*Note: Latico Leathers does not recommend any cleaner/conditioner be used on our bags as it may change the color of the bag itself. If you choose to use a leather cleaner or conditioner, we strongly advise that you try it first in an inconspicuous spot to see if it will change the color of your bag.*

Purchasing a new leather bag is only the first step of your journey. To maintain the buttery-soft feel and develop a beautiful patina, you must learn how to care for your leather bag. 

Drawing on our 40 years of experience, we’ll guide you through all the steps necessary for taking care of your leather bag so that it can last a lifetime. From understanding the ins and outs of natural material to gaining the knowledge you need to store and protect your bag correctly, we are here to help.

Whether your bag has to endure daily wear and tear or travel plans, it will stand the test of time as long as you follow these top leather care tips.

There are various types of leather, each with unique attributes and specific care instructions. Before you begin maintenance care, you must know which kind of leather you’re working with.

At Latico, we use full-grain leather, the highest-quality leather. It’s durable and resilient and features the complete, unaltered hide — blemishes. Because it’s made from the outermost layer of the hide and undergoes minimal processing, each bag has unique patterns and imperfections that contribute to its distinctive character.

Top-grain and genuine leather are the two most common types of leather manufacturers use to make handbags. Top-grain is similar to full-grain, but the surface has been sanded to remove imperfections, giving it a more uniform appearance. 

The other primary type is genuine leather. Contrary to what the name suggests, it is not the highest-quality leather. Manufacturers buff and polish both of these materials to create a uniform look. These types require different care techniques, but more on that later.

Your leather bag will accumulate dust, dirt, and other surface debris. But you don’t want the dirt, grime, and oils to build up, or they’ll shorten the lifespan of your accessory.

Start by dusting your leather bag regularly with a soft, dry cloth. This simple habit can prevent dirt particles from embedding themselves in the leather's pores. If your bag has a lining, empty it and shake it out regularly to avoid crumbs or dust from accumulating. 

Whenever your bag isn’t slung over your shoulder, we recommend storing it in a dust-cloth bag. For this reason, most of our bags come with a free anti-dust bag to protect them from extreme heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.

If your bag does manage to collect dust, gently wipe it away with a soft, dry cloth. Even if you’re storing your bag in the dust cloth bag regularly, maintaining this habit can ensure that dirt particles don’t make their way into the leather pores.

From coffee splashes on your hands-free crossbody bag to rainwater on your everyday tote, there’s bound to be an accident along the way.

When this happens, you need to clean it as soon as possible. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe off any excess debris or liquid, then wipe the area down with a barely damp cloth to remove any surface dirt.

In addition to removing stains, it’s essential to clean your bag regularly. There are different solutions and techniques recommended for each type of leather:

• Full-grain leather: Use a damp cloth or paper towel to clean your Latico bag to avoid stripping the natural oils. A heavy cleaner can damage and discolor the bag, ruining the aging process.
  
• Top-grain leather: If you opt for a lower-quality, top-grain leather, you can use a cleaner to remove stains. Make sure to choose one free of alcohol and other harsh chemicals, though, as it will be the least likely to damage the leather.
• Genuine leather: Genuine leather isn’t technically “real” leather; it’s a blend of multiple leather products. If you decide to clean it with anything but a damp cloth, choose a pH-balanced cleaner that isn’t excessively soapy or oily. Our bags are made from full-grain leather (the highest quality), which doesn’t require any cleaner.

Full-grain leathers, such as those we use in our products, don’t require regular conditioning, but other top-grain and genuine leathers might, depending on their quality. Conditioning your bag every one to three months nourishes the leather, replenishes the natural oils, and prevents it from drying out and cracking.

First, you'll need to choose the right leather conditioner. For top-grain leather bags, use a conditioner with no waxes, silicones, or petroleum distillates. These ingredients may temporarily improve the sheen but may also clog the pores, limiting the bag’s breathability. 

Lower-quality conditioners are sufficient for genuine leather, as the protective layer limits the conditioner’s penetrative abilities. A lighter, non-oily conditioner will provide some level of conditioning without leaving a greasy residue or damaging the material.

For sustainable full-grain leathers, like those from Latico, we recommend brushing over the area with just your fingertips — the natural oil on your hands serves as a natural conditioner. The bags contain oils and waxes that can move and melt when exposed to higher temperatures, similar to melting candle wax. 

Simply rub into the scrape with your fingertips. The warmth from your hands combined with the oils will slowly activate the natural leather in the bag and melt the imperfection away.

If you choose to use a leather conditioner, we recommend spot testing on an inconspicuous area before applying the formula to the whole bag. Apply conditioner sparingly and evenly, allowing the material to absorb, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.

Now that you know how to store your leather bag and care for it properly, take it with you on every adventure, night out, and trip to a new city. Every bump, wear, and crease can be taken care of and will make your bag that much more unique to you!

If you still have questions about caring for your leather bag, our team would be happy to help! Check out our FAQ page to answer even more of your questions or contact us directly via email at info@laticoleathers.com.