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How To Care For Your Leather Bag
The durability and timeless style of a quality leather bag or personal leather item, like the ones made by Jack Georges, is undeniable. Whether it's a contemporary red leather handbag, a fine leather wallet, or a traditional black leather briefcase, both new and well-worn leather goods are subject to the elements and effects of use. Excess heat or cold, dry air, heavy moisture, oxidation, abrasions, and oil or chemical damage will affect the life of your leather. To maintain your leather properly, keep in mind that leather was once a living hide and should be treated as such. First and foremost, animal skins need to breathe and to do that, they should be clean. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe away any dust and dirt before treating the leather with a natural balm lotion that is free of chemicals, oils, or waxes. This will help maintain and preserve the leather’s soft grain and pliable body. Want to protect your investment and keep your leather in excellent condition? Here are some tips for easy care and prolonging the life of your leather items.
Condition the leather regularly.
Use a quality conditioning product designed specifically for leather. We recommend a natural balm leather lotion, that doesn’t contain oils, chemicals, or waxes so that you can avoid shortening the life of the leather product. A natural balm lotion is safe and can be applied with your hands or a clean soft cloth – but be sure that the cloth does not bleed any color before using it. After massaging the leather lotion over the entire leather surface, allow it to dry on its own. If the leather has a scratch and stain resistant coating, you can wipe any excess lotion with a clean cloth. In arid climates, you should treat the leather every couple of months. In humid regions, once every six months will suffice. Please note that naked leathers, especially light colored Belting, should not be treated with any lotions to avoid darkening the leather.
Remove water or excess moisture from leather quickly.
Whenever rain, snow, or excess moisture get on your leather item, use a dry cloth to blot, not rub, moist spots as quickly as possible. Remember moisture from winter weather may contain ice melt or salt-based products that are harmful to leather and should be blotted with a damp cloth and allowed to air-dry. Do not place your leather bag near a heat source to dry, especially if it is a coated leather. Also, never put a briefcase, tote, or handbag on wet ground or a snowy surface.
Fully air-dry rain-soaked leather.
Lay the bag on the floor or a table so that it is flat – this will avoid drooping, slouching, or wrinkling. Do not place it near a radiator, heater, or in the clothes dryer, as their heat will damage the leather. If you’re drying a briefcase, tote, or handbag, it is best to stuff it with dry cloth to help it maintain its shape and draw out moisture from inside of the bag. You can use newsprint but be sure that the ink will not run or you risk staining the inside of the bag.
Wipe the inside of your leather bag or briefcase at least once a month.
Cleaning the inside of your leather bag is important. Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the lining of the leather bag to remove any dust and residue that may have been left there from items carried inside the bag. Then prop the bag open and allow the interior to naturally air-dry.
Store leather briefcases and bags when not in use.
When you're not using your leather bag or briefcase, tuck the straps inside the bag and then place it in a closet away from sunlight, humidity, dust, and dirt. It’s best to keep it inside a box or a fabric dust bag for more protection. Remember, always avoid placing leather items next to a heat source, such as a radiator or furnace/heating vent, and areas that are prone to high humidity or mold as they will damage the leather.
With these basic tips for maintaining and prolonging the life of your leather, your briefcase, tote, handbag, or personal leather good is sure to have a longer life.
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Barbara Mackey
March 12, 2020
Where can I buy this natural balm lotion at in Gastonia NC?