Leather Care Tips for Handmade Leather Bags, Handbags, or Leather Wallets

A well-maintained leather bag can last for decades with the best leather tips for keeping your leather bags and wallets on point. Investing in a high-quality handmade leather bag or leather handbag is more than just a fashion statement. It's a smart decision that pays off in the long run with proper care.  It can add versatility to your wardrobe with it's timeless appeal that never goes out of style. 

One of the things that we love about our leather bags is that it is a key part of maintaining the centuries-old herding and nomadic traditions of Kenya’s Maasai people. As one of the world’s few remaining nomadic herding tribes, the Maasai survive and feed their families through managing herds, as they migrate up and down the Great Rift Valley. And when they eat, or sell their cows to support their families, the leather from their cows becomes our bags.

We are a part of honoring their rich tradition of cattle husbandry, supporting their livelihood, and making sure that the cattle are honored by ensuring that nothing is wasted. 

Not All Leather Requires the Same Care

Oil Pull Up Leather - is a nubuck leather, which is made from top grain leather, lightly buffed, and then sprayed with a light coating of oil that seeps into the leather giving it a rich, soft, and buttery feel. It scuffs easily and just as easily, the scuffs wipe away. Over time, this leather builds a patina that makes your bag or wallet age like bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild.

Aniline Full Grain Leather - is dyed in a fully soluable dye and never pigmented with synthetic coating. The dye penetrates the leather without creating a uniform topcoat or pigmented sealant, preserving its natural surface. As a result, pores, scars, and other blemishes remain visible. Only high-quality leather is suitable for aniline finishing. The best thing about the Aniline leather is that it ages with grace. As part of our commitment to the environment, making bags that look better with age fits our mission.

Hunter's Suede - is a beautiful and soft leather that is wonderfully supple for the right bags. Like all of our leathers, they are fully dyed and never pigmented so, while the first little blemish may seem disappointing, soon with regular care and cleaning, those become part of the patina and unique story of your leather bag or wallet. 

Fish Leather - Our fish leather is small-batch tanned, dyed, and finished in Kisumu and Eldoret Kenya from the by-product of the filet industry. It is extremely durable due to the asymmetrical pattern of the fibers. 

Best Tips to Care for your Leather Handbags

Let's explore some essential tips to safely care for and preserve your leather handbag. First, some general care tips:

• One simple thing you can do is just simply wipe down your bag with a soft cloth regularly, especially before storing, or after it’s been exposed to dirt or dust. It’s a small act that can significantly enhance its longevity and appearance. 
  • 1. Use the softest cloth you can find - an old flannel, baby blanket, or microfiber cloth. 
    
  • 2. Dampen the cloth with water or a 5:1 water/white vinegar solution.
  • 3. Wipe gently.
  • 4. Let it dry hanging and NOT in direct sunlight.
• This probably goes without saying, but be mindful of where you place your bag. Make sure you don’t place leather on wet surfaces, especially for a long time. Since leather absorbs moisture, exposure to a wet surface causes bacteria buildup, which may lead to mildew. And if leather does get wet,
  •  Let it dry out naturally — do not use a hairdryer on it because that can dry out the material.
  • Do not put near a heater
  • Do not put in direct sunlight
  • And, if it's really wet, massage it periodically as it dries so that it doesn't stiffen or lose it's shape.
• As a rule, leather top handle handbags should be stored AWAY from harsh light or sunlight, and kept in a protective case or covering, if stored for longer periods of time.

Essential Tips for Handmade Leather Bags Care

One of the simplest DIY cleaners for leather is a very diluted white vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle. It costs nothing and does the trick. I always start with about 20% white vinegar and 80% water, spray it on to a soft cloth, and wipe.

However, for dyed leather, always test in an inconspicuous place, as the acid can remove some of the dye. If it does, add more water or consider one of the other formulas below.

For natural leather, it’s never an issue and the pH of the vinegar acts as a conditioner for the leather.

Always Use Clean Hands and a Clean Cloth

Since leather is a natural material, it can be cleaned in a variety of ways but must be done carefully. Using too much water or cleaning solution can cause the leather to become soggy and potentially wrinkle.

Instead, use a damp, soft cloth with clean hands to wipe or dab the surface. When it comes to leather, take a conservative approach! It’s better to start small using a dry cloth, and apply more cleaner or warm water as needed.

Remove Stains Immediately 

As soon as you see a mark or stain, make sure to remove it. The longer a stain sets into a fabric or material, the harder it is to remove. Certain stains, such as those from food or blood, can usually be removed with chalk powder. To do so, crush white chalk and sprinkle it onto the stain. Let it sit overnight before dusting it off.

For more information, check out our complete guide on how to properly remove stains from leather.

Use a Cleaner Specifically Made for Leather

Since all materials are different, it’s important to use a cleaner that’s made for genuine leather. DIY cleaners (besides the water/vinegar solution) or other soaps or detergents can ruin leather.

For Oil Pull Up, we recommend Leather Master Oleosa. It's a cleaner and conditioner with the right oily balance to rejuvenate your pull up leather. To treat the surface, apply the leather cleaner in circular motions and use a damp cloth to remove any excess solution. To avoid over-treating the leather, applying a cleaner one or two times a year should be sufficient. 

For Aniline Leathers, do NOT use oils or saddle soaps. Instead, use a cleaner that is specifically designed for aniline leather. We love Geist because it's all natural and works great. I often simply use a spray bottle with 8:1 water/white vinegar and spray onto a VERY soft cloth and wipe for 90% of my needs. The nice thing with some of the specially formulated cleaners is that they can also protect the leather.

For Hunter's Suede, always start with a brush. It will get dirt out and works wonders. Secondly, to avoid moisture (since suede doesn't love moisture), a suede or nubuck eraser works wonders. Lastly, keep it protected with a weatherproofing made especially for suede or nubuck. 

For Fish Leather, I have only ever used my water/vinegar solution, as it has never failed me. 

If you need a brush to penetrate the leather for deep dirt or stains, make sure it's super soft, like as soft as a soft-bristled tooth brush. Large ones that soft are out there, and it's worth finding one that's soft so as to protect the surface of the leather. 

 

You can also use a leather-specific protective spray to help prevent stains and extend a bag’s longevity. Test the spray in an inconspicuous area to gauge its effects on the color or finish before applying it to the entire bag. Avoid using cleaning products that contain alcohol, turpentine, or other mineral spirits, which will discolor and dry out leather.

Moisturize With a Leather Conditioner

Just like skin needs to be moisturized to stay youthful, the same goes for leather. Applying a quality leather conditioner will preserve the look and feel of leather goods.

Be sure to choose a conditioner that’s intended for leather and apply with a soft pad or microfiber cloth for maximum results. Again, the white vinegar solution can do this trick, but some folks like some of the additional benefits of a specially formulated conditioner.

Proper Leather Bag Storage Practices

Storage is a crucial part of preserving leather, especially since leather bags may lose their shape depending on how they are stored. Before storing, clean out your bag and allow it to air dry. Then, in order to prevent creases and wrinkles, stuff bags with bubble wrap, which helps to maintain shape while still being gentle on the leather. If the bag has any chrome or metallic features, such as buckles, you can wrap them in clean tissue paper for protection.

Make sure to keep leather bags in a clean, dry place and use silica gel packets to avoid dampness. To optimize protection, store your bags in the original dust bag or a clean pillowcase. 

Ecodunia Ethically Handmade Leather Handbags

Ecodunia's leather handbags are crafted from premium full-grain leather sourced from well-cared-for Maasai cattle, ensuring not only durability but also ethical production practices where every part of the animal is utilized.

Handmade in Kenya, Africa with precision using industrial-strength sewing machines, each ethical handmade bag is built to withstand the test of time, backed by our lifetime guarantee.

Introducing our Nakuru top handle bag, a masterpiece of versatility and utility. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, it features adjustable straps for personalized comfort, seamlessly transitioning from hand to shoulder carry. With a spacious interior capable of holding up to a 14" laptop and thoughtful interior pockets, the Nakuru leather shoulder bag combines versatility with timeless style, perfect for any occasion.

Meet Mara top handle leather handbag, your ultimate travel companion. This lightweight yet roomy leather tote is designed for modern adventurers, equipped with an under-flap zipper and sized to accommodate a 15-inch laptop alongside all your travel essentials. Whether it's a quick getaway or a long international journey, the Mara combines functionality with elegance, ensuring you travel in style.

Say hello to the Tsavo leather top handle handbag, adorned with African beads for a touch of cultural charm. Designed to complement your busy lifestyle, this chic tote effortlessly holds your everyday essentials while maintaining a stylish silhouette. Perfect for work, play, or spontaneous outings, the Tsavo is crafted from top-notch free-range leather sourced from Maasai land, embodying our dedication to quality and heritage.

Elevate your look and embrace timeless elegance with Ecodunia handmade leather bags, where each piece embodies craftsmanship, functionality, and sustainability.

Additional Considerations for Leather Care

The most comprehensive way to protect your leather bag or handbag is by following the above steps. The best way to care for handmade leather bags is to be considerate of where and how you use them, but unfortunately, accidents happen and sometimes a stain or scratch is inevitable. If you keep the below tips in mind, you’ll be able to preserve your leather bags, even if they encounter a few 

• Cosmetics can easily stain materials. Keep cosmetics away from leather as much as possible and make sure your sunscreen and makeup (check out our cosmetics bags) are in a small bag inside your bag to keep your leather safe.
• To avoid ink stains, be mindful of using pens near your leather handbag or bag, or storing them inside your leather made bag. If you're using a leather tote for work or school, consider keeping your pens stored inside a case or bag.  
• Other products, such as hair spray, can negatively impact leather. Be mindful when using such products or visiting a salon.

Conclusion: Treat your Leather Bag with Care for a Lifetime Heirloom 

The timeless style, durability, and quality of a genuine leather purse is an investment worth protecting. Treat it right, and a genuine leather bag will last your lifetime. Clean leather as soon as it's dirty. Be mindful of exposing it to harmful cleaners, sprays, or other products that may cause stains or damage.

Never keep your bag in direct sunlight or on a wet surface; instead, store it in a dry and dark space, preferably in a dust bag.