One of our most frequently-asked questions as the designers of leather crossbody bags, shoulder bags and wallets, is: How should I maintain my leather bag(s)? It’s safe to say we’ve spent countless hours in emails and DMs, providing you wonderful people with our top tricks and tips when it comes to all-things leather care – so we’ve popped everything into one juicy leather-care guide for you to bookmark, screenshot, print, or return to whenever you need it!
Do I need to care for my leather bag?
Luckily, leather is a pretty low-maintenance material, as it’s generally quite strong. Our leather products are made from either Saffiano or full-grain pebble leather (the product descriptions of each product will tell you which type was used!).
Saffiano leather is a wax-finished leather which makes it especially scratch and water-resistant. Convenient, huh? Although we definitely should mention that this doesn’t make it invincible to water damage or overall wear and tear.
Your best bet when it comes to caring for your leather bag is to store it in the dust bag it arrives in, and to use soft cloth to wipe away any dust and act quick if you happen to spill something on it - leather can be absorbent, so time is your friend. . We’d also recommend trying your very best to keep your leather bag away from sharp objects and clothing – like studs, chunky jewellery, or overly-embellished clothes – to avoid anything catching, scratching or denting your beloved bag.
How do I maintain my leather bags?
We recommend following these 3 steps, as soon as your new leather bag lands in your hands:
- Protect your bag by using the Vario Waterproof Spray for Leather and Nylon. This helps leather (and synthetic materials) get some extra protection from dirt and discolouration. For the very best results – particularly for lighter colours – we recommend applying 2-3 coats, allowing it to dry between each coat. Be sure to protect or clean off hardware after spraying. After your final coat, allow the bag to dry completely before using it again (this can take ~45 minutes).
- Condition your leather bag or wallet by applying the Waterstop Colour Care Leather Conditioner. This is a colourless cream enriched with jojoba and almond oils, designed to maintain the smooth and supple texture of leather while enhancing its sheen and colour.
At this point you might be wondering, Huh? How can I waterproof it at the start and still expect the product to be waterproof after I condition it? And to that we say, “Never fear”! Collonil waterproofers don’t contain any silicone which just sits on the surface of the leather. Instead, Collonil’s ingredients are absorbed into the leather, waterproofing every layer of it. That’s why you can apply their conditioning cream at the end of the ‘care’ process, and the waterproofing effect will still be there!
Should I oil my leather bags?
Oiling sounds like a good idea for leather, but it should be reserved for uncoloured, rougher leather – think aniline couches or hardcore work boots. These types of leather won’t have been coloured for handbag use – and oil can potentially affect the longevity of the colour, which, when you buy a bright pink bag, is the worst thing to do!
What should I NOT do with my leather bags?
Avoid anything that isn’t specifically marked for coloured handbag leather. There are SO many leather care products out there, so unfortunately we can’t determine whether every single one will be suitable for your bag. We always ALWAYS suggest a spot check on an inconspicuous area of your bag before going (sorry)... hell for leather on your accessories.
How do I clean my leather bag after spilling something on it, or marking it?
For gentle cleaning of leather (and synthetics), we’d recommend using the Collonil Reinigungs Leather Cream. This is suitable for removing dark streaks, stains and pen marks, and is ideal for sneakers, bags, and leather upholstery (so you can use it on more than just your leather crossbody bags). Only use a super-soft cloth as, despite being gentle, the cleaning cream combined with a rough cloth, could create marks and discoloration on your beloved bag. Keep the wiping to a minimum. For fainter marks – or if you don’t have the leather cream on hand – you could try spot cleaning with a damp cloth, without using any harsh cleaning chemicals.
Have questions about looking after your leather bags or wallets? Drop them in the comments below – we’ll answer them for you! And stay tuned for our next blog.
Looking for care instructions for your nylon bags? Read the Bon Blog.
