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Leather care
Leather care
Treatment and care of leather and leather bags
Leather is a natural fibre, which means it is not artificial. As it is an organic material, it needs supervision and care from time to time to keep it in good condition over the years. This guide focuses on leather bags in most types of leather.
Step 1 – Before use
Depending on the bag and the leather that has been used to create it, there are certain things to consider when you have purchased a leather bag. Most bags need a little care from time to time, while bags with more delicate leather should get some love even before you use them.
General for all leather bags
For most leather bags it is a good idea to use some type of cream or grease. This is because it provides a layer of protection against scratches and other wear and tear. Use a cream or grease made for the specific leather the bag is made of so that it doesn’t ruin the bag and provides optimal protection against dirt and moisture.
Water protection
Some leather materials, such as suede and nubuck, need water protection immediately before using the bag. Sprays are often the best way to protect against moisture. It’s common for the spray to need a little time to bond to the leather before being exposed to the elements, so give it plenty of time to dry and a quick second turn before taking the bag out. If your bag is a lighter colour such as cognac, treatment is also recommended to better protect against water and stains.
Step 2 – During use
Taking care of a stylish leather bag is a bit like taking care of a pair of leather shoes. Both benefit greatly from treatment and protection to last a long time. With the right treatment, the bag will be protected from water and dirt and will have a good patina. A cheap and easy way to extend the life of your bag.
Protect the bag with grease or a cream
A good rule of thumb when using skin products is to use grease or a cream after a few months or when needed.
Gold Quality Leather Grease is a great alternative for leather bags that need treatment and works well on our leather bags.
What can happen to leather and leather bags?
Even if you take care of your leather bag, briefcase or backpack regularly, it won’t fully protect you from everyday accidents such as scratches, water damage and stains. However, there are some preventative measures you can take in addition to regular cleaning.
Scratches on leather bags
Unfortunately, scratches are pretty much inevitable when it comes to leather briefcases as well as other leather bags. However, there are some things you can do if your bag has been scratched.
Fix the scratches in 3 easy steps:
* Clean the leather
* Smooth it out with leather cream or grease
* Repeat if necessary
Stains
All stains have different chemical compositions which means they need different methods to clean them. Regular lubrication of the bag will protect it from deeper stains of paint and oil. If you are unsure whether the stains will come off, it is better to take the bag to an expert.
Mocka
Suede is made from the inside of the skin. This makes it easy to stain and needs frequent brushing to keep it looking good. If the suede gets stained, it’s best to take the bag to an expert for repair. A spot remover and a brush can help remove the stain, but don’t overwork the stain as this can result in the stain looking even bigger.
A high quality leather bag only gets better with time
A high quality leather bag will have a natural patina, while a lower quality bag will not. This is neither an option nor something you should try to avoid. Instead, this is a natural part of the ageing process that makes a leather bag even more desirable. When choosing a lower quality leather bag, keep this in mind.
This also means that no older leather bags of the same brand look exactly the same. Taking care of your backpack, briefcase or laptop bag will keep it looking good for years and only get better with time.
