How to Care for Leather Products [Practical Guide]

Leather clothes are particularly sensitive to moisture. If leather is not stored properly and is exposed to wet conditions, it may start to crack, peel or lose colour. Dirt and stains also quickly make leather lose its appeal.

However, if you follow a few basic leather maintenance tips, your leather will maintain its shape, functionality as well as appearance. Even if you have no previous experience with leather maintenance or leather tanning, you can keep your leather in a perfect condition for a long time!

1. Things You Need

When cleaning leather shoes and other items made of leather, you will need the following:

1. A soft cloth - to wipe off dust and small stains.
2. A soft bristle brush - for cleaning stubborn stains.
3. Foam cleaner - for removing stubborn stains and dirt which cannot be removed with a cloth or a brush.
4. Beeswax - useful for polishing leather shoes. It is waterproof, brightens up faded colour and brings shine to the surface of your shoes.

Once you have all the necessary supplies ready, get started with the maintenance of your leather items! Here are a few simple rules to follow:

2. Do Leather Maintenance Regularly

Ideally, remove dust particles, small dirt particles and common stains from shoes or belts as soon as you take them off, before storing them away in your shoe closet or wardrobe.

Don't postpone cleaning until the last minute - dirt can penetrate the leather structure over time and accelerate wear. It only takes a few minutes to clean minor stains off your leather products. Follow these steps:

• Wipe off dust and other minor dirt from the surface of the shoe, belt or bag with a clean, soft-fibre cloth.
• For cleaning saddlery items or leather boots, you can also use saddle soap: a soap that contains glycerine and protects leather from moisture or dirt and leaves it soft and moisturized. Apply a small amount of soap to a damp cloth and gently run the cloth onto the leather surface.
• Use a soft bristle brush to remove larger stains.
• After cleaning, use a soft cloth to dry the surface and allow the leather to air dry. Do not place leather shoes or belts near a heater! Heaters or other heat sources can be damaging for leather.

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3. Leather Needs the Right “Nourishment”

Just like our skin, leather needs the right substances to maintain its appearance and elasticity. Dry or over-stressed leather is more prone to cracking.

Beeswax balms are often used to moisturise and protect leather surfaces. They are usually sold in practical round jars that can be conveniently stored in your wardrobe.

Balms help restore leather and protect it from environmental factors like moisture and temperature fluctuations.

This is how you apply the grease or balm to the leather surface:

• Apply a small layer of the product to the surface. Spread the balm in an even, circular motion using a soft cloth or sponge.
• The wax will begin to penetrate deeper into the leather. Wait for a while until it has soaked in and carefully wipe off any remaining balm from the surface.
• For some types of leather, you need to repeat the process after 10-12 hours. This will protect the leather from dirt and moisture.

4. Protect Leather From Heat and Humidity

Exposing leather to high humidity for a prolonged period of time can cause it to harden or become mouldy. If you do not use a leather product for a longer period of time, you should make sure to store it in a dry place.

Prevention is the better than cure:

• Protect your leather shoes, jacket or bag from moisture. If your clothes get wet, wipe the leather dry with a soft cloth and let it dry thoroughly. Then store it in the wardrobe.
• Never put your leather goods on, or next to, a heater. Leather can crack and any damage may require a professional to repair.
• If you know you won't be using a leather product for a long time, inspect it well before storing it, check for small tears or other defects. If you own a historical costume or armour that you do not use regularly, proper inspection before storing is essential.

When storing leather, remember:

• Leather products must be stored in a dry place with good air ventilation. Damp areas, such as cellars or attics, can significantly shorten the lifespan of leather.
• Protect leather items from direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can cause leather to stiffen, dry and begin to crack.

A Few Final Tips - For Fans of Both Fashion and History

Whether you own leather shoes or armour, we’ve got three final tips to make maintenance easier for you.

• If you want to store your shoes for a longer period of time before wearing them again, insert shoe trees in them. This will help hold the shoes in shape.
• If you have a leather belt, make sure to tighten it with both hands, and make sure you don't scratch the belt fittings with the buckle. If you leave the belt in the wardrobe for a long time, make sure the leather is not rolled or folded. Leather tends to hold the shape it was stored in.
• Leather parts of armour and other equipment require more frequent inspection and care. Torn, stretched, or worn straps or parts of armour should be replaced. If the leather parts are in a good shape, regular maintenance will suffice.

And if you feel like refreshing your wardrobe, take a look at our handmade leather products.

Our range includes leather shoulder bags, elegant leather belts, leather bottles and notebooks. These items are a real pleasure both to own and to maintain! See for yourself.