Leather: How to Properly Care for Your Favorite Leather Items

Leather is timeless, durable, and becomes even more beautiful over time with the right care.
To help ensure your favorite leather items last a long time, we’ve put together the most important tips for leather care—easy to follow and perfect for at home.

Important: In this article, we distinguish between smooth leather and suede (colloquially known as “wild leather”), because their different surface properties require different care methods.

Care Tips for Smooth Leather and Suede

Cleaning

Smooth Leather
Smooth leather likes to be treated gently. Wipe down your leather jacket, bag, or shoes regularly with a soft, slightly damp cloth. For tougher dirt, use a special leather cleaner. Lukewarm water is also okay—use it sparingly and be careful not to soak the leather. This will keep your favorite piece supple and prevent unsightly marks from forming.

Suede
Suede doesn’t like moisture. Therefore, avoid using water and instead use a special suede brush or a crepe rubber to gently remove dust and dirt. Gently dab stains instead of rubbing them. This will preserve the velvety surface and keep your favorite leather item looking well-cared-for for a long time.

Care

Smooth Leather After cleaning, let your favorite leather item air dry (not on a heater). Just like our skin, smooth leather needs moisture to prevent it from drying out. To do this, use a special leather balm or conditioning lotion, applying it sparingly and buffing it into the pre-shaped leather with a soft cloth. This will keep the material supple, prevent surface cracks, and preserve its natural sheen.

Suede
To keep suede supple, you can treat it with a special care spray or lotion. This protects the fibers, preserves the velvety texture, and prevents the leather from drying out. Choose a product suitable for suede or nubuck, and apply it regularly in a thin layer. Don’t forget to brush the material again after applying the product.

Shooters

Smooth Leather
Your favorite piece has already been cleaned and conditioned. Now it deserves an extra layer of protection against wind and weather. Waterproof the leather regularly with a colorless, high-quality protective spray—this will reliably protect it from rain, snow, and dirt. Apply the spray evenly and repeat the treatment when your leather is exposed to heavier use.

Suede
Suede is very sensitive to moisture and should therefore always be well-waterproofed, especially BEFORE wearing it for the first time. Use a spray specifically designed for suede or nubuck. This will protect your favorite piece from unsightly water stains and preserve its elegant Look. Repeat this step every two months.