This is final article in the five part series on leather.

In the four parts of the leather series, we’ve covered how leather is made and the different types of animal skin leather, the tanning process and how it can create specific leather results, how to measure levels grades of leather quality, and the different types of leather quality.

Unlike other natural or synthetic materials, leather making and leather care is an ongoing process that requires attention to detail and care. Real leather, unlike vegan leather, is made to last years, especially if a leather bag or item is regularly taken care of. This article breaks down leather bag care tools and how to care and maintain the quality of a leather bag.

Leather Bag Care & Maintenance

To make sure your leather bag lasts for the duration of its use, this is one method for cleaning and ensuring your leather bag’s longevity.

1. Remove dirt and dust

Remove any dirt, mud, salt, with a brush, damp rag, or shine cloth. Wait until dry before doing anything else.

2. Apply leather cleaner

Apply leather cleaner in small circles, in small amounts. Use a shine cloth for this and fold the shine cloth into quarters for maximum coverage. Use 3 fingers to hold the shine cloth and rub on the bag for leather cleaning.

3. Apply leather conidtioner

After using leather cleaner, the next step is to use leather conditioner and rub it gently on leather surfaces. A different, clean shine cloth is great for this step. When applying leather conditioner, use 2 fingers to hold the shine cloth and rub on the bag until the conditioner is evenly distributed.

Leather Bag Care Tools

Here’s a list of all the possible leather bag care tools:

Leather Cleaner

Effectively removes dust and dirt from leather.

Leather Conditioner

Lubricates and protects all top-coated/protected leather. Makes leather look and feel like new.

Saddle Soap

Used for cleaning, conditioning and softening leather, particularly that of saddles and other horse tacks.

pH Balanced Leather Cleaner

Matches the pH of your leather to better preserve the leather’s strength, durability, and appearance.

Cream Polish

Protects and nourishes leather to produce a long lasting glossy shine similar to that of satin.

Suede Cleaner

Effectively removes dust and dirt from all types of suede and nubuck leathers.

Suede Protector

Provides maximum protection against water and stains, for suede and nubuck leather.

Exotic Leather Cleaner

Used for cleaning exotic leathers such as alligator, snake, lizard, ostrich, eel, etc.

Patent Leather Cleaner

Used for cleaning patent leather.

All Purpose Leather Cleaning & Conditioner

Cleans and preserves grained, gloved, patent, and smooth leathers.

Mild Liquid Soap

Can be applied to any type of bags for cleaning light dirt and mold.

Mild Bar Soap

Can be applied to any type of bag for cleaning light dirt and mold.

Brushes & Cleaning Cloths

Shine Cloth

A shine cloth brings up a brilliant shine after polishing and spit shining.

Horsehair Shine Brush

Used for buffing leather products to a high shine.

Horsehair Circular Dauber Brush

This brush can spread shoe polish evenly and thoroughly.

Microfiber Cloth

When there is no water or soap, a microfiber cloth works great for removing oil and dirt.

Other Bag Care Products

Stain & Water Repellent Spray

Provides an invisible coating that repels water and stains to keep a bag dry.

Dustbag

Protects the bag from dust and prevents color transfer during storage.

Storage Box

Used for bag storage to prevent damage to its shape.

Bubble/Paper Wrap

Used for filling up the bag to maintain its shape during storage.

Silica Gel

Used to control humidity and keep mold away.

Conclusion

This concludes our five part series on leather, from how its made, to the different quality levels of leather, to how to care for your leather products. With leather being a functional and aesthetic preference for many, knowing more about this historic material will help you with your future products and purchase decisions.


Everything You Need to Know About Leather Series

Part 1: How is Leather Made & What Are Common Leather Types?

Part 2: Vegetable Tanned Leather or Chrome Tanned Leather?

Part 3: The Grades of Leather & What They Mean

Part 4: Why is Full Grain Leather Considered the Best of the Five Types of Leather?

Part 5: How to Care For Your Leather Bag