Leather product care
First off congratulations on purchasing your Wijngaardt leather product, we want you to enjoy many years of use from this product and recommend the following steps to ensure that your bags stays pristine.
- Wipe your product down immediately when any staining occurs, this can prevent stains from setting in and causing permanent marks
- Wipe your product weekly with a damp cloth using warm water with a mild soap – Dove soap can be used as it is also moisturising
- For a quick wipe-down a moist towlet or babywipe may be used
- Keep leather products away from ink and other substances that can permanently stain leather, we advise against keeping a pen in your bag, so opt for a pencil or place your pens inside another container or pouch
- Dark clothing/denim can stain light coloured leather items, be aware of any contact with clothing or other surfaces that can stain your product as this may be difficult to remove
- Suede items are treated with a stain guard after manufacturing, this can however wear off over time with handling and friction against surfaces – this can be retreated with a stain guard suitable for suede/nubuck leathers every 2 to 3 months
- Wipe grease marks from the leather with a dry napkin, avoid using water, additional sprinkle some baby-powder on the grease/oil stain to aid in absorption
- Use a professional leather cleaning agent to treat any stubborn stains, remembering to do a spot test on the leather preferably on the bottom or somewhere unnoticeable
- When your product is not in use, keep it stuffed to retain its shape and store it inside the dust bag
- Avoid hanging your bag by the straps when storing or when filled and heavy as this can stretch the leather causing unnecessary sagging
- Overfilling leather bags can cause the leather to stretch which could cause permanent warping and deformation
- Do not store your leather products in direct sunlight for extended periods of time as this will fade and damage the leather
When your product gets wet
Leather is a natural fibre and reacts to environmental elements
- Do not dry using a hairdryer or place product close to a heater or oven, this can contract the leather and cause permanent damage
- Blot the leather with an absorbent towel to remove excess moisture and allow the product to air-dry naturally
Treating your leather product
- Moisturising your leather product is highly recommended! This process can be done every 2 to 3 months to ensure the leather stays hydrated and supple
- Use a reputable leather moisturiser or cream, ensuring not to drench the leather as some moisturisers may contain oils which can stain
- Apply the moisturiser to a cloth and rub the moisturiser into the cloth, buff your leather product ensuring even distribution
- Do not use your product immediately after moisturising, rather allow the leather to absorb the product overnight
Faded leather
- If you have fading on your leather product – try to find a shoe polish that matches the shade and apply a little amount of the polish onto a cloth and lightly buff the leather
- Allow the leather to absorb the polish and build up the colour as needed.
Lining
- Stains on linings can be removed by wiping with a damp cloth using warm water and a mild soap
- Pen marks on the lining can be difficult to remove, so avoid leaving pens inside your bag – rather store the pen inside another container or a pouch
- Odours on the inside can be treated with an odour remover or place an open container containing baking powder inside your bag to help absorb any smells
Lastly remember to love your bag, take it to the beach, give it fresh air, sunshine and take it on many trips. Your bag will tell the story of your journey and that is what will make it even more special to you!