Leather Care 101: Maintaining Luxury Bags and Shoes

As a fashion enthusiast, you know that fashion can be more than a way to express yourself—it can also serve as an investment for the future. High-end leather items require specialized designer leather care to help keep them looking their best. Here’s how to take care of your leather handbags and shoes.

Understanding Leather Types

Understanding how to care for your luxury shoes and bags begins by learning what type of leather you’re working with. Some of the most common types you’ll see offered by designers include:

Full-Grain Leather

Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather available, retaining the natural grain and imperfections of the hide. This type of leather is celebrated for its durability and its ability to develop a rich, unique patina over time, making it a particularly popular choice for high-end bags.

To care for full-grain leather, regular conditioning is essential to keep the material soft and prevent drying or cracking. It’s important to avoid excessive moisture, as this can damage the leather’s natural fibers. Cleaning should always be done gently using a leather-safe cleaner and a soft cloth, ensuring the leather’s pristine appearance maintains its shine for years to come.

Pebbled Leather

Pebbled leather features a textured surface created through a heat-pressing process, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Its durability and scratch-resistant finish make it a popular choice for luxury bags where style meets functionality.

This type of leather is a bit more forgiving when it comes to cleaning, with the textured pattern helping to disguise dirt and stains compared to full-grain leather. If you do notice a spot, use a soft-bristle brush to clean the textured surface without damaging the grain. Regularly applying a high-quality leather conditioner will help maintain flexibility and softness—two essential features that help bags and shoes maintain shape.

Patent Leather

Patent leather is known for its shine and lavish appeal. The high-gloss, polished finish gives luxury items a little touch of glam, making them most suitable for eveningwear.

This type of leather is naturally resistant to water, making it ideal for stylish yet practical accessories. However, its glossy surface is prone to scuffs and fingerprints, requiring regular maintenance to preserve its appearance.

Wiping it clean with a damp cloth is usually sufficient for everyday care. You can use a specialized patent leather polish to restore shine and remove surface scuffs, keeping the leather looking flawless and vibrant.

Suede

Suede is a luxurious, soft leather created by sanding the underside of an animal hide until it showcases the material’s signature buttery-smooth, velvet feel. Prized for its elegant appearance, suede is often used in high-end bags and outerwear. However, its delicate nature makes it more susceptible to damage from dirt, stains and moisture than other types of leather. Proper care is essential to maintain suede’s beauty and longevity.

To preserve suede, it’s crucial to prevent dirt and moisture from settling into the fibers if they touch the material. Regular brushing with a suede brush removes surface debris and restores the material’s soft texture, which can be an important maintenance step if you’re buying suede for its texture. A water- and stain-repellent spray designed specifically for suede can provide a protective barrier between debris and the item, reducing the risk of permanent stains.

Storage is another critical aspect of suede care. Keep suede items in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Use dust bags for handbags and avoid placing heavy objects on top of suede pieces to help them maintain their shape. For shoes, cedar shoe trees can help absorb moisture and help retain their form. Our team especially recommends sealing shoes and outwear exposed to the elements with a water repellant to extend their life.

Daily Maintenance Tips for Leather Bags and Shoes

Keeping your leather luxury items looking their best begins with daily maintenance and careful wear.

• Wipe your items regularly: Use a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust and dirt from leather items after each use. This simple habit prevents buildup and keeps leather looking clean and fresh.
• Avoid direct sunlight and heat: Store leather items away from direct sunlight, radiators or other heat sources, as prolonged exposure can dry out the leather and cause fading or cracking.
• Use a protective spray: If you use your leather shoes or bag on a daily basis, apply a high-quality leather or suede protective spray to shield your items from water stains.
• Reshape your bags after using them: After use, remove contents from leather bags and fill them with tissue paper or a bag insert to maintain their shape. This prevents sagging and structural damage.
• Rotate usage: Avoid overusing one leather item daily whenever possible. Alternating between pieces gives the material time to breathe and recover, preventing excessive wear.

Deep Cleaning Techniques for Leather Bags and Shoes

When your shoes or bags need a little extra love, it’s important to have the correct tools on hand. Here’s how to deep clean the three major types of leather.

• Full-grain leather: If you notice a stain on smooth leather, a leather cleaner like Lexol Leather Cleaner may be able to remove it. Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth (not directly on the leather) and gently wipe the surface in circular motions. Follow up with a conditioner to restore moisture and suppleness to the piece.
• Pebbled leather: Clean pebbled leather with a mild leather cleaner and a soft-bristle brush to get into the textured surface. Work in small sections and wipe away excess cleaner with a damp microfiber cloth. Finish by applying a leather conditioner to maintain its durability and flexibility.
• Patent leather: Patent leather is a bit tougher than soft leather, with its reflective surface providing a barrier that stops stains from setting as easily. Wipe the surface of your patent leather with a damp cloth to remove dirt and smudges daily. For deeper cleaning, use a patent leather cleaner or polish designed to restore its glossy finish. Buff with a soft cloth to achieve a mirror-like shine.
• Suede: For stains or scuffs, a suede eraser or a small amount of white vinegar applied with a clean cloth can be effective. Always work gently to avoid damaging the material. For more serious stains, consider taking your item to a professional suede cleaner.

Adding Vintage Leather to Your Closet

One of the best qualities of leather? Like a fine wine, it gets better and better with time. Shop pre-loved vintage luxury leather at up to 90% off with The RealReal.