Free international delivery / Pick-up available from House of Treasures, Nairobi
LEATHER CARE
• Avoid Sunlight and Heat: Leather is sensitive to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause it to dry out, fade, or become brittle. Likewise, exposure to heat sources, like radiators or heaters, can damage the leather’s natural oils, leading to cracks.
• Prevent Dampness: Leather is not water-resistant. Prolonged exposure to damp conditions can lead to mold or mildew, while water stains may discolour the bag. If your bag gets wet, gently pat it dry with a soft cloth and let it air dry naturally (never use a hairdryer or heater).
• Routine Cleaning: Wipe down your bag once a week with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and debris. Use a soft brush for any textured or grained leather to get into crevices.
• Dealing with Stains: For light soiling, use a slightly damp (not wet!) cloth to gently wipe the leather. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
• Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Skip alcohol-based wipes, bleach, or detergents, as these can strip away the leather’s protective oils and cause cracking or discolouration. Stick to pH-balanced leather cleaners when necessary.
• Why Condition? Leather, like skin, can dry out over time, losing its elasticity and sheen. Conditioning restores moisture and keeps the material soft and flexible.
• How to Condition: Use a dedicated leather conditioner or a natural mixture of equal parts white vinegar and linseed oil. Apply a small amount to a soft, lint-free cloth, and rub it into the leather using circular motions. Let the bag absorb the conditioner, then wipe off any excess. Allow it to dry completely in a shaded, ventilated area before use.
• Frequency: Condition your leather bag every few months, or more often if the leather appears dry or if you live in a dry climate.
• Maintain Shape: Stuff the bag with acid-free tissue paper or a soft, clean fabric (like an old cotton T-shirt). Avoid newspaper, as the ink may transfer onto the leather.
• Dust Protection: Store the bag in a breathable dust bag or pillowcase. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and promote mildew.
• Optimal Storage Conditions: Keep your leather bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, humidity, or extreme temperatures. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of it, as this can deform its shape.
• Avoid Overloading: Leather can stretch permanently under too much weight, weakening the structure of the bag. Carry only essentials to preserve its original shape.
• Prevent Scratches: Be mindful of sharp objects like pens, keys, or jewellery that could puncture or scratch the leather.
• Gentle Cleaning After Use: If your bag has metal hardware, like zippers or clasps, wipe them down occasionally to prevent tarnish or oxidation. This also prevents stains from transferring to the leather.
• Use Waterproofing Sprays Sparingly: Some leather types can benefit from a light coating of leather-protectant spray, but always test on a small area first. Use sparingly, as over-application can clog the leather’s pores.
• Professional Repairs: For deeper scratches, cracks, or other damage, consult a professional leather repair service rather than attempting DIY fixes that may worsen the issue.
PROTECT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE
• Avoid Sunlight and Heat: Leather is sensitive to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause it to dry out, fade, or become brittle. Likewise, exposure to heat sources, like radiators or heaters, can damage the leather’s natural oils, leading to cracks.
• Prevent Dampness: Leather is not water-resistant. Prolonged exposure to damp conditions can lead to mold or mildew, while water stains may discolour the bag. If your bag gets wet, gently pat it dry with a soft cloth and let it air dry naturally (never use a hairdryer or heater).
CLEAN REGULARLY, BUT GENTLY
• Routine Cleaning: Wipe down your bag once a week with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and debris. Use a soft brush for any textured or grained leather to get into crevices.
• Dealing with Stains: For light soiling, use a slightly damp (not wet!) cloth to gently wipe the leather. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
• Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Skip alcohol-based wipes, bleach, or detergents, as these can strip away the leather’s protective oils and cause cracking or discolouration. Stick to pH-balanced leather cleaners when necessary.
CONDITION TO MAINTAIN SUPPLENESS
• Why Condition? Leather, like skin, can dry out over time, losing its elasticity and sheen. Conditioning restores moisture and keeps the material soft and flexible.
• How to Condition: Use a dedicated leather conditioner or a natural mixture of equal parts white vinegar and linseed oil. Apply a small amount to a soft, lint-free cloth, and rub it into the leather using circular motions. Let the bag absorb the conditioner, then wipe off any excess. Allow it to dry completely in a shaded, ventilated area before use.
• Frequency: Condition your leather bag every few months, or more often if the leather appears dry or if you live in a dry climate.
STORE PROPERLY WHEN NOT IN USE
• Avoid Overloading: Leather can stretch permanently under too much weight, weakening the structure of the bag. Carry only essentials to preserve its original shape.
• Prevent Scratches: Be mindful of sharp objects like pens, keys, or jewellery that could puncture or scratch the leather.
• Gentle Cleaning After Use: If your bag has metal hardware, like zippers or clasps, wipe them down occasionally to prevent tarnish or oxidation. This also prevents stains from transferring to the leather.
REPAIR AND PROTECT
• Use Waterproofing Sprays Sparingly: Some leather types can benefit from a light coating of leather-protectant spray, but always test on a small area first. Use sparingly, as over-application can clog the leather’s pores.
• Professional Repairs: For deeper scratches, cracks, or other damage, consult a professional leather repair service rather than attempting DIY fixes that may worsen the issue.
