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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

EVERYDAY CARE OF LEATHER

Looking after your leather goods starts with day-to-day care. By following just a few simple rules, you can avoid unnecessary wear and tear and extend the life of your accessories for years:

  • Leather is a skin, and it can stretch. Avoid overfilling your handbag, purse or wallet to maintain its original silhouette
  • Take extra care with leather items you use often. Take the time each week to wipe away dust and spots with a soft cloth or brush
  • Scratches can detract from a flawlessly crafted piece. Take care to avoid contact with heavily embellished clothes, sharp surfaces, or chunky jewellery when you are out and about.
  • Wet leather requires extra care, so if rain is forecast, remember to take an umbrella
HOW SHOULD I STORE MY HANDBAGS?

Storing your leather appropriately is one of the easiest ways you can prevent damage and maintain a high-quality finish:

  • Store leather away from direct sunlight as this can cause fading
  • Store handbags in a dust bag to avoid scratches
  • Avoid using plastic bags, they prevent good ventilation
  • Store leather away from artificial sources of heat, e.g. radiators can cause leather to dry and crack
STORING YOUR TRAVEL BAGS

While leather travel bags are designed with durability and the wear and tear of travel in mind, there are a few easy steps you can take to preserve the quality and finish of your suitcase, cabin bag or weekend bag.

Before and after travel, when your bag is in your care, always stand it on its wheels or protective feet rather than on its side to minimise contact with the floor.

In between trips, empty your travel bag and store it in its protective bag in a spot that comfortably accommodates it without the need for folding handles or tightly packing it against any other accessories

HOW DO I CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MY LEATHER GOODS?

Dos and Don’ts

  • Do regularly clean leather with a soft brush or cloth
  • Do regularly air out leather
  • Do blot away water or moisture as soon as possible
  • Do dry wet leather naturally, away from artificial heat
  • Do keep leather supple with a specialised leather conditioner every 3-6 months
  • Do clean spots and stains with a mixture of soap flakes and warm water
  • Do use a steam cleaner to disinfect and remove buildup from regular use
  • Do test any conditioners, cleaners, polishes or wax in a hidden spot beforehand
  • Don’t machine wash leather
  • Don’t get leather wet wherever possible
  • Don’t dry wet leather next to a radiator or with a hairdryer
  • Don’t tumble dry leather
  • Don’t iron leather
  • Don’t immerse leather in water to clean
MAINTENANCE OF LEATHER

We often get asked ‘How to clean your leather handbags’ or ‘Can leather handbags be dry-cleaned?’ Leathers are different and must be cleaned and cared for according to their individual qualities.

Black/Ebony

Black and ebony leather is forgiving in that the dark colour can hide a multitude of sins. However, it is still important to clean and care for your black leather goods. Regular soft brushing and semi-regular cleaning with a damp cloth will keep your accessories in good shape.

Cream/Ivory

Leather in lighter tones is more susceptible to noticeable wear and tear. A white bag worn with indigo jeans, for instance, may be subject to colour transfer, so cleaning is essential to maintain a pristine finish.

Before cleaning, be sure to wipe away any dust with a soft cloth. Subtle marks may be buffed away with a solution of soap flakes and warm water but tougher stains will need a little more work. Methylated spirits or rubbing alcohol will work to remove ink stains, while absorbent powders such as corn starch or baking powder can be utilised to tackle oil and grease. Once your bag is clean, it is wise to apply a protective spray to safeguard against further marks or stains.

Deep shine/patent

Scuffs can interrupt the luxurious appeal of a patent or high shine accessory; however, they can be removed with little effort. If your patent bag, purse or accessory is looking a little dull, a wipe with a damp cloth may be all you need to remove dust and build up and restore the original shine.

If there are more concentrated scuffs to tackle, specially formulated patent leather cleaners are available. Alternatively, simple household items can also be very effective: Apply petroleum jelly or olive oil to the affected area with a soft cloth, leave for a few minutes then gently buff away.

Saffiano

Created with a stamping method, Saffiano leather has a signature textured finish. This cross-hatch texture coupled with the wax treatment makes it incredibly durable and stain resistant. To avoid damaging the specialised finish, only clean your Saffiano leather products with a soft damp cloth or a specific leather cleaning solution.

Smooth

Special care should be taken to preserve the finish of smooth leather. As such, it is important to avoid using abrasive cleaning methods.

Begin by brushing with a soft bristle brush and wipe away any excess dust or debris with a cotton or micro-fibre cloth. Next, nourish the surface with a gentle leather conditioner, taking care to test it on an inconspicuous spot beforehand.

Textured leather

When cleaning textured leathers such as lizard, pebble, and silk print, always be sure to work with the grain.

HOW TO CLEAN SPECIALIST MATERIALS

Exotic and delicate leathers and materials must be cleaned with extra care to uphold their sumptuous nature.

Suede and nubuck

Water and oil can stain suede and nubuck, so dry cleaning methods are advisable.

Begin by using a suede brush to lift away any dust and dirt and, if a little extra help is required, apply a short burst of steam.

Light oily or greasy marks can be lifted out by applying cornflour overnight and gently brushing away the excess afterwards, while for tougher stains, it’s advisable to use a dedicated suede or nubuck cleaning solution.

Print

Printed leather can be treated much like any other; dusted with a soft brush or cleaned with a damp cloth.

However, colour based balms and polishes should be avoided as they may alter the appearance of the print, and any conditioners or protective sprays should first be tested on an inconspicuous area such as a corner or under a pocket flap.

Velvet

Velvet is a sumptuous and luxurious fabric and should be treated with the utmost care.

Wet conditions should be avoided and water should not be used during the cleaning process, accidental spills can be blotted away with a clean, dry cloth. You may smooth the pile with a soft brush or the palm of your hand but ensure you do not vigorously rub the surface.

For stains and more thorough cleaning, we recommend using a professional dry-cleaning service.

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