Journeys Well Made · Leather care
Look after a leather bag in five minutes a trip
1 After every trip
- Empty every pocket.
- Brush off dust with a soft horsehair brush, especially seams and the base.
- Wipe with a dry cotton cloth.
- Leave it open for a few hours to air out.
2 Condition every 6 to 12 months
- Clean and dry first. Test on a hidden spot and wait a day.
- A little conditioner on a cloth. Small circles.
- Extra on handles, folds and corners.
- Wait 20 to 60 minutes, then buff off the excess.
3 If it gets soaked
- Blot, don't rub.
- Stuff loosely with plain paper or towels.
- Dry slowly at room temperature. No heaters, hair dryers or sun.
- Condition once it's fully dry.
4 Stains and scuffs
- Light scratches: rub with a clean finger or cloth.
- Oil: blot, cover with cornstarch overnight, brush off.
- Salt marks: water with a little white vinegar, then plain water, then condition.
- Ink: take it to a leather specialist.
5 Storing it
- Stuff with acid-free tissue or plain paper, not newspaper.
- Cover with a cotton dust bag, never plastic.
- Cool and dry. Not the attic, not the basement.
- Don't hang it by the handles for long.
✕ Never use
- Household cleaners or baby wipes
- Alcohol, bleach or ammonia
- Heat to dry it quickly
- Conditioner on zips or metal hardware
Sticky zip? Rub the teeth with beeswax or a pencil.