How to Care for Leather Goods
You've treated yourself to some custom Teton Leather goods. Now the trick is taking care of your products so they'll last a lifetime. From alligator to ostrich, bison to lionfish, we'll show you how to keep your prized possessions in tip-top shape for years. The use of your leather product will also have an impact on how dirty it gets and how you'll clean it as a result.
Taking care of leather products to ensure they last a lifetime starts with certain daily use practices. Leather is a flexible material that will wear and stretch as time passes, so if you want your purse or wallet to maintain its original shape, it's best to avoid overfilling it. Leather is happiest in the sweet spot between too dry and too wet. Leather that dries out can crack or peel over time, whereas leather that gets too wet loses its natural oils as it dries, causing it to become stiff and easily break. You can avoid leather drying out by using a conditioner to add moisture to the leather, keep it soft, and help the inner fibers to stay flexible.
Taking care of leather products to ensure they last a lifetime starts with certain daily use practices. Leather is a flexible material that will wear and stretch as time passes, so if you want your purse or wallet to maintain its original shape, it's best to avoid overfilling it. Leather is happiest in the sweet spot between too dry and too wet. Leather that dries out can crack or peel over time, whereas leather that gets too wet loses its natural oils as it dries, causing it to become stiff and easily break. You can avoid leather drying out by using a conditioner to add moisture to the leather, keep it soft, and help the inner fibers to stay flexible.
The Dos and Don'ts Of Leather Care
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Do...
Don't...
- Maintain a certain amount of moisture so your leather goods don't dry out
- Test the cleaner you're using before jumping right in and applying it front and center. Use a small amount in a hard-to-see area just to make sure you're good to go
- Make sure the leather dries out completely after you finish cleaning
- Remove stains as soon as possible to keep them from setting
Don't...
- Use water to remove stains, especially grease. This can cause them to spread even more
- Use any harsh chemicals, soaps, or baby wipes, even if they are meant for cleaning or removing stains
- It's best not to apply your cleaner or conditioner directly onto the leather, since this can lead to a stain of its own
- Avoid using rough materials to clean leather since this can lead to scratches. It's best to use a lint-free, soft cloth
Storage & Maintenance
Taking care of leather doesn't start and end with cleaning it. Storing your leather items and regularly maintaining them is just as important to keep your goods lasting longer and in better shape. Leather is best kept in a place that cool and dry, without a lot of intense or direct sunlight. Basically, you want to treat leather products the opposite of how you would treat a plant you're trying to keep alive. Make sure to store your products in a way that will preserve their original shape – don't squash a bag to fit into a tote. Not only could this cause your item to lose its' shape, but it can trap moisture and encourage mold to grow.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your leather goods in top condition. By routinely cleaning and conditioning them, you not only ensure they look their best but also extend their lifespan. Cleaning removes dirt and grime that can degrade the material over time, while conditioning replenishes lost oils and keeps the leather supple and resilient.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your leather goods in top condition. By routinely cleaning and conditioning them, you not only ensure they look their best but also extend their lifespan. Cleaning removes dirt and grime that can degrade the material over time, while conditioning replenishes lost oils and keeps the leather supple and resilient.
Leather Care Instructions
- Remove surface dirt: Use a soft-bristled brush or a slightly damp cloth to gently brush away any loose dirt or dust from the surface of the leather
- Choose a mild cleaner: Select a leather cleaner specifically formulated for the type of leather you're cleaning. Make sure it doesn't discolor or leave spots on your item by testing it in a place that doesn't stand out
- Apply the cleaner: Dampen a soft cloth with the leather cleaner and gently rub it onto the leather in circular motions, focusing on areas with stains or grime buildup
- Work in sections: Clean the leather in small sections at a time, rather than applying cleaner to the entire surface at once, which could lead to it pooling up and doing more harm than good
- Remove excess cleaner: Wipe away any excess cleaner with another clean, dry cloth to keep the leather is clean and dry
- Condition the leather: Once the leather is clean and dry, apply a leather conditioner using a soft cloth, working it into the surface in circular motions
- Buff to finish: Use a clean, dry cloth to gently buff the leather to a shine, removing any excess conditioner
- Allow to dry: Let the leather air dry completely before using or storing it
- Apply Teton Leather Balm: Made out of 100% beeswax and including Carnauba wax, beef tallow, and Neatsfoot oil, the Teton Balm will provide moisture and a protective coating to your leather goods that will keep it looking fresh while encouraging patina
Taking Care of Exotic Leather Goods
This Dragonfin Bifold and purse is an example of exotic leather goods that you should show extra care when cleaning since they have scales that all follow a specific pattern.
When it comes to items made out of exotic materials such as python, alligator, stingray, dragonfin, and so on, there are some additional points to keep in mind. Most of the time, these leathers have scales or ridges that follow one another in a certain direction that you'd want to follow. Going against the pattern or grain of this leather could lead to damaging the delicate skin. Exotic leathers may require specialized conditioners designed specifically for their unique properties. Look for conditioners formulated for exotic skins, which can help nourish and moisturize the leather without clogging pores or altering its natural texture.
Looking after your leather products is key to keeping them looking good and lasting longer. By following the dos and don'ts of leather care, practicing proper storage and maintenance techniques, you can ensure that your leather items remain in pristine condition. If you want a solid option for keeping your leather in top shape, check out the Teton Balm. Handmade in Idaho with all-natural ingredients like beeswax, carnauba wax, beef tallow, and neatsfoot oil, the Teton Balm offers a convenient and effective solution for conditioning and protecting your leather goods. Its neutral color works on all smooth leathers, plus, it's easy to use – just rub it on with your hands, no mess! Give your leather some love with the Teton Balm today.
Looking after your leather products is key to keeping them looking good and lasting longer. By following the dos and don'ts of leather care, practicing proper storage and maintenance techniques, you can ensure that your leather items remain in pristine condition. If you want a solid option for keeping your leather in top shape, check out the Teton Balm. Handmade in Idaho with all-natural ingredients like beeswax, carnauba wax, beef tallow, and neatsfoot oil, the Teton Balm offers a convenient and effective solution for conditioning and protecting your leather goods. Its neutral color works on all smooth leathers, plus, it's easy to use – just rub it on with your hands, no mess! Give your leather some love with the Teton Balm today.
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