Leather Care & More

Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather, known for its durability and natural beauty. To keep your full-grain leather goods in top condition, follow these care tips:

Basic Care & Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning

• Wipe with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust.

• For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth with a mild leather cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or excess water.

• Conditioning

• Apply a high-quality leather conditioner every 3-6 months to keep the leather supple and prevent drying or cracking.

• Use a small amount and rub it in with a soft cloth using circular motions.

• Avoid Water & Moisture

• Full-grain leather is not waterproof. If it gets wet, pat it dry with a clean cloth and let it air dry naturally (away from heat sources).

• Consider using a leather protectant spray if exposure to moisture is frequent.

• Storage Tips

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or drying out.

• Use a dust bag or breathable fabric cover (not plastic) to protect it.

• Keep bags stuffed with tissue paper to maintain their shape.

• Dealing with Scratches & Stains

• Light scratches can often be buffed out with your fingers or a soft cloth.

• For stains, use a slightly damp cloth and mild soap. For oil stains, sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda, let it sit overnight, and brush off gently.

• Avoid Overloading (For Bags & Wallets)

• Stretching can permanently alter the shape of leather goods, so avoid overstuffing wallets, bags, or belts.

• Let It Age Gracefully

• Full-grain leather develops a patina over time, which enhances its character. Embrace the changes rather than trying to keep it looking brand new.

Here are some high-quality cleaners, conditioners, and protectants for full-grain leather:

Leather Cleaners:

• Bickmore Bick 1 Leather Cleaner – A gentle, effective cleaner that removes dirt and stains without drying out the leather.

• Lexol Leather Cleaner – pH-balanced, removes grime without leaving residue, and safe for full-grain leather.

• Chamberlain’s Leather Milk No. 2 – A mild cleaner with natural ingredients, great for deep cleaning.

Leather Conditioners:

• Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner – Conditions and protects without darkening the leather, a favorite for maintaining softness.

• Leather Honey Leather Conditioner – A deeply penetrating formula that restores dried-out leather and extends its life.

• Chamberlain’s Leather Milk No. 1 – A natural, non-toxic formula that nourishes and enhances patina development.

Leather Protectants & Water Repellents:

• Apple Brand Garde Rain & Stain Repellent – Provides a breathable barrier against moisture and stains.

• Saphir Médaille d’Or Super Invulner Spray – A high-end water and stain protector for premium leather goods.

• Collonil Carbon Pro Waterproof Spray – A durable, long-lasting water-repellent spray for full-grain leather.

Leather Repair & Scratch Removal:

• Saphir Renovateur – A high-quality, all-in-one cleaner, conditioner, and restorer, great for reviving old leather.

• Fiebing’s Leather Balm – Helps repair minor scratches and scuffs while adding a soft luster.

• Otter Wax Leather Salve – A natural beeswax-based balm that helps restore and protect distressed leather.

How to Apply Leather Care Products Properly

Cleaning Full-Grain Leather

• What You Need:

• Soft microfiber or lint-free cloth

• Leather cleaner (e.g., Bick 1, Lexol, or Chamberlain’s No. 2)

• Soft-bristle brush (optional for deep cleaning)

  Follow these Steps:

• Dust Off – Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris from the surface.

• Apply Cleaner – Put a small amount of leather cleaner onto a soft cloth (never apply directly to the leather).

• Gently Wipe – Rub the cloth in circular motions, working on small sections at a time.

• Deep Cleaning (Optional) – For heavily soiled areas, use a soft-bristle brush in gentle motions.

• Wipe Off Excess – Dampen a clean cloth with water and wipe away any cleaner residue.

• Air Dry – Let the leather dry completely before applying conditioner (avoid direct heat or sunlight).

Conditioning Full-Grain Leather

• What You Need:

• Leather conditioner (e.g., Bick 4, Leather Honey, or Chamberlain’s No. 1)

• Soft microfiber cloth

Follow these Steps:

• Ensure Leather is Clean & Dry – Always clean first to prevent trapping dirt in the leather.

• Apply a Small Amount – Dab a tiny amount of conditioner onto a cloth (not directly onto the leather).

• Rub in Circular Motions – Gently massage the conditioner into the leather using light pressure.

• Let it Absorb – Allow the conditioner to soak in for 10–20 minutes.

• Buff Off Excess – Use a dry cloth to buff and remove any leftover conditioner.

• Let it Cure – Leave the leather undisturbed for a few hours (or overnight) before use.

🛑 Important: Don’t over-condition! Applying too much can make the leather feel greasy and weaken its structure. Condition every 3–6 months, or more frequently if exposed to dry conditions.

Protecting Leather (Water & Stain Repellent)

• What You Need:

• Leather protector spray (e.g., Apple Garde, Saphir Invulner, or Collonil Carbon Pro)

• Soft cloth

Follow these Steps:

• Test on a Small Area – Spray a hidden area to ensure no discoloration.

• Apply Lightly & Evenly – Hold the spray about 6–8 inches away and mist lightly over the surface.

• Let it Dry – Allow at least 24 hours for the product to cure before using.

• Reapply as Needed – If you use your leather goods frequently, reapply every few months.

Dealing with Scratches & Scuffs:

• Minor Scratches: Gently rub the scratched area with your fingers; natural oils can help blend it back in.

• Deeper Scratches: Apply a leather balm (e.g., Saphir Renovateur, Fiebing’s Leather Balm) with a soft cloth, then buff gently.

• Distressed Leather: Use a beeswax-based balm like Otter Wax Leather Salve to nourish and blend imperfections.

Storing Leather Properly:

• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

• Store bags with tissue paper inside to maintain their shape.

• Use breathable fabric dust bags instead of plastic.

• Hang leather jackets on wide, padded hangers to prevent creases.