4 Ways To Make Sure Your Leather Lasts

Quality leather products should look good and last several years, not just several months—but it’s important to do your part to make that happen.

In today’s post, we wanted to share five ways to ensure that your new leather bag or belt from Wildt Leather will last a lifetime.

1. Avoid stains from oil and dirt.

-Our hands tend to get oily which attracts a lot of dirt. The more you touch your leather bag or other leather products, the more its color will darken over time. This is typically where you find those pesky stained spots where you’ve touched it the most. Try to avoid touching your leather when your hands get dirty to keep it safe from too many stains. Another tip here to avoid touching your leather products if you’ve just put lotion or cream on your hands.

2. Avoid getting your leather wet.

Try to avoid taking your bag out on a gross rainy day. When leather gets wet, the water temporarily attaches to the leather’s oils. Then, once the water dries, it lifts the oils off, which then leaves the leather dry. Moisture can also leave watermarks that can cause the leather to swell and lose its shape.

If your bag does get wet, simply blot the area dry with a clean towel as best you can, then let it air dry. Avoid using a hairdryer or the clothes dryer to dry wet leather. It should dry naturally as long as possible.

Try waterproofing your leather products too. Spraying a water-resistant protectant spray from Wildt, all over the leather can work wonders for keeping your products safe from water. Be sure to test the spray on a hidden spot to make sure it doesn’t ruin or change the leather’s color.

3. Store your leather properly.

-When you’re not using your leather bag, keep it in a safe place to avoid damage. That means making sure the bag is dry before putting it away if you’ve just cleaned it and keeping it dry while in storage by setting it upright on a shelf. To help your favorite handbag keep its shape, try stuffing it with bubble wrap or tissue paper.

4. Don’t overfill your leather handbag.

-Overstuffing a leather bag can permanently change its shape for good. It will also strain the bag and its handles stretching and possibly tearing your favorite leather handbag.

5. Use cleaners and conditioners.

-In wet environments, mold and mildew can start to grow on leather. When your leather is in a more dry environment, it can also dry out leading to serious cracks. To keep your favorite leather products protected from the environment, try to regularly clean and condition the leather.

To restore moisture to dried out leather, take a dab of leather conditioner on a soft cloth and rub the conditioner over the dried spot. You should do this usually once a month or so to keep it from drying out from normal wear and tear. Do avoid using cleaning products that may contain alcohol or mineral oil that can damage your leather for good.

Each of these tips should help you keep your favorite leather products from Wildt Leather in it’s best condition for years to come. Have questions on caring for your products? Feel free to stop into the store or call us at 870-628-3454.

Remember, if it’s a Wildt...it’ll last!