Leather care ~ Caring for your leather products ~ ClassyLeatherBackpacks.com

The Three C's - Cleaning, Conditioning & Care

Whether you’ve just invested in a backpack, briefcase, attaché, messenger bag, or other fine leather product, you will want to protect your investment by taking care of the leather. Leather has tremendous durability, and can last for a long, long time with proper care and treatment. Leather has natural lubrication, but can become dry and crack during normal use. It can also spot from water and other liquid spills. The specific care of your leather item will depend somewhat on the type of leather it is made from, but in general all leather will benefit from the following The Three C’s: Clean, Condition, and Care.

Know Your Leather

Know what type of finish or treatment is on your leather item. Determine whether or not your leather item has a finish or has been treated.

Initial Treatment

Treat your new leather product with a good leather cream or conditioner immediately, before use, to protect it from permanent stains. Always test a small, inconspicuous piece of the leather before applying any product to your leather, as some products may darken or alter the color of your leather item.

Keep Surface Clean

Most surface dirt can be removed by gently wiping with a soft, clean cloth. If necessary, dampen the cloth slightly. A mild cleaning solution can be mixed by using one teaspoon of a mild, neutral detergent in one pint of warm water (do not use soap or solvent). Dampen a soft, clean cloth with this solution and blot the area to be cleaned, covering the entire section of the item to achieve a uniform appearance. Continue to blot the area to lift out the stain. Never scrub or brush one particular spot as this could lighten the color of the leather.

Periodic Conditioning

Apply a good leather conditioner periodically, generally twice a year. In a dry environment, more frequent conditioning may be required, but be careful not to condition too often because oil will build up on the surface of the leather. Use a good leather conditioner that will penetrate the tough leather fibers and make your leather backpack purse shine like new. With a soft, white cloth, gently rub a small amount of conditioner into the leather. Allow it to dry about one hour, or until dry to the touch. Buff with a clean, soft cloth.

Scuffs

Small scuffs can often be buffed out with just the natural oils in the leather. Lightly rub the scuff with your fingers. Leather care lotion can also be used to help remove small scuffs. Using a soft, clean, dry cloth, gently rub a small amount of lotion into the leather, evenly covering a complete section of the item to achieve a uniform appearance. When dry, gently buff the leather with a soft, dry, clean cloth.

Wet Leather

Allow wet or damp leather to air dry naturally, away from any source of heat. If the item is excessively wet, stuff the interior with tissue or newspaper before drying to help retain the item’s shape. Apply a little leather conditioner when the leather is nearly dry to restore flexibility. Follow with a full conditioning treatment after the leather has completely air dried.

Chemical to Avoid

Keep oil and petroleum based products, food, and make-up away from leather.

Storing

Stuff empty bags with tissues to help them retain their shape. Store in a protective cloth container away from direct sunlight and protect from excessive humidity. Do not store in a plastic bag or other container that does not allow air movement as this will increase the growth of bacteria and mildew.

Leather Care Products and Supplies

Supplies that you will need to take care of your valuable purchase include: several clean, soft, white cloths, leather cleaner, leather conditioner, a soft brush (for suede items), and leather finish. Leather cleaners can be found in shoe stores, shoe repair shops, and sporting good stores. Locate a cleaner that will not strip the natural oils from your leather item. The cleaner should not leave any oily residue that will increase the chance of bacterial growth. Leather conditioners should penetrate the tough leather fibers. The use of mink oil or other animal fats will darken leather. Animal fat can also turn rancid, causing the stitching and leather to rot. Do not use waxes, silicone formulas, or other preparations that impair the ability of the leather to breathe. Never use caustic household chemicals to clean leather. Avoid leather preparations that contain alcohol.

Preserving Patina

Pieces crafted with natural, non-dyed leather in which the natural pigment appearance is retained will darken slowly with time due to exposure to light. This contributes to the natural patina of the item, and the development of its character. Avoid contact with oil or grease this will stain the natural hue.