From bags and wallets, jackets, and planners, to sofas or your car seat upholstery, at Qiwa we want you to enjoy your leather items for a lifetime. From the moment they are crafted to when you wear them on special occasions, it’s essential to take proper care of them.
With our practical guide, your most cherished pieces will look beautiful for years to come. From daily care and maintenance to minor repairs and specialized cleaning, here you will find everything you need to know about taking care of your genuine leather garments and products.
Leather craftsmanship requires meticulous work, so it’s important to care for your leather items to keep them in good condition and extend their lifespan. Taking the necessary time to maintain them will preserve their value and appearance. To keep the beauty of original or regenerated leather products for a long time, we recommend following these simple tips:
Daily Care
Caring for your leather goods starts with daily maintenance. By following a few simple rules, you can prevent unnecessary wear and prolong the lifespan of your accessories for years:
- Leather is a natural skin and can stretch. Avoid overfilling your bag, wallet, or purse to maintain its original shape.
- Pay special attention to leather items you use frequently. Take time each week to remove dust and stains with a cloth, brush, or preferably a soft, dry flannel.
- Scratches can reduce the value of a perfectly crafted piece. Avoid direct contact with heavily embellished clothing, sharp surfaces, or chunky jewelry when you’re out.
- Wet leather requires special care. If rain is forecast, remember to carry an umbrella or avoid taking your favorite leather items on rainy days.
- Do not use regenerated leather-covered products in open areas, as this material is sensitive to excessive moisture.
Leather can last a lifetime if treated with proper care
Leather Storage
You may be wondering, how should I store my leather items? Properly storing your leather is one of the easiest ways to prevent damage and maintain its high-quality finish. Here are some tips:
- Store your bags and wallets in a sturdy paper or fabric bag to prevent scratches or dust accumulation.
- Avoid using plastic covers that hinder proper ventilation of your leather goods.
- Keep leather away from direct sunlight, as it can cause discoloration. Avoiding direct exposure to sunlight or very strong artificial light will help your leather items stay like new.
- Keep items as far as possible from artificial heat sources such as radiators or heaters. Radiators, in particular, can dry out leather and cause cracking.
Care for Specific Products
Daily care and careful storage greatly contribute to extending the life of your favorite leather garments, coverings, and accessories. However, certain specific products may require different care techniques, as we’ll see below:
Leather Bags and Purses
Although it’s tempting to leave our bags fully packed with daily essentials for the next day, instead, take the time to empty them completely to prevent deformation. As mentioned earlier, leather can easily lose its shape if filled with items that distort its original form. Making it a habit to empty your bag will help maintain its original shape. An additional tip is to fill the bag with tissue paper or non-treated cloth to better preserve its original silhouette.
If you plan to store your wallet for an extended period, such as until the next important event, you can also take time to wrap bag components like zippers in tissue paper to prevent unwanted marks on your leather bag.
Next, cover your wallet, preferably in a bag (not plastic) to protect it from dust. We recommend using the original packaging, as it is cut to the correct size to prevent flattening or deformation. If you no longer have the original packaging, a white cotton pillowcase can be a suitable alternative; avoid colored fabrics that may stain your accessory.
Once packed, store your covered bag away from direct sunlight and artificial heat sources. Ensure it is placed on a surface rather than hung, as this can stretch the handles. Also, choose a height that allows handles to hang freely; otherwise, they may bend or deform.
When caring for your bag at home, remember to apply the same precautions outside. Use a bag hook to keep it safe and away from dirty or rough surfaces that could damage the leather.
You can find this and more accessories in our product catalog
Leather Wallets and Coin Purses
Wallets and coin purses come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit your needs. Choose a style that matches your daily habits to reduce the risk of stretching the leather by overfilling the pockets, compartments, and card slots. Also, avoid storing items with metal points or edges that could scratch or puncture your wallet’s surface.
When carrying your wallet in a handbag, prevent scratches and fingerprints by keeping it in a separate compartment or a zipped pocket. Regularly clean or brush your wallet to remove accumulated dust and dirt, or even rust transfer from coins.
Avoid overfilling your wallet to prevent scratches, stretching, or color loss
Leather Luggage and Backpacks
While leather travel luggage is designed for durability, there are simple steps to preserve the quality and finish of your suitcase, handbag, or backpack on your next adventure.
Before and after travel, always place your luggage on its wheels or a protective surface rather than on its side to minimize direct contact with the floor or any surface that could dirty your leather accessory.
When in transit, use a protective luggage cover to prevent scratches when sending it through airport baggage systems or storing it in any transport compartment.
Between trips, empty your luggage and store it in a protective bag in a safe spot without bending the handles. Avoid packing it with other items that could leave marks or damage its shape.
Allow leather to dry naturally for at least 24 hours, lifting and flexing it occasionally to prevent stiffness. Use gloves when handling, as leather may feel sticky initially, but this should disappear after polishing. Polish with a cloth to remove any dye residue and give a polished appearance. Leather polish is used to achieve a shiny, glossy finish.
Not only travel in style, but also care for your items with class 😉
Briefcases
Maintain the refined, professional finish of a briefcase by placing it on the side with protective corners on the bottom; this prevents unnecessary wear and protects it from dirt or scratches.
Avoid excessive pressure on zippers and hardware by not overfilling with laptops or heavy items. When packing a briefcase inside a larger bag or luggage for business travel, ensure it’s well protected in a cloth bag or suitable packaging.
Gloves
Gloves are often exposed to unpredictable weather elements. If they get wet, allow them to dry naturally away from sunlight and artificial heat, as mentioned earlier with radiators and heaters.
To clean a glove, gently use a brush, cloth, or soft flannel. Prepare a mild soap and warm water solution. Clean the affected area with a sponge, being careful not to oversaturate the leather. Once clean, let the gloves dry in a cool, dry place. Occasionally putting them on helps maintain their shape.
The favorite look of many motorcycle enthusiasts
Notebooks, Planners, Diaries, and Albums
Leather albums or diaries often preserve precious memories, so it’s important to protect them properly. Always wash your hands before handling to avoid transferring dirt. Consider polishing or waxing with clear wax to keep leather covers hydrated and intact.
For work diaries and planners, store them in a drawer or shelf away from direct sunlight, allowing space for air circulation. Overcrowded books may crack at the edges, while books too far