The Soul of Your Leather: A Guide to Lifetime Care
When you invest in a handcrafted Protea & Maple piece, you’re not just buying a bag or a wallet. You’re adopting a companion, a piece crafted from the finest full-grain leather, designed to last a lifetime.
A common question we receive is how to care for it. How to keep it "perfect." The truth is, "perfect" isn't a static, out-of-the-box newness. "Perfect" is a material that is alive, that breathes, and that ages gracefully with you.
Caring for your leather is simple. It's not about complex procedures; it's about gentle maintenance and, most importantly, about letting the leather be itself. Here is our complete 5-step guide.
1. Embrace the Patina
Your piece will develop a unique patina—a beautiful sheen and darkening—from sunlight, your hands, and daily use. This is the leather's story. Let it flourish.
This is the single most important part of owning full-grain leather. Patina is the hallmark of high-quality, natural leather. Those small scuffs, the way the handle darkens from your grip, the golden sheen it develops after a year in the sun—that isn't damage. That is character. We've chosen this material specifically because it does this, transforming from a new item into a one-of-a-kind artifact that is uniquely yours.
2. Keep it Dry
Try to avoid heavy rain. If your piece gets wet, blot (don't rub) with a soft, dry cloth and let it air dry slowly. Never use a hairdryer.
While our leather is durable, it's not invincible, especially against water. A light drizzle is usually fine, but if you get caught in a downpour:
Blot, Don't Rub: Rubbing can push the water deeper into the leather and spread stains. A gentle blot with a soft cloth (like an old t-shirt) is all you need.
Air Dry Slowly: Stuff your bag with paper or a towel to help it keep its shape and let it dry naturally, away from direct heat.
Why No Hairdryer? Direct, intense heat is the enemy. It will pull all the natural oils from the leather, causing it to become brittle, dry, and even crack. Patience is key.
3. Clean Gently
For dust, wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For small spots, use a slightly damp cloth on the affected area. Never use soap, household cleaners, or chemical solvents.
For 99% of its life, a simple wipe with a soft, dry cloth is the only cleaning your piece will ever need.
For Stubborn Spots: If you have a small, non-oily spot, a cloth barely dampened with clean water, applied with gentle dabbing, is the next step.
What to Avoid: This is critical. Never use:
Household Cleaners (Windex, etc.)
Alcohol-based wipes or solvents
Baby Wipes (these often contain oils or cleaners)
Saddle Soap (this is a harsh, old-school cleaner—far too strong for our leather) These products will strip the leather's oils and damage its finish.
4. Condition Sparingly
This leather is already rich with oils. You only need to condition it if it feels very dry, perhaps once a year. Use a natural leather balm, test on a hidden spot, and apply a very small amount with a soft cloth. Less is more.
We've chosen leathers that are already deeply nourished. You will not need to condition your item often.
How Often? Once a year is plenty for most people. If you live in an extremely dry climate, you might do it twice.
What Kind? Look for a natural leather balm or conditioner, ideally one with beeswax or other natural oils. Avoid anything with silicones or petroleum, which don't feed the leather and can seal it, preventing it from breathing.
The Process:
Ensure the bag is clean and dry.
Spot Test: Always apply a tiny amount to a hidden area first (like the bottom or inside a strap).
Use Your Cloth: Put a small dab on your cloth, not the bag.
Apply in gentle, circular motions.
Buff: After 15-20 minutes, use a separate clean, dry cloth to buff off any excess.
5. Store Properly
When not in use, store your piece in a cool, dry place, preferably in a breathable dust bag (never in plastic).
How you store your item is just as important as how you use it.
Use the Dust Bag: The breathable cotton dust bag we provide is not just for show. It protects your item from dust, scratches, and incidental sunlight, all while allowing the leather to breathe.
Keep its Shape: For bags, stuff them with acid-free paper, an old t-shirt, or a pillow to help them retain their structure.
Why Not Plastic? Never, ever store leather in a plastic bag or bin. Plastic traps moisture and air, which is a perfect recipe for mildew and can cause the leather to degrade.
Explore our collection of handcrafted leather goods or Share your leather's story with us on Instagram @proteamapleleatherco using #ProteaAndMaple.