REGULAR MAINTENANCE

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HANDLING

• Clean Hands: Oils and dirt can stain natural leather. The cleaner the better.

• Be Gentle: Leather is extremely durable, but not indestructible.

 

CLEANING

• Routine: Wipe with a soft, dry (or slightly damp) cloth.

• Deep Clean (occasionally if necessary): Use saddle soap or leather cleaner in gentle circular motions. Wipe away residue with a clean cloth.

 

CONDITIONING

Leather is skin—it dries out over time and needs moisture to stay supple.

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How to Condition:

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• Use a soft cloth to apply a small amount of conditioner or leather balm.

• Massage in gently with circular motions.

• Allow the conditioner to absorb.

• Buff the surface lightly with a clean cloth to restore the sheen.

 

Tips: Always spot-test any product first. Conditioning may darken natural or light-coloured leather. Condition every 3–6 months under normal use, or more often in dry or hot climates or with frequent handling.

 

Looking for a leather conditioner? I highly recommend my own homemade leather balm. It’s made from natural and organic ingredients, including: beeswax, cocoa butter and almond oil. Nothing else!

 

Check it out HERE!

 

WHAT TO AVOID

• Harsh chemicals, baby wipes, or alcohol-based cleaners.

• Over-conditioning: leather can become sticky when oversaturated.

• Scraping or scratching against rough surfaces. Some light scratches may be buffed out.

• Direct heat: Can dry leather out and can cause cracking or warping.

• Baby wipes, vinegar, alcohol, or household cleaners: they can dry out or stain leather.

 

STORAGE ADVICE

• No Plastic: Store in a cotton bag or wrap in a breathable material.

• Maintain Shape: Stuff wallets or bags when not in use.

• Roll up leather belts when not in use.

• Dry: Avoid excessively humid environments. Store in a well-ventilated, dry place.

• Cool: Avoid overly hot spaces like radiators or fires, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

• Keep separate: Don’t store leather touching dyed fabrics—they may transfer colour.

• Avoid storing small items in back pockets or beneath excessive weight. Sitting on your items may misshape them and isn’t good for your posture.

• Long term storage: Use Silica Gel Packs to prevent mould.

 

PATINA

With time and use, your leather will develop a unique patina — a rich finish that tells its own story. This is a feature of natural leather, not a flaw. Natural or light colour leather will patina more visibly than darker leather.

 

STAIN CARE

• Water: Keep dry if possible. Vegetable-tanned leather is not waterproof. If leather gets wet, blot gently with a clean cloth and air dry naturally. Never use heat. Condition when fully dry.

• Oil/Grease: Blot with talcum powder or cornstarch. Leave overnight, then brush off gently. Leather LOVES oils.

• Ink: Hard to remove — consult a professional.​

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AT HOME HACKS

 

• Broken thread: If a thread breaks, you can carefully melt the loose end with a lighter or match—this will help seal it and prevent further unravelling. Be extremely cautious not to scorch the leather.

• Frayed edges: Use a light grit sandpaper to sand down the leather fibres. Burnish by hand using a lint free cloth and a dab of water or balm.​

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WHEN IN DOUBT

 

• For major stains, deep damage, or restoration, seek help from a leather specialist.

 

Thank you for choosing Wilde’s Leatherwork.

 

Each item is handmade with care — when treated well it will last a lifetime and age beautifully in the process.

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