LEATHER CARE
Leather is an organic material and although the tanning process can help to preserve it, if given the wrong environment or treated badly, leather can mould, mildew and decay.

CLEANING
To clean a leather item, first choose a cleaner that will help preserve the natural lubricating oils instead of stripping them. The cleaner of your choice should not leave behind any greasy residue. Residue makes leather susceptible to bacteria and can break down the stitching of your item. Before applying anything to your leather item, be certain to test it out for effect and possible colour distortion on an area that isn't too visible. Once you've ascertained whether the leather care product is acceptable to use, apply it to your item. With a slightly dampened cloth, remove the cleaning product. For areas with stitches, there are brushes available on the market.

LEATHER CONDITIONERS
Leather conditioners are very important for occasional use. They contain fats and/or oils that help lubricate leather and restore its suppleness. Petroleum by-products do, over a period of time, damage your leather. Use thick, greasy conditioning treatments for the best care of your leather.

REMOVING DIRT
Dirt can usually be wiped off leather with a clean, barely moist soft cloth and allow to dry. Saddle soap is not recommended, as it may remove the natural oils. If used excessively it can soften your leather too much. A leather cream used sparingly can enrich your product, and, if it's a transparent cream, there's no danger of it rubbing off on clothes.

REMOVING STAINS
Fresh stains from things such as blood and food can be cleaned up quickly with a damp cloth. Stains from oil or grease can be lifted by grinding ordinary blackboard chalk, sprinkling the area, and leaving the powder on for a twenty-four hour period. Resist the urge to rub the powder in. Use a leather care brush to remove the powder. While fresh stains can be treated and cleaned at home, ground-in stains should be attended to by a professional cleaner who deals in leather.

REMOVING MILDEW
Create a mixture of one-cup rubbing alcohol per one-cup of water. Wipe the mildew area with a cloth dipped in the diluted alcohol, then allow it to dry. If the mildew persists, use mild soap and water that contains a germicide, then remove with a clean dampened cloth and allow to dry.

SUEDE CLEANING
A brush raises the nap and removes dust from suede items. New suedes are subject to"crocking", which means suede dust may rub off on hands and clothes. Crocking can be minimized by rubbing any new suede bag or accessory vigorously with a terry towel.

AFTER RAIN
If suede or leather gets wet or rainspotted, empty the item, stuff it with tissue and let it dry at room temperature. After suede dries, brushing it with a terry towel will restore its appearance.

An important key to keeping leather in top-notch condition is to treat wet leather before it has a chance to dry. Remove any dirt, mud, or other stains. It is critical to remember that leather should be dried away from heat. Pit in a well ventilated area at room temperature. All straps or pieces that can be laid flat should be. Collars, leads and belts can be hung. Never place your leather products in direct sunlight or on or very near a heat vent or fan. Allow to dry thoroughly.

Once it is completely dry (24-48 hours), wipe it clean by vigorously rubbing with a soft cloth. Then massage it in your hands and through your fingers. Sometimes, this is all that is needed for your item to regain its suppleness. If you feel a conditioner is needed, use a good quality conditioning oil sparingly. To apply oil, do not use a towel or rag as this will soak up more of your oil than your leather will. Pour a bit into the palm of your hand and rub your hands together. Then massage it into the leather. Wipe the excess off with a soft cloth.

PROTECTION
New luggage or personal accessories can be treated with a spray-on stain repellent..
Moisture barriers are important in preventing rain or other liquids from damaging leather. Stiffness and spouting will occur if leather isn't protected. There is a drawback in protecting leather with moisture barrier products - they tend to fill in the pores with a greasiness that makes cleaning, conditioning, and polishing difficult, but it's a necessary process to ensure leather isn't damaged. Periodically apply a moisture barrier and allow it time to penetrate and dry before using your leather item. Beware of spot removers which will pick up surface dirt.

STORAGE
A general rule is that, if you are comfortable, your leather products are, too. Always store leather in a cool, dry place away from heat. After exposure to too much cold, heat, moisture, dryness or chemicals, your leather is likely to need a bit of care. If you live in a very hot, very dry, very cold or very humid climate, apply small amounts of a conditioning oil to your clean leather periodically to help keep it in good condition.

When storing your leather items they should not be allowed to come into contact with one another, as some finishes may stick together. Remember that leather is a natural material and should never be stored in plastic because it encourages the growth of mildew and bacteria and will ruin the leather. The best wrap for all kinds of accessories is tissue paper.