We often get asked 'How to clean your leather handbags' or 'Can
leather handbags be dry-cleaned?' Each of our luxurious 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.
While standard cleaning methods such as soap and water and
specialised leather cleaning solutions can be applied, it is
important to thoroughly remove any product build up from grooves
and crevices after cleaning. This can be achieved by gently buffing
your products with a soft brush.