Leather Care Guide

Real leather doesn't need frequent care, but it does need the right care for its type.

Different leathers need different things, and the wrong method does more damage than leaving it alone. This page is organized by the leather types we sell, so just look up yours.

Quick guide

Nubuck (matte, soft, velvet-like surface) — brush with a soft-bristle brush · no creams or oils

Vegetable-tanned leather (darkens with use) — condition 1–2 times a year

Smooth / full-grain leather — wipe with a damp cloth, clean with soap when stained, then condition

Lambskin (soft and light) — wipe gently with a soft cloth, avoid pressure
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Not sure what leather your bag is? Send us a photo via LINE @Bagspace or email info@bagspace.in.th.

Nubuck

A matte surface that feels soft like velvet, with no shine. Used mainly in our woven bags and women's bags.

Do

Brush off dust in one direction with a soft-bristle brush every 2–3 weeks.
For stains, rub gently on the spot with a nubuck eraser, then brush.
If the nap looks flat or shiny, brush gently against the grain and it will lift again.

Don't

Use any conditioner, oil, or wax, which will make the matte surface permanently shiny and blotchy.
Use a wet cloth: only a barely damp one, and only when necessary.

Vegetable-tanned leather

Uncoated leather whose color keeps deepening with light and use. Year one and year five won't be the same color.

Do

Wipe off dust with a dry cloth.
Apply a thin coat of leather conditioner 1–2 times a year in small circles, leave it for 15 minutes, then wipe off the excess.
To darken the color faster, leave it in soft morning sun once a week.

Don't

Apply too much conditioner or condition too often, or the leather becomes saturated and sticky.
Leave it in strong sun for long periods, or the color will burn unevenly.
Place it on surfaces that bleed color, such as new jeans; this leather absorbs dye most easily.

Smooth & Full-Grain Leather

A smooth surface with natural sheen. Used in our belts, wallets, and structured bags.

Do

Wipe with a damp cloth after heavy use.
For embedded sweat or hand marks, work up a lather with leather cleaning soap, rub gently, wipe off, and let it air dry.
Condition after every cleaning, and at least twice a year.

Don't

Use general cleaners, alcohol, or thinner.
Dry it in the sun or with a hair dryer, or the leather will stiffen and crack.

Lambskin

The softest and lightest of the leathers we use. It is thinner than cowhide, so it's more delicate.

Do

Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth.
Apply a thin coat of conditioner 1–2 times a year, using about half as much as for cowhide.

Don't

Carry heavy or sharp-edged items; it scratches more easily than cowhide.
Press it flat or stack things on it in storage.

Woven leather bags: a few extra tips

Brush and condition along the weave, not across it
Keep the load reasonable so the weave doesn't stretch.
When storing, stuff it with paper or a soft cloth to hold its shape.
No two bags have exactly the same leather strips; that's normal for woven work.

What to do if...

It gets caught in the rain or wet

Blot right away with a dry cloth (don't rub), then let it dry in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. No sun, no hair dryer, and keep it away from direct air-conditioner airflow. Let it dry naturally, then care for it according to its leather type.

It gets scratched

On smooth and vegetable-tanned leather, rub shallow scratches gently in circles with your finger; the warmth of your hand will make them fade. On nubuck, brush over them.

Mold appears in the rainy season

Wipe with a dry cloth first, then air it out in the shade until completely dry. Store it somewhere ventilated, never in a sealed plastic bag. Silica gel packs in the cabinet help a lot.

It won't be used for a long time

Stuff it with paper or a soft cloth to keep its shape, put it in a cloth bag (not plastic), and store it upright without stacking. Take it out to air every 2–3 months.

What to use

Complete Leather Care Kit — Clean, condition, and polish with one kit, for bags, shoes, and belts (ships within Thailand only)
Genuine Horsehair Brush Set (4 pcs) — Made especially for brushing nubuck and woven leather
Saddle Soap — Cleaning soap for smooth leather and deep-set dirt (ships within Thailand only)

Have a problem with your bag that isn't covered here?

Send us a photo via LINE @Bagspace or email info@bagspace.in.th. We'll take a look and tell you how to fix it, no purchase needed.

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