How to Properly Care for Your Leather Goods for Long-Term Use

Leather is a timeless material — luxurious, durable, and elegant. Whether you own handcrafted leather boots, a classic leather bag, or a vintage jacket, caring for your leather goods is essential if you want them to last a lifetime. Proper maintenance not only preserves their look but also enhances their character over time.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices to ensure your leather investments from BWOK UK age gracefully and beautifully.

🧼 1. Clean Regularly, but Gently

Leather is porous and can easily absorb dirt and oils. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down your leather goods after each use to remove dust and surface grime. For deeper cleaning:

• Use a damp cloth (not wet) with a leather cleaner specifically formulated for natural hides.

• Avoid using harsh soaps, alcohol-based cleaners, or too much water — they can strip the natural oils and damage the surface.

• Always test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first.

🛡️ 2. Condition to Keep It Supple

Over time, leather can dry out, leading to cracks. Conditioning replaces the natural oils lost with use and age:

• Apply a high-quality leather conditioner every few months.

• Use a soft cloth to rub the conditioner in a circular motion.

• Let it absorb overnight, then buff gently to restore the shine.

• Avoid over-conditioning — too much can clog the pores and cause the leather to feel sticky.

☔ 3. Protect Against Water and Stains

Leather and water don’t mix well. Exposure to rain or spills can lead to stains or warping:

• Treat your leather with a water-repellent spray made specifically for leather.

• In case your leather boots or bags get wet, let them air dry naturally — never use direct heat like a hair dryer.

• For stains, act fast! Gently blot the area with a dry cloth — never rub.

🌬️ 4. Store Properly

Proper storage is critical to maintain the shape and condition of leather:

• Store boots and shoes with boot trees to preserve their form.

• Hang leather jackets on wide, padded hangers to prevent stretching.

• Keep leather goods in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

• Use dust bags for bags and shoes — but avoid plastic, which can trap moisture and cause mold.

🧳 5. Rotate Your Leather Goods

Give your leather items time to breathe. If you wear the same leather boots or carry the same bag daily, they’ll wear faster:

• Rotate between different pairs or bags when possible.

• Resting leather allows natural moisture to evaporate and keeps the material supple.

🛠️ 6. Handle Small Repairs Quickly

Don’t wait until minor scuffs or loose stitches become major problems:

• For small scuffs, a little conditioner can often restore the color.

• For deep scratches or structural damage, visit a professional leather repair service.

🧵 7. Invest in Quality from the Start

Quality leather goods, like those from BWOK UK, are made to last. Proper care ensures they last even longer, developing a unique patina — that rich, vintage look that only true leather can achieve over time.