Leather & Hides Care

Taking proper care of your leather bags, pouches, shoes, belts and other items

is essential to maintain their beauty and longevity. Leather is a natural material, and with the right care, it can age gracefully and develop a beautiful patina over time. Here's a comprehensive care guide for your leather items, including tips for preventing and reducing scratches, dealing with wet leather, and increasing their lifespan.

General Leather Care:

1. Regular Cleaning: Dust and dirt can accumulate on your leather items over time. Use a soft, dry cloth or a soft-bristle brush to gently wipe away surface dust regularly. For deeper cleaning, you can use a leather cleaner specifically designed for your type of leather. Follow the product's instructions for best results.

2. Conditioning: Leather can dry out and lose its natural oils, leading to cracking and stiffness. To prevent this, apply a leather conditioner or cream to your items every few months or as needed. Leather conditioners help to restore moisture and flexibility to the leather. Choose a conditioner appropriate for the type of leather you have (e.g., full-grain, top-grain, suede, or nubuck).

3. Protection: To prevent scratches and stains, consider applying a leather protector or water repellent spray to your items. This will create a barrier against moisture and help reduce the risk of damage from spills or rain.

Scratch Prevention and Reduction:

1. Be Gentle: Avoid placing your leather bag or pouch on rough surfaces, and handle them with care to minimize the risk of scratches.

2. Storage: When not in use, store your leather items in a dust bag or pillowcase to protect them from dust and scratches. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading and drying.

3. Avoid Overloading: Do not overstuff your leather bags, as this can cause them to stretch and distort, making them more susceptible to scratches and damage. Do not over-stretch your leather belts as this can stress the leather and causes damage over time.

Dealing with Wet Leather:

1. Pat Dry: If your leather gets wet, gently pat it dry with a clean, absorbent cloth. Do not use heat sources like hair dryers or heaters, as excessive heat can cause the leather to crack and lose its natural oils.

2. Air Dry: Allow the leather to air dry naturally at room temperature. Do not expose it to direct sunlight or use artificial heat sources. Stuff the bag or pouch with clean, dry towels to help it retain its shape while drying.

3. Condition After Drying: Once the leather is completely dry, apply a leather conditioner to replenish lost moisture and maintain its suppleness.

Removing Scratches:

1. Minor Scratches: For small, superficial scratches, gently rub the scratched area with your fingertip or a soft cloth. The heat generated from friction can sometimes help smooth out minor scratches.

2. Leather Repair Kits: Consider using a leather repair kit for deeper scratches. These kits typically contain color-matched leather filler or wax that you can apply to the scratch, followed by buffing and conditioning.

3. Professional Help: For significant or deeply embedded scratches, it's best to consult a professional leather repair specialist. They can assess the damage and recommend appropriate repairs.

By following these guidelines and maintaining a regular leather care routine, you can extend the life of your leather bags and pouches, keep them looking their best, and enjoy the timeless beauty of quality leather items for years to come.

Here are some items that can help with conditioning leather

1. Lexol Leather Conditioner: Lexol is a well-known brand for leather care products. Their Leather Conditioner is a widely used and trusted option.

   • Buy Lexol Leather Conditioner on Amazon

2. Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner: Bick 4 is a versatile leather conditioner suitable for various types of leather, including smooth and exotic skins.

   • Buy Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner on Amazon

3. Obenauf's Leather Oil: Obenauf's Leather Oil is a heavy-duty conditioner that's excellent for rugged leather items like work boots and outdoor gear.

   • Buy Obenauf's Leather Oil on Amazon

4. Saphir Renovateur Leather Conditioner: Saphir is a premium brand known for its high-quality leather care products. The Renovateur conditioner is a favorite among leather enthusiasts.

   • Buy Saphir Renovateur Leather Conditioner on Amazon

5. Chamberlain's Leather Milk Conditioner and Cleaner: This is a gentle and natural leather conditioner suitable for a wide range of leather types.

   • Buy Chamberlain's Leather Milk Conditioner on Amazon

6. Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner: Fiebing's is a trusted brand in the leather industry. Their Aussie Leather Conditioner is well-regarded for its conditioning properties.

   • Buy Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner on Amazon

Remember to check the product descriptions and customer reviews on the respective websites to ensure that the conditioner is suitable for your specific type of leather and meets your preferences. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and use the product in a well-ventilated area.

Here are a few examples of leather repair kits, along with links to popular online retailers where you can purchase them:

1. Coconix Leather and Vinyl Repair Kit: This kit is designed to repair and restore leather and vinyl surfaces, making it suitable for a wide range of leather items.

   • Buy Coconix Leather and Vinyl Repair Kit on Amazon

2. LeatherNu Complete Leather Color Restoration and Repair Kit: LeatherNu offers a comprehensive kit for repairing and recoloring leather. It comes with various shades to match your leather item's color.

   • Buy LeatherNu Complete Leather Repair Kit on Amazon

3. MastaPlasta Self-Adhesive Leather Repair Patch: While not a traditional kit, MastaPlasta offers self-adhesive leather patches that can be used to repair minor tears and scratches quickly.

   • Buy MastaPlasta Self-Adhesive Leather Repair Patches on Amazon

4. FORTIVO Leather Repair Kit: This kit includes a variety of tools and compounds for repairing leather, making it suitable for different types of damage.

   • Buy FORTIVO Leather Repair Kit on Amazon

5. BlendItOn Leather Max Complete Leather Refinish, Restore, and Repair Kit: This comprehensive kit includes colors that can be mixed to match your leather item's shade precisely.

   • Buy BlendItOn Leather Max Repair Kit on Amazon

Please ensure that the kit you choose matches your specific repair needs and the type of leather you're working with. Read product descriptions and reviews to determine which one is most suitable for your leather repair project.

Cleaning and Maintaining Sheepskin Hides

Maintaining and cleaning sheepskin hides/rugs and rabbit pelts requires gentle care to preserve their softness and appearance. Here's a care guide for both sheepskins and rabbit pelts:

1. Regular Shake: Take your sheepskin/rabbit pelt outdoors and give it a good shake to remove loose dirt and debris. This should be done weekly or as needed to prevent dirt from settling into the fibers.

2. Spot Cleaning: If you notice a small stain or spill, act quickly. Blot the area with a clean, damp cloth, but avoid rubbing as it can push the stain deeper into the fibers. Use a mild wool-specific detergent if necessary, following the product's instructions. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.

3. Deep Cleaning: For more extensive cleaning, you can wash the entire sheepskin/rabbit pelt. Use a mild wool detergent or a mild pet detergent, as harsh chemicals can damage the natural oils in the sheepskin. Hand wash the rug in lukewarm water, gently agitating it. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all soap is removed. Squeeze out excess water without wringing, and gently reshape the rug. Lay it flat to air dry, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Once dry, fluff the wool fibers with your fingers.

4. Brushing: Use a soft-bristle brush or a pet brush to maintain the softness and fluffiness of the wool. Brush in the direction of the natural fibers, and do so gently to avoid damaging the sheepskin.

5. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and drying of the sheepskin. Keep your rug away from direct sunlight or use curtains or blinds to filter the light.

6. Rotate Your Rug: To ensure even wear, periodically rotate your sheepskin rug so that it wears evenly in all areas.

Cleaning and Maintaining Rabbit Pelts:

1. Shake and Brush: Like sheepskin rugs, rabbit pelts should be regularly shaken to remove dust and debris. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently fluff the fur and remove any tangles.

2. Spot Cleaning: Address small stains or spills immediately by blotting with a clean, damp cloth. Use a mild, gentle detergent if necessary, but avoid saturating the pelt. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.

3. Steam Cleaning: To refresh and clean the entire rabbit pelt, you can use a handheld garment steamer. Hold the steamer at a distance and gently steam the fur, fluffing it with your fingers. Do not get the pelt too wet. This is to suitable for sheepskins as they are too thick.

4. Avoid Excessive Moisture: Rabbit fur is delicate and can mat if it gets too wet. Avoid submerging the pelt in water or exposing it to excessive moisture.

5. Storage: Store your rabbit pelts in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. You can use a breathable garment bag to protect them from dust when not in use.

6. Rotate and Re-Fluff: Just like sheepskin rugs, periodically rotate and re-fluff your rabbit pelts to ensure even wear.

Remember that both sheepskin and rabbit fur are delicate materials, so gentle care is essential to maintain their softness and appearance. By following these care guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty and comfort of your rugs and pelts for years to come.

If your sheepskin or rabbit pelt gets soaked by rain, it's essential to take immediate action to prevent damage and ensure it dries properly. Here's what you should do:

For Sheepskin Rugs:

1. Shake Off Excess Water: As soon as you notice that the rug is wet, take it outdoors and gently shake off as much excess water as possible. This will help prevent the rug from becoming overly saturated.

2. Blot with Towels: Lay the sheepskin rug flat on a clean, dry surface, such as a towel or a clean, dry floor indoors. Use clean, dry towels to gently blot the surface to absorb more moisture. Replace the towels as they become damp.

3. Air Dry: Once you've removed as much moisture as possible through blotting, allow the rug to air dry naturally indoors. Do not expose it to direct sunlight, heat sources, or use a hairdryer, as excessive heat can damage the leather backing and the wool fibers. Ensure proper ventilation in the room to aid the drying process.

4. Gently Reshape: As the rug dries, gently reshape it to its original form, fluffing the wool fibers with your fingers. Be patient, as it may take some time for the rug to dry completely.

5. Brush After Drying: After the rug is completely dry, use a soft-bristle brush to fluff and restore the wool's natural texture.

For Rabbit Pelts:

1. Shake Off Excess Water: Similar to sheepskin rugs, gently shake the rabbit pelt to remove excess water.

2. Blot with Towels: Lay the pelt flat on a clean, dry surface, and use clean, dry towels to blot the fur gently. Replace the towels as they become damp.

3. Air Dry: Allow the rabbit pelt to air dry indoors, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Use a hanger or place it on a rack to ensure proper air circulation. Avoid hanging it by its delicate edges, as this may stretch or damage the fur.

4. Fluff the Fur: Once the pelt is mostly dry, use your fingers to fluff and separate the fur to restore its natural appearance.

5. Brush Gently: After the pelt is completely dry, use a soft-bristle brush to gently fluff and restore the fur's texture.

Remember to be patient during the drying process, as both sheepskin and rabbit fur can take some time to dry thoroughly. Avoid using artificial heat sources, as excessive heat can damage the natural fibers. Properly dried fur should regain its softness and appearance without any issues.

If you have any questions or need advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch.