How to Care for a Leather Bag: Less Is More
Search for "leather bag cleaner" and you will find shelves of sprays, balms and conditioners. For a well-made leather bag, you need far less than that. Most of the time, a dry cloth is all it takes. Here is how to keep a leather bag looking right for years, and what to avoid.
Everyday care: a dry cloth
Wipe your bag now and then with a soft, dry cloth. It removes dust and light marks, and it brings back the soft sheen of the leather. For a small mark, rub gently with the cloth, or even with a dry fingertip. That is usually enough.
Some marks are best left alone. Leather changes a little with use, and small signs of wear become part of its character.
What to avoid
- Alcohol and disinfectant wipes. They can strip the finish and lift the colour.
- Soap and household cleaners. They are made for other surfaces and can leave stains or dull the leather.
- Heat. Never dry a bag on a radiator, with a hairdryer or in direct heat. It makes leather hard and can cause cracks.
- Products you have not tested. Every cleaner, balm or oil reacts differently with coloured leather. If you want to use one, ask us first.
When your bag gets wet
Good leather handles a rain shower well, but it is not waterproof. If your bag gets wet:
- Pat it dry with a soft, dry cloth. Do not rub.
- Let it dry naturally at room temperature, away from radiators and direct heat.
- Empty it if the inside got damp, so it dries evenly.
Leather that has been properly wet can feel a little firmer once dry. That is normal. If it stays stiff, contact us before you try any product on it.
Do you need a leather conditioner?
For our bags, not as part of normal care. A conditioner or balm can change the colour or finish of coloured leather, and each product behaves differently. A dry cloth is the safe choice. If your bag ever needs more than that, email us at info@evanred.com and we will advise you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to clean a leather bag?
A soft, dry cloth. Wipe the bag gently. For most marks, that is enough.
Can I use a leather cleaner on my Evan Red bag?
We do not recommend it without asking us first. Cleaners can affect the colour and finish of coloured leather.
Can I use wet wipes or soap?
No. Alcohol, wipes, soap and household cleaners can damage the finish and the colour.
Is my Evan Red bag waterproof?
No. It is water-resistant, so a rain shower is fine, but it is not waterproof. If it gets wet, let it dry naturally, away from heat.
Our bags are made from vegetable-tanned, top-grain leather with a fine pebbled grain and a satin finish. Read more about the leather in Top-Grain, Full-Grain or PU Leather: What's the Difference?, or browse the Amsterdam Briefcase and the London Backpack. Every bag comes in a gift box with a fleece cover, with free shipping within the EU, 30-day returns and a 1-year warranty.
