Caring for LeatherShoes and Bags

Leather Oxford boots, Alexander McQueen

Mini ‘Atlantique’ tote, Reed Krakoff

Shoes

Cleaning

Remove the laces, if there are any, and use a soft bristled brush to sweep off any surface dirt and dust

Use a leather cleaner (check it’s for the right type of leather) or saddle soap on any leather parts

Gently work the cleaner into the leather, using the same brush from before. Pay extra attention to any scuffs, scratches or marks

Leave them to dry naturally before polishing

Ask the sales assistant for product recommendations – most shoe labels have their own line or stock a recommended range

If there’s a build-up of old polish, use a pre-cleaner first

Shoes

Polishing

Choose a polish which matches the colour of your shoe

Rub it all over the leather parts of the shoe, using a soft, dry cloth and a circular motion

Ask the sales assistant what kind of polish they would suggest. Lanoline-based beeswax polish is usually a good choice if you’re not sure, but check it’s compatible with the type of leather that you’re treating and test it on a corner first

Gently wipe off excess polish with a second soft, clean cloth, and buff them with a brush or cotton cloth until they shine

Shoes

Weather Protection

Use a water-repellent, leather protector spray designed for shoes, before you start wearing them

If you rub a warm sponge over the shoe first, the gentle heat will help the shoe absorb the spray better

Storage

Stuff them with paper (not newspaper, which will smudge) if you’re storing them away for a long time

Shoe trees are a good choice for keeping the shape of any pairs that you’ll be wearing regularly

Look for unvarnished cedar when choosing shoe storage – it absorbs any moisture and foot odour

Have your shoes re-heeled every few years

Use a shoe horn – it will prevent damage to the heel

Bags

CleaningUse a soft, damp (but not wet) cloth to wipe down your bag every few days, and clean it properly once a month

Invest in a leather cleaner. Check it’s appropriate for the type of leather your bag is made in, and use it on an inconspicuous corner first

Apply the cleaner in a circular motion, wiping off excess with a slightly damp cloth

ConditioningApply leather conditioner with a soft cloth, rubbing it gently over your bagYou can also apply mink or neatsfoot oil; leave it on for 10 minutes, wipe off any excess and leave to dry naturallyTry to condition every time you clean your bag – once a month

Don’t use a conditioner on patent leather

Always ask the boutique for recommendations and advice

Bags

Weather Protection

Beeswax creams and leather protector sprays can help prevent water damage – test them on a small, unseen area first to make sure they won’t alter the colour of your bag

Remember that no product can completely protect leather from water damage – avoid exposing them to rain

Storage

Stuff it with paper or bubble wrap to maintain its shape (don’t use newspaper, which can smudge, or tissue paper, which attracts moths)

Open any buckles, and be careful with how the straps are placed, to avoid leaving any impressions on the leather

Keep it in its original dustbag or wrap it in a cotton pillowcase

Store leather bags in a cool, dry, airy place away from direct sunlight, and air them out regularly

Marks and Stains

Always avoid contact with water as much as possible

Keep leather shampoo (different to the cleaner you would use on the whole bag) with you, to clean any marks as soon as possible

Let water spills dry on their own – applying heat from a hairdryer can cause damage

Organic stains can be treated with chalk powder – crush white chalk, layer it over the stain and leave overnight. Dust off the powder in the morning

Avoid using any products with alcohol, turpentine or other mineral spirits