HOW TO TAKE CARE OF LEATHER BAGS AND BELTS?

28/03/25

The classic beauty of leather goods is truly timeless.
A well-crafted leather bag can serve you for decades! There’s no need to part with a favorite item if you buy consciously and take proper care of what you own. By knowing how to choose leather products—and how to maintain them—you can enjoy their beauty for many years to come.

In this post, we want to share some knowledge, tips, and basics on how to care for your favorite leather items. But before we dive in, it’s important to understand the differences between the types of leather. Each type requires a different approach and specific care tools. If you’re not sure what kind of leather your bag or belt is made from, check out this post.

Grain Leather Care

Grain leather is relatively easy to care for. The key is regular moisturizing and conditioning with the right products. While grain leather is durable and resistant to friction and damage, it gradually loses moisture over time. With long use, it can dry out, stiffen, and even crack. Leather balms and creams for grain leather are easy to find online, and even simple petroleum jelly can work wonders, giving leather a second life. The important thing is to do it regularly.

Never use harsh chemical cleaners or products with overly complex formulas on natural leather. These can permanently damage the material.

Avoid harsh chemical cleaning agents that may damage the delicate surface of the leather.

Suede and Nubuck Care

Suede and nubuck are rough-textured, matte, and delicate types of leather. They are more prone to dirt and damage, which is why they need more frequent cleaning and waterproofing.

Waterproofing leather simply means treating it with special solutions that create an invisible protective layer on the surface. This barrier prevents water, dirt, and other contaminants from penetrating the leather. Such products should not contain wax or oils, as these shiny ingredients can ruin the look and texture of suede or nubuck. Always make sure the product you choose is hydrophobic. Sprays usually work best.

These types of leather should also never be soaked. If that happens, gently blot the surface with a soft cloth and allow it to dry naturally.

Special brushes and erasers are used to clean suede from loose dirt.

Examples of leather care products and tools

szczotka do czyszczenia skóry naturalnej

Leather Cleaning: Step by Step

1. Remove dust and loose particles from the leather using a brush or a dry cloth – for suede and nubuck. For grain leather, you can use a slightly damp cloth.

2. Apply the right product:

for grain leather – a moisturizing balm or conditioning oils,
for suede and nubuck – a waterproofing spray designed for these types of leather.Follow the instructions on the product label. Don’t rub too hard when applying.

3. Wipe the leather again with a clean cloth to remove any remaining product.

4. If necessary, gently blot the bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

5. Let the item dry naturally. Do not use a hairdryer, place it near heaters, or expose it to direct sunlight.

DIY Methods: Vinegar & Soap

Vinegar and soap are two popular home remedies for cleaning leather that have been used for years.

If you decide to use vinegar or soap, remember to dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio.

If you decide to use vinegar or soap, remember to dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio. Before applying it to the entire surface, test your solution on a small, hidden area of the bag or belt. Finally, gently dry the leather with a soft cloth or a paper towel.

Storing a Leather Handbag

One of the most common reasons bags or belts get damaged is improper storage. A handbag left empty for a long time may lose its shape. The same goes for belts – if they’re left bent, for example inside trousers, they can become permanently misshapen. That’s why it’s important to stuff handbags with fabric or newspapers, and always remove belts from belt loops.

A handbag left empty for a long time may lose its shape.

The same goes for belts – if they’re left bent, for example inside trousers, they can permanently lose their shape. That’s why it’s important to stuff handbags with fabric or newspapers, and always take belts out of the loops.

Protective dust bag

It’s also worth considering a dust bag. This is a simple cotton or linen bag used to store leather items. A dust bag protects against dirt and scratches. It should be large enough to fit the leather item comfortably without squeezing it.

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