Leather treatment
You can impregnate new products with a dirt and moisture-repellent spray before you use them. This protects the material against moisture and dirt. Don’t spray too much and spray from about 20 cm away from the product.
The leather grease nourishes the leather and a leather spray protects the leather. Too much leather grease is not good for a leather bag. It can make the bag so flexible that it loses its firmness, resulting in a deformed bag.
A leather spray protects the leather against dirt. It’s best to spray it immediately with the purchase of the bag. There is a special spray for each type of leather.
Dirt:
Depending on the material and the severity of the dirtiness, you can carefully clean the bag. Do this as dry as possible, because this is the gentlest way of cleaning. If the product is very dirty, brush it first and then use a slightly damp cloth.
To ensure that you can enjoy your product for a long time, we have a number of tips:
-
Make sure you don't expose your bag to full sun and don't put the bag near a heater.
-
Never place a wet leather bag on a heater or radiator and dry a wet bag in a well-ventilated room at room temperature.
-
Try not to expose your bag to heavy rain showers as much as possible.
-
Dirt is best left to dry and brushed off with a clean brush.
Smooth and/or greased leather
Smooth and/or greased leather is made from the top of the skin, also called grain side. Smooth and/or greased leather is processed in various ways, but the treatment method is the same.
The naturally drier and stiffer tanned leather skins are hand-polished according to ancient tradition with a 'water stain' and finished with a wax-based product. Because relatively small skins are processed, color and structure differences in the products are unavoidable. This can also mean that a bag and a matching wallet are not cut from the same skin and therefore a small color difference is possible. Due to the structure of the leather, there is a possibility that small hairline cracks occur. This ensures that the bag will look like a really worn bag.
Suede
Suede leather is made from the underside of the skin which is slightly sharpened. Products made of suede can bleed (especially dark colors) and fade with use. There are suede sprays with color restorers to refresh the color.
It's important to properly impregnate products made of suede before use.
Moisture, dirt and oils can permanently stain suede faster than leather.
Nubuck
Nubuck is obtained by lightly sanding the grain side of the skin, making it velvety to the touch.
This type of leather is particularly sensitive to dirt, grease, moisture, perspiration and sunlight (UV radiation), making it necessary to protect it well.
Products made from nubuck always fade with use. There are sprays with color restorers to refresh the color.
Hair-on
Care for a Hair-on Leather Bag (Made from Cowhide)
Caring for a hair-on leather bag requires special attention to maintain the quality of both the leather and the hair. Here are some tips to keep your bag in top condition:
Avoid Excessive Moisture
- Although leather can withstand a little moisture, too much water can damage the leather and cause the hair to fall out. If the bag gets wet, gently pat it dry with a soft cloth and let it dry at room temperature (avoid direct sunlight or heat sources like a radiator).
Use Leather Conditioner
- Periodically apply a leather conditioner to the smooth leather parts of the bag (not the hairy sections) to prevent drying and cracking.
Protect from Direct Sunlight
- Try to keep the bag out of direct sunlight, as this can dry out the leather and cause the cowhide colors to fade.
Storage
- Store the bag in a breathable dust bag or in a cool, dry place.
Stain Removal
- For light stains, you can use a damp cloth to gently wipe away the stain. Do not use harsh cleaning products, as these can damage the leather and hair. For persistent stains, consult a leather care specialist.
Avoid Friction
- Try not to let the bag come into frequent contact with rough surfaces, as this can damage or cause the hair to fall out. If possible, keep the bag away from clothing with rough textures.
By following these tips, your hair-on leather bag will remain in good condition, allowing you to enjoy it for longer.