn-in appearance. You can also top up the oil when it feels like it needs it.
- Test it first on a small area that is not visible (for example, the bottom of the bag, the inside of a pocket, or the flap). It’s important to test the conditioner on a small, inconspicuous area first.
