Cleaning leather is a simple way to preserve its natural beauty and add to its longevity so you can enjoy years of use. To maintain the look and feel of grain leather, brush lightly with a soft brush. If using leather polish, ensure it’s a good colour match by testing on a hidden spot first. If your leather becomes stained, wipe off any excess residue with a damp cloth and take it to your dry cleaners. For the hardware on handbags and biker jackets, apply a dab of metal polish to a clean duster and polish.
Use a specialist suede brush to gently shift marks. For stubborn stains, use made-for-suede products. Metallic suede requires a lighter touch: use a sponge or suede block for a gentle clean.
Hang leather garments on padded hangers to maintain their shape. Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat. Use a shoebox or your complementary dust bag to store your leather footwear and accessories.
Bear in mind these simple tips to keep your leather looking its very best. If your leather gets wet, don’t use a radiator to dry it – the direct heat will cause discolouration and age the leather. Instead, let it dry out naturally or dab with a dry cloth. If a seam comes undone or hardware breaks, seek the professional help of a cobbler. Treat minor scuffs and damage yourself with a matching shoe polish. Protect leather pieces from the elements with leather balsam. For best results, work the balsam into the leather using a soft cloth then polish immediately.
Be sure to waterproof suede as soon as you buy it to stop stains from setting in. Avoid wearing suede pieces in the rain. If you get caught short, let the material dry out then use a suede eraser to reduce the appearance of watermarks. For heavy stains, take the piece to a professional dry cleaners.