To preserve the beauty and longevity of your leather goods, following these care and usage guidelines is essential. With a bit of regular care, your leather accessories will last longer and develop a unique character over time.
General Leather Care Recommendations
- If Leather Gets Wet: In case your item gets wet, use a dry, clean cloth to remove excess moisture. Allow it to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area, keeping it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
- If Leather Feels Dry: On rare occasions when leather becomes dry, apply a colorless leather cream to restore softness. Opt for natural creams when possible.
- Cleaning: Wipe off dust and dirt gently with a soft, damp cloth and let the leather air dry. After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to maintain moisture and prevent cracking.
- Sunlight and Heat: Keep leather goods out of direct sunlight and extreme heat, as these can lead to fading and drying.
Usage Guidelines
- Storage: Store leather items in a well-ventilated space and avoid sealed plastic bags. Use breathable dust bags or pillowcases for protection against dust and scratches.
- Moisture Protection: Ensure leather items are stored at room temperature and kept away from heat sources and hot air.
- Avoid Overloading: Don’t overload leather bags or cases beyond 4 kg (about 9 lbs) per 0.025 m³ (equivalent to a bag size of about 16 x 12 x 8 inches).
- Zippers and Fasteners: Avoid forcing zippers or closures. If there is resistance, check and clear any obstruction first. When closing zippers, hold the opposite end of the item for support.
- Metal Parts: Wipe metal components regularly with a soft cloth to keep them looking polished.
6. Magnetic Fasteners: Keep magnetic closures away from objects with strong magnetic properties.
7. Cleaning Products: Use only specialty cleaners designed for leather. Aggressive cleaners (like gasoline or acetone) should never be used, as they can cause irreparable damage. Consider professional leather cleaning for best results.
8. Avoid Contact with Other Materials: Keep leather away from dyed fabrics and surfaces that might transfer color.
9. Perfumes: Avoid direct contact between leather and perfumes, which can cause stains.
10. Prevent Deformation: Avoid putting excessive pressure on your leather items, as this can lead to misshaping.
11. Structured Items: For structured leather items (such as bags with a firm shape), use filler or padding during storage and transport to maintain their form.
Following these guidelines will keep your leather goods looking their best, enhancing their natural patina and character as they age gracefully over time.
