From handbags and purses to journals and wallets, we want you to enjoy your leather goods for a lifetime. From the moment they are crafted, until they arrive in your arms, they need to be cared for properly.
With our handy guide, your most treasured pieces will look beautiful for years to come. Covering all day-to-day care and maintenance to small repairs and specialist cleaning, here you’ll find everything there is to know about leather care.
How to Clean Specialist Materials
Exotic and delicate leathers and materials must be cleaned with extra care to uphold their sumptuous nature.
Buffalo hide and snakeskin
Buffalo hide and snakeskin are coveted for their exquisite textures and should be carefully cleaned accordingly. Continuous friction may cause fur and scales to wear away, so take care to treat the surfaces gently with a non-abrasive cloth and work with the grain of the texture.
A damp cloth will remove dust and debris from snakeskin. However, do not oversaturate the skin with water and ensure you allow it to dry naturally, away from artificial heat.
Buffalo hide will require soft brushing in the direction of the fur to loosen any build-up of dirt. Once clean, store your buffalo and snakeskin accessories away from direct sources of heat.
Suede and nubuck
Water and oil can stain suede and nubuck, so dry cleaning methods are advisable.
Begin by using a suede brush to lift away any dust and dirt and, if a little extra help is required, apply a short burst of steam.
Light oily or greasy marks can be lifted out by applying corn flour overnight and gently brushing away the excess afterwards, while for tougher stains, it’s advisable to use a dedicated suede or nubuck cleaning solution.
Printed leather can be treated much like any other; dusted with a soft brush or cleaned with a damp cloth.
However, colour based balms and polishes should be avoided as they may alter the appearance of the print, and any conditioners or protective sprays should first be tested on an inconspicuous area such as a corner or under a pocket flap.
Velvet
Velvet is a sumptuous and luxurious fabric and should be treated with the utmost care.
Wet conditions should be avoided and water should not be used during the cleaning process, accidental spills can be blotted away with a clean, dry cloth. You may smooth the pile with a soft brush or the palm of your hand but ensure you do not vigorously rub the surface.
For stains and more thorough cleaning, we recommend using a professional dry-cleaning service.
These are just a few techniques you can use to keep your skin looking its best. To receive other useful tips for skin maintenance, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or visit our website.
