A few minutes of care keeps a bag looking good for years. This page covers the materials we sell most; the care note on each product page has anything specific to that bag.
The basics for any bag
- Empty it regularly. Crumbs and grit wear the lining, and heavy loads stretch handles.
- Keep pens capped and in an inside pocket; ink is the hardest stain to remove.
- Store it upright, stuffed with tissue, in a breathable dust bag or cotton pillowcase, never in plastic.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, which dry leather and fade color.
By material
- Pebbled leather: wipe with a soft, dry cloth. The grain hides small scuffs; condition once or twice a year with a neutral leather conditioner.
- Saffiano leather: wipe with a slightly damp cloth and dry it straight away. The finish resists light scratches and needs no conditioner; avoid overfilling, which can crease it.
- Smooth leather: dust with a soft cloth and blot spills immediately. Condition two or three times a year, testing on a hidden spot first.
- Quilted leather: clean it like smooth leather and store it stuffed so the quilting keeps its shape. Keep it away from rough surfaces that can catch the stitching.
- Suede: brush with a suede brush in one direction. Keep it away from rain, and use a suede eraser on dry marks.
- Patent leather: wipe with a damp cloth. Don’t store it pressed against other bags or printed paper, as color can transfer.
- Nylon: sponge with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap, then air-dry flat. Keep any leather trim dry.
- Coated canvas and canvas: wipe coated canvas with a damp cloth. Spot-clean plain canvas with mild soap and water; don’t machine wash either.
- Faux leather: wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. It needs no conditioner; keep it away from heat, which can make the surface tacky.
Caught in the rain
Blot, don’t rub. Stuff the bag with paper towels to hold its shape and let it dry at room temperature, away from heaters and hair dryers. Once it’s fully dry, condition leather that feels stiff.
When to get help
For deep stains, torn stitching or damaged hardware, a local leather repair specialist can usually do more than home remedies. If a bag arrives with a fault, contact us within 7 days of delivery instead.