Leather Care

Category 1: Highly Protected & Extra Attention Leather Bags

(Snake Skins, Glossy Crocodile Skin, and Lambskin)

Leathers in this category are luxurious and often require extra attention to preserve their appearance and quality. They are delicate and need careful handling to maintain their integrity and prevent damage.

General Care:

Handle with extreme care – These leathers are highly sensitive to scratches and abrasions, so handle them gently to avoid marks.
Avoid moisture exposure – Water can damage or stain these delicate skins. If wet, pat dry with a soft cloth and let air dry naturally (never use direct heat or a hairdryer).
Keep away from direct sunlight – Prolonged exposure can cause fading and cracking, particularly on glossy crocodile skin.
Keep away from high temperatures – Heat can damage the texture, color, and finish, leading to cracks or peeling.
Avoid contact with sharp objects – These skins can easily be scratched or torn, so avoid rough surfaces or sharp items.

Cleaning & Maintenance:

Use a soft, dry cloth – Regularly wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and dirt.
Use a specialized leather cleaner – For deeper cleaning, always use a cleaner designed for exotic leathers like snake or crocodile skin. Avoid using harsh chemicals or general leather cleaners.
Condition carefully – For lambskin, apply a specialized lambskin conditioner sparingly to maintain softness and prevent drying.
Buff gently – Glossy crocodile skin can lose its shine over time. Buff lightly with a soft microfiber cloth to restore its gloss.
For snake skin – Use a gentle snake leather conditioner to maintain its natural texture and prevent cracking.

Storage:

Use a breathable dust bag – Store the bag in a cloth dust bag to protect it from dust and moisture.
Store in a cool, dry place – Avoid humid environments and places with extreme temperatures.
Stuff the bag – To maintain its shape, lightly stuff the bag with tissue paper or soft fabric when not in use.
Avoid stacking – Do not place heavy items on top of your bag to avoid damaging the texture or structure.

Extra Protection:

Use a protective spray – A non-chemical leather protector can help protect against dirt and moisture, but make sure it is suitable for exotic leathers.
Avoid color transfer – Lambskin and glossy leathers, in particular, are prone to dye transfer from dark clothing. Be cautious when pairing with dark fabrics.
Regular professional care – For snake skin and glossy crocodile skin, it’s advisable to seek professional care for deep cleaning or restoration.

Category 2: Natural Fur Bags

(Springbok, Rabbit Fur, Kidassia-Goat Hair, and Feather)

Natural fur is luxurious and adds a unique touch to bags, but it requires extra care to maintain its softness, shine, and longevity. It’s also prone to shedding and can be sensitive to moisture and environmental factors.

General Care:

Handle with care – Fur can be delicate, so handle the bag gently to prevent unnecessary shedding and damage.
Avoid rough surfaces – Keep the fur away from rough or abrasive materials that could cause tangling or damage.
Keep away from humidity – Moisture can cause matting and break down the fur. Avoid exposure to rain, and if the fur gets wet, let it air dry naturally, never use a hairdryer.
Avoid direct sunlight – Prolonged sun exposure can lead to fading or drying out of the fur.

Cleaning & Maintenance:

Brush regularly – Use a soft bristle brush to gently comb through the fur, helping to keep it fluffy and tangle-free.
Shake the fur – Lightly shake the bag to remove dust and loose fur.
Spot clean – For small stains, use a dry cloth to gently blot the area. For more stubborn marks, a specialized fur cleaner may be used, but always test it first on a small, inconspicuous area.
For shedding – Fur shedding is natural, but you can use a lint roller to pick up loose hairs.

Storage:

Use a dust bag – Always store the bag in a breathable cloth dust bag to protect the fur from dust and moisture.
Store in a cool, dry place – Keep away from direct sunlight and humid areas to prevent degradation and matting.
Maintain shape – Stuff the bag lightly with tissue paper or soft fabric to maintain its shape and prevent creasing.

Extra Protection:

Use a fur protector spray – There are sprays available to protect natural fur from dirt and moisture, but make sure to choose one designed for delicate materials.
Keep away from pets – Fur can attract pet hair or be damaged by claws, so avoid contact.
Avoid heavy handling – Repeated handling or overstuffing the bag can damage the fur and lead to premature wear.

Category 3: Delicate and Scratch Easily

(Lambskin, Box-Calf, Smooth Goatskin, and Smooth Calfskin)

Bags made from these soft, smooth leathers are prone to scratches, scuffs, and moisture damage. Proper care will help maintain their beauty and longevity.

General Care:

Handle with clean hands – These leathers absorb oils and dirt easily.
Avoid sharp objects – Keep away from jewelry, nails, or rough surfaces to prevent scratches.
Keep dry – Avoid exposure to rain or humidity. If wet, gently pat dry with a soft cloth and let it air dry naturally (never use a hairdryer).
Avoid prolonged sun exposure – Direct sunlight can fade or dry out the leather. Store away from heat sources.
Rotate usage – Avoid daily wear to minimize signs of wear and scratches.

Cleaning & Maintenance:

Wipe regularly – Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
Use a leather conditioner sparingly – Apply a high-quality delicate leather conditioner every few months to prevent drying. Always test on a small area first.
For minor scratches: Lightly buff the area with a clean, dry finger or a soft cloth—natural oils may help reduce their appearance.
Avoid water-based cleaners – These leathers are sensitive and can absorb liquids, leading to stains or darkening.

Storage:

Use a dust bag – Always store in a breathable cloth dust bag, never plastic.
Keep in a cool, dry place – Avoid storing in damp or overly warm areas.
Maintain shape – Stuff the bag with acid-free tissue paper or soft fabric to prevent creasing.
Do not stack – Avoid placing heavy objects on top to prevent pressure marks.

Extra Protection:

Use a leather protector spray – Choose one formulated for delicate leather to add light protection.
Be mindful of color transfer – Light-colored bags can absorb dyes from jeans and dark fabrics.
Be gentle with zippers and hardware – Rough handling can cause scratches on the leather.

For deep scratches, stains, or professional restoration, consult a leather care specialist.

Category 4: Durable Leather

(Vegetable-Tanned Goatskin, Drum-Dyed Calfskin, and PVC)

These leathers are strong, durable, and more resistant to water and wear compared to delicate leathers. However, regular cleaning and maintenance will keep them looking their best.

General Care:

Water-resistant but not waterproof – These leathers resist moisture better than delicate leathers, but prolonged exposure can still cause damage. Wipe off spills immediately.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure – Direct sunlight can cause fading and dryness over time. Store in a cool, dry place.
Keep away from oils & chemicals – Perfumes, lotions, and alcohol-based products can stain or degrade the leather.
Maintain texture and shape – Although durable, stuffing your bag with tissue paper or fabric when not in use helps retain its structure.

Cleaning & Maintenance:

Wipe regularly – Use a soft, damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt. For deeper cleaning, use a mild leather cleaner suitable for durable leathers.
Condition occasionally – Vegetable-tanned goatskin and drum-dyed calfskin benefit from occasional leather conditioning to maintain flexibility and prevent drying. PVC does not require conditioning.
For scuffs and marks:
- Vegetable-tanned goatskin & drum-dyed calfskin – Buff lightly with a dry microfiber cloth.
- PVC – Use a damp cloth with mild soap if necessary, but avoid harsh chemicals.

Storage:

Use a dust bag – Always store in a breathable cloth dust bag, never plastic.
Keep in a structured space – Avoid stacking or compressing the bag under heavy objects to maintain its shape.
Stuff with soft fabric or tissue paper – Helps prevent creasing and deformation.

Extra Protection:

Use a leather protector spray – Choose one suitable for vegetable-tanned and drum-dyed leathers to help preserve the finish. PVC does not require treatment.
Be mindful of color transfer – Light-colored bags may still absorb dye from jeans or dark fabrics over time.
Handle hardware with care – Metal zippers and embellishments can scratch the leather if handled roughly.

These leathers are designed to last, but proper care ensures they stay in excellent condition for years

Care Instructions for Bag Hardware (Metal Parts)

Bag hardware, including metal fittings, is durable and elegant, but exposure to humidity can cause tarnishing over time. Proper care will help maintain its shine and longevity.

General Care:

Avoid prolonged moisture exposure – Humidity and water can cause oxidation and tarnishing. Wipe off any moisture immediately.
Keep away from harsh chemicals – Perfumes, lotions, and alcohol-based products can damage the finish of the hardware.
Handle with clean hands – Oils from hands can contribute to dullness and tarnish over time.

Cleaning & Maintenance:

Wipe after each use – Use a Nasha Metal Polisher Fabric or a microfiber cloth to gently remove dust, dirt, and fingerprints from the hardware.
For tarnish removal:
- Use a brass-specific cleaner or a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda for a natural cleaning solution.
- Apply gently with a soft cloth, then wipe clean with a dry cloth.
- Avoid excessive rubbing, which may wear down the finish.
Polish occasionally – A brass polish can restore luster to the hardware, but apply sparingly to avoid buildup.

Storage:

Store in a dry place – Keep the bag in a dust bag to protect the hardware from excessive humidity.
Avoid contact with other metals – This prevents scratches and potential reactions that could cause discoloration.