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Leather
Leather is tough and long-lasting, but a living material: it dries out, cracks and stains without regular cleaning and conditioning.
At a glance
- Cleaning
- Dry / damp cloth, no soaking
- Conditioning
- 2–4 times a year
- Drying
- Naturally, away from heat
- Protection
- Water-repellent treatment
- Dry cleaning
- Leather specialist only
Cleaning
- Regularly wipe off dust and dirt with a soft, dry or barely damp cloth.
- Treat stains with a cleaner made for leather; never submerge leather or machine-wash it.
- Blot fresh stains with a dry cloth; for grease, sprinkle cornflour and leave overnight.
Conditioning
- 2–4 times a year, apply a leather conditioner or balm to keep it supple and prevent cracking.
- Test any product on a hidden area first — it can darken the leather.
- Don't use petroleum products, body lotions or household oils — they break down the finish.
Protection & moisture
- Before the season, treat with a leather water- and stain-repellent.
- Dry wet leather naturally at room temperature, away from radiators; pad the shape with paper.
- Never use a hairdryer or heater — leather shrinks and cracks.
Storing
- Store in a cool, dry, ventilated place on a wide, padded hanger.
- Use a breathable fabric cover, not a plastic bag — plastic traps moisture and invites mildew.
- Keep out of direct sun and away from heat sources so it doesn't fade or dry out.
Stains & minor damage
- Water marks can be softened by dampening the whole surface evenly and letting it dry naturally.
- Scratches can often be buffed out with a fingertip or a colour-matched balm.
- Leave serious damage and re-colouring to a leather specialist.
Common mistakes
- Soaking, machine-washing or drying near heat are the most common causes of permanent damage.
- Conditioning too rarely: dried-out leather cracks and won't recover.