Leather Care Guide: How to Keep Your Leather Goods Beautiful for Longer

• Why do I need to care for leather at all?
• Smooth leather vs. suede
• The most common care mistakes
• Step by step: caring for smooth leather
• Step by step: caring for suede
• Conclusion: leather care

Why do I need to care for leather at all?

Leather is a natural product that, much like our own skin, continuously needs moisture and nutrients. Without regular care, it loses its elasticity, becomes brittle, cracked, and faded over time.

Applying care products keeps the material supple, tear-resistant, and creates a protective barrier against dirt and moisture.

In short: only with the right care can you maximize the lifespan of your leather, preserve its elegant look, and prevent premature wear.

Smooth leather vs. suede

Leather is not just leather. First, a brief overview of the differences between leather types.

Smooth leather

• Surface: smooth, closed, lightly shiny
• Examples: wallets, belts, handbags
• Care: leather cream, leather balm, damp cloth
• Water sensitivity: medium

Suede (velour & nubuck)

• Surface: velvety, open, matte
• Examples: nubuck bags, suede wallets
• Care: suede brush, waterproofing spray, special cleaner
• Water sensitivity: high – waterproof immediately

The most common care mistakes

You should definitely avoid these with leather goods.

1. Using the wrong care product
Smooth leather cream on suede permanently destroys the velvety surface.

2. Using household cleaners
Alcohol, vinegar, or all-purpose cleaners damage the leather.

3. Rubbing wet leather
Always let it dry completely before cleaning.
And: never dry it on a heater

4. Too much care ;-)
Applying too much cream clogs the pores of the leather. More is not better.

5. Direct sunlight
Sunlight causes leather to fade and dry out.
So when storing it, make sure to keep it in a shady place.

6. Storing in plastic bags
Leather needs air – use cotton bags.

7. Storing in damp places
Leather needs dry air, otherwise it can mold. Be careful with old basements!

Step by step: caring for smooth leather

1. Clean
Remove dust and dirt with a lint-free cloth. For stains: use a mild leather cleaner.

2. Let it dry
Air dry – no hairdryer, no direct heat.

3. Apply cream
Apply leather cream thinly and evenly. Let it work in briefly.

4. Buff
Buff with a soft cloth – this restores the leather's natural shine.

5. Protect
Apply waterproofing spray, especially for products used every day.

💡 Care for it every 4–6 weeks – or whenever the leather looks dry or dull.

Step by step: caring for suede

Important: Do not use creams or oils – they permanently destroy the velvety surface.

1. Dry brush
Brush in one direction with a suede brush.

2. Treat stains
Use a suede eraser or special cleaner. Never rub wet.

3. Refresh the texture
Brush against the grain to lift the fibers.

4. Waterproof
Apply waterproofing spray evenly from a distance of 30 cm.

5. Dry and brush again
Let it dry completely, then gently brush it again.

💡 Waterproof new suede right away when you buy it – before first use.

Our conclusion: leather care

Good leather is an investment. If you care for it regularly and with the right products, you get a product that lasts for years and only gets more beautiful with time.

Patina is not a flaw – it is the story of your leather.