How I Care for Leather Items at Home

Leather is pretty forgiving, but it does need a little looking after.

Because it’s a natural material, it will change over time. It softens, darkens in places, picks up marks and develops that worn-in look that makes good leather so beautiful.

A little care every now and then helps it age well rather than dry out, crack or become neglected.

This is how I care for the leather goods I make at Fauna & the Moon.

Conditioning and polishing

For most of my smooth leather goods, I use Black Dog Honey Beeswax Leather Balm.

I’ve tried plenty of leather products over the years, but this is one I genuinely love using in the workshop

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Black Dog Honey is an Australian family business and their balm is handcrafted here in Australia using Australian beeswax. Their current formula combines pure beeswax with organic castor oil, rather than petroleum products, silicones or synthetic fragrances. The castor oil works into the leather to help keep it soft and supple, while the beeswax leaves a light protective barrier over the surface.

I especially like it because it’s simple and natural, it’s made by another small Australian business, and it smells SO. NICE. There’s that warm, slightly sweet beeswax smell mixed with the rich scent of cloves when you open the tin that just seems to belong in a leather workshop

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I usually dust the item first, then work a small amount of balm into the leather using a soft cloth, massaging it gently into the surface.

Let it absorb for a little while, then buff away any excess.

How often you need to polish depends on how often the item is used. A bag that is carried every day will naturally need a little more attention than something that only comes out occasionally.

Rather than sticking to a strict schedule, I usually just look at the leather. If it starts feeling a little dry or looking dull, it’s probably ready for some conditioner.

What about suede?

Suede needs slightly different care.

I don’t use beeswax polish on suede because it can change the texture and finish.

Instead, I recommend using a good quality suede protector spray.

It helps add some protection against moisture and everyday marks without flattening or darkening the nap too much.

As with any product, I’d always test it on a small hidden section first.

Storing leather properly

One thing I personally don’t recommend is storing leather goods long-term inside dust bags.

Dust bags look lovely and they can be useful for short periods, but leather needs airflow.

Especially here in Australia, humidity and enclosed storage can create the perfect environment for mould.

Instead, I prefer to keep leather goods somewhere dry and well ventilated, away from direct sunlight and well away from anywhere they could potentially be damaged by water.

A shelf, wardrobe or open storage area with some airflow is usually ideal.

If you’re storing something long-term

If you’re putting a leather bag or piece away for a season, don’t forget about it completely.

Every few months, bring it out.

Dust it off.

Give the leather a gentle massage with your hands.

Flex the straps and move the leather around a little.

Then, if it looks or feels dry, give it a light polish.

Leather responds well to being handled and used. Leaving it untouched for years in the back of a cupboard usually isn’t the best thing for it.

Keep it away from water where possible

Leather can handle everyday life, but soaking it isn’t ideal.

Try to keep your leather goods away from heavy rain, spills and damp storage areas.

If your item does get wet, let it dry naturally at room temperature.

Avoid heaters, hair dryers or direct heat, as these can dry the leather too quickly and leave it stiff.

Once completely dry, you can apply a small amount of conditioner if needed.

Leather is meant to be used

Probably the biggest thing I can say about caring for leather is not to be afraid of using it.

Good leather isn’t supposed to stay perfectly untouched.

It will soften.

It will develop little scratches.

The colour may deepen.

The shape may relax slightly.

That is all part of owning a natural material.

Regular use, the occasional polish and sensible storage are usually all it needs.

The goal isn’t to keep leather looking brand new forever.

It’s to help it age well.

And hopefully, years from now, your bag looks even better because of all the places it has been.

Warmly,

Sarina