The short answer
Wipe your bag with a soft, dry cloth every week, condition it lightly every few months or when it looks dry, and blot it dry at once after rain. Store it stuffed with paper in its dust bag, away from sun and heat. Never use alcohol, household cleaners or a hairdryer.
Good leather does not need much. A few minutes a week and a little more every few months keep a full-grain bag supple, clean and ageing the way it should. This routine is for smooth leather; suede and nubuck need different care. If you are not sure what kind of leather you have, start with what leather labels really mean.
What you need at home
Three things cover almost everything: two soft cloths, a conditioner made for smooth leather, and the dust bag your bag came in.
- ClothsTwo soft, lint-free cotton cloths: one to wipe, one to buff. An old cotton T-shirt works.
- ConditionerA cream or balm made for smooth leather. Avoid products with silicone or solvents, and always test first on a hidden spot.
- Dust bagA breathable cotton bag for storage. Never plastic: leather needs air.
The routine at a glance
Most care is quick and regular: a wipe each week, conditioning a few times a year, and fast, gentle action after rain or a spill.
| When | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Every week | Wipe off dust with a dry, soft cloth | 1 minute |
| Every few months | Clean, then condition lightly | 15 minutes |
| After rain | Blot dry, let it dry at room temperature | 5 minutes |
| Before storing | Empty, stuff with paper, put in its dust bag | 5 minutes |
Every week: a dry wipe
Dust settles into the grain and slowly dries the surface. Wipe the whole bag with a dry, soft cloth, including the handles, where hands leave oil and dirt. Empty the bag now and then too: pens, keys and loose coins are behind most marks on the inside.
Every few months: clean and condition
Condition a bag you carry daily every few months, and one you use less often once or twice a year. The clearest sign is the leather itself: if it looks pale or dry, or feels stiff, it is time.
- Wipe it clean with a soft cloth, very slightly damp, then let it dry.
- Test the conditioner on a hidden spot, such as under a flap, and wait a few hours. Conditioner often darkens leather a little at first.
- Apply a small amount with a clean cloth in small circles. Less is better: too much leaves the surface sticky.
- Let it rest overnight, away from heat, then buff gently with a dry cloth.
After rain
Light rain will not ruin a leather bag if you act quickly: blot, do not rub, and let it dry slowly at room temperature.
Blot the water with a soft cloth straight away. Stuff the bag loosely with paper to keep its shape and draw moisture from inside, and leave it to dry at room temperature. Never use a hairdryer, a radiator or direct sun: fast drying makes leather stiff and can crack it. Once it is completely dry, a light conditioning brings back its softness.
Stains and spills
Act fast and gently. Blot liquids with a clean cloth; rubbing pushes them deeper into the grain. For a fresh grease or oil mark, a little cornstarch left on overnight and brushed off can draw some of it out. Ink and dye stains are hard to remove at home, so ask a leather specialist rather than scrubbing.
Alcohol, nail polish remover, baby wipes and household cleaners. They strip the natural oils from leather and can leave pale patches that do not come back.
Storing your bag
Empty it, stuff it loosely with acid-free paper so it keeps its shape, and keep it in its dust bag somewhere cool, dry and dark. Store it standing up rather than hanging by its handles, which stretch over time. Keep it away from windows and heaters, where sunlight and heat fade and dry the leather.
When care is not enough
Care keeps the leather healthy. If something goes wrong with how your bag is made, such as a seam, a handle or a piece of hardware, that is what the Velvinci Guarantee is for: two years from delivery, with shipping both ways paid by us. For anything else, write to us through the Contact page.
Questions
How often should I condition a leather bag?
Every few months for a bag you carry daily, once or twice a year for one you use less. Condition sooner if the leather looks pale or dry.
Can I use olive oil or coconut oil on leather?
We do not recommend it. Kitchen oils can darken leather unevenly, stay sticky and turn rancid. Use a conditioner made for smooth leather.
My bag got wet. What should I do?
Blot it dry, stuff it loosely with paper and let it dry at room temperature, away from heat and sun. Condition it lightly once it is completely dry.
How do I clean the inside of my bag?
Empty it, shake it out and use a lint roller or a slightly damp cloth on the lining. Let it air before you close it.