Care Guide for Ecodunia Items: Brass, Genuine Leather, Vegan Leather and Canvas

At Ecodunia, we believe in creating handmade products that stand the test of time. Our commitment to ethical sustainability goes beyond using eco-friendly materials, we handcraft every piece to be a long-lasting companion in your daily life. Whether you own one of our handcrafted brass jewelry pieces, a genuine leather wallet, or a durable cotton canvas bag, proper care ensures these items will serve you beautifully for years to come.

This comprehensive guide covers the essential care techniques for our four key materials: brass, genuine leather (including our unique fish leather), vegan leather, and canvas. Each section provides practical, easy-to-follow steps that will help you maintain your Ecodunia items in pristine condition. For more detailed information, we've linked to specific care guides for each material type.

How to Care for Brass, Leather, Vegan and Canvas Items Guide

How to Care for Brass Jewelry

Why proper care matters: Brass naturally oxidizes over time when exposed to air and moisture, developing a patina that many people love but others prefer to prevent. With the right cleaning brass jewelry techniques, you can maintain that gorgeous golden shine while preserving the metal's integrity.

Basic Cleaning Steps:

Wearing your brass jewelry is the best way to keep the oxidization at bay. It's great every-day wearable jewelry. However, my three favorite techniques when it needs a little refresh, or after it's sat unused for a while are:

Toothpaste:

Put some white toothpaste on a rag or old toothbrush and rub it in. Rinse immediately and dry completely. That's it.

White Vinegar and salt:

This one works the best and quickest. Dissolve 1 tsp. salt in a half cup white vinegar (heating it in the microwave for 30 seconds usually does the trick). Then, drop your jewelry into the solution, wait 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Then rinse and dry. Easy peasy. 

Never leave acidic solutions on brass for extended periods, as this can damage the metal.

Ketchup:

Squirt a little ketchup on it and let it sit for two minutes. Rinse and dry and it will look like new.

Sunshine polishing cloths:

Since this has a little solution it it, the sunshine cloths are great and keep your jewelry protected a bit longer. I keep one around, but don't use them often, as the other two methods are basically free and work great. 

Prevention Tips:

When not wearing your brass jewelry, storing in an airtight pouch or container is best, to prevent moisture exposure. And avoiding salt water helps, but with the simple steps above, you can restore any oxidization or patina in no time. 

For complete step-by-step instructions and advanced techniques, visit our detailed [Brass Jewelry Care Guide].

How to Clean and Maintain Leather

Regular Maintenance:

The key to leather longevity is consistent, gentle care. Every so often, wipe down your leather with a clean, dry cloth to remove surface dirt and oils. Empty all contents and clean both the interior and exterior, paying special attention to creases and card slots where debris accumulates.

Deep Cleaning Process:

Once a year, or after it gets particularly dirty, a deep cleaning keeps your handmade genuine leather wallet or any of our leather products in optimal condition. Use a leather cleaner specifically designed for your leather type. A great all-purpose for our leather is the Geist aniline cleaner (and the kit comes with conditioner) which works great on all leathers without a synthetic finish (which is all of our leathers). Apply a small amount to a clean cloth and work it into the leather in circular motions. Remove excess cleaner with a damp cloth and allow to air dry completely before proceeding to conditioning.

Conditioning Your Leather:

How often should I condition my leather? Generally, condition your leather every 2-3 months, or when the leather feels dry. Apply a thin layer of leather conditioner using a clean cloth, allow it to penetrate for 10-15 minutes, then buff with a dry cloth. This process keeps the leather supple and prevents cracking.

Learn advanced leather care techniques in our comprehensive [Leather Care Guide].

 Caring for Fish Leather

Fish leather wallets require gentler care than traditional cow leather due to their unique texture and delicate nature. This exotic material offers exceptional durability when properly maintained but needs special attention to preserve its distinctive appearance.

Gentle Cleaning Method:

Clean your fish leather with a slightly damp cloth using lukewarm water only. If you have a stain, you can use a little dish soap, but then wipe off with a damp cloth immediately. Frankly, the Giest cleaner mentioned above can work, too. 

Avoid soaking the leather or using soap, as fish leather is more sensitive to moisture than traditional leather. Pat dry immediately with a soft towel and allow to air dry completely.

Heat and Sun Protection:

Fish leather is particularly susceptible to heat damage. Never leave your fish leather near radiators or in direct sunlight for extended periods. The natural oils in fish leather can dry out quickly, leading to irreversible cracking.

Proper Storage:

When not in use, stuff your leather bag with acid-free tissue paper or cloth to maintain its shape. Store it in a breathable dust bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause mildew.
Access our complete guide to leather bag maintenance in our [Leather Handbag Care Guide].

Maintaining Vegan Leather Bags

Gentle Cleaning Approach:

Vegan leather requires different care than animal leather. Clean your vegan leather bag with a damp cloth and mild soap solution. Work in small sections, wiping away soap residue immediately. The synthetic materials used in vegan leather can be more sensitive to harsh chemicals, so always use gentle, pH-neutral products.

Appropriate Conditioning Products:

Never use animal-based oils or traditional leather conditioners on vegan leather. Instead, use products specifically designed for synthetic materials or PU-safe conditioners. These help maintain flexibility without causing damage to the material's surface coating. I like the one from Geist, in part because it's good but also because it's all natural!

Preventing Cracking:

How to keep vegan leather from cracking involves regular moisture maintenance. Apply a small amount of vegan leather conditioner monthly to prevent the material from drying out. Focus on areas that flex frequently, such as handles and corners, where cracking typically begins.

Cleaning Precautions:

Never machine wash vegan leather bags or use harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. These can break down the synthetic materials and cause permanent discoloration. When in doubt, test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first.

How to Clean and Care for Canvas Bags

Spot Cleaning Techniques:

For daily maintenance, spot clean your canvas bag with water and mild soap. Apply the solution to a clean cloth rather than directly to the bag, and work on stains immediately for best results. Canvas is generally more forgiving than leather, but prompt attention to spills prevents permanent staining.

Hand Washing Process:

When deeper cleaning is needed, hand wash your canvas bag in cool water with mild detergent. My preferred method is A) get it wet, B) spray it with a stain remover evenly over the whole bag, C) let it sit for 30 minutes, D) wipe in gentle circular motion with a soft cloth, and then E) use a removable shower head to rinse. The pressure from the shower head is very good to dislodge stains.   

All of our canvas bags are technically machine washable, but frankly I don't put most of my bags in the wash. If you do, make sure it's a front loader (or one with no agitator). 

Proper Drying Methods:

Always dry canvas bags in shade to prevent color fading and material weakening. Never wring or twist the bag, which can distort its shape. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat or hang to air dry. Ensure the bag is completely dry before storing to prevent mildew.

Waterproofing Options:

To protect your canvas bag from moisture, consider applying a fabric protector spray or wax treatment. I like Nikwax, but there are many good options, even Scotch Guard from any regular store. Reapply waterproofing treatments seasonally for optimal protection.
Find detailed canvas care instructions in our [Canvas Bag Care Guide].

Your Bag or Jewelry Deserves Better Than Toss-and-Replace

Investing in well-handmade Ecodunia from eco-friendly bags to African unique jewelry means investing in pieces designed to last. By following these care guidelines, you're not only extending the life of your favorite items but also supporting sustainable practices that reduce waste and environmental impact.

Regular maintenance might seem like extra work, but it's actually quite simple once you establish a routine. A few minutes of care each week can add years to your product's lifespan, making your investment even more valuable. Remember, quality items that are properly cared for develop character and beauty over time, becoming even more special with age.

We encourage you to bookmark this guide for easy reference and share it with friends who also value quality, sustainable products. Your Ecodunia items are made to be cherished companions for years to come, with proper care, they'll continue to serve you beautifully while telling the story of your commitment to sustainability and quality craftsmanship.