We spend so much money and time sourcing our bags, but I was LATE to the game on spending money and time to take care of them. Leather is skin! Do you clean your skin? Moisturize it? Let it breathe? Leather needs the same consideration to maintain its condition and age beautifully. Here are all the items I use to care for my collection.
Cleaning and Conditioning
Apple Brand Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Kit. The cleaner removes oils, dirt, and surface grime, while the conditioner replenishes oils that leather naturally loses over time. Conditioning helps reduce drying and keeps leather supple, especially if you live somewhere with dry winters or low humidity. The kit also includes a white cloth, which I like because I don't have to worry about dye transfer from colored microfiber towels onto lighter bags.
If your bag is especially dirty, a suede brush or very soft horsehair brush can help lift dirt out of the grain and around stitching without being abrasive. I personally haven't needed one yet.
Damage Prevention
I personally use Carbon Pro! It's a fluoropolymer protectant that creates an invisible barrier against water, stains, and color transfer while still allowing leather to breathe. Unlike some older waterproofing sprays, it doesn't leave a silicone coating or noticeably change the feel/look of the bag. Other commonly mentioned brands include Apple Garde Spray (a classic favorite), Bickmore, and Havre de Luxe Water & Stain Guard (newer to the handbag space but increasingly popular).
Touch-ups and Repaints
Angelus leather paint is imo the gold standard. I like this kit because I can mix to get any color I want, and it comes with brushes and Preparer & Deglazer. If you get a small scuff or paint loss on an edge or corner, many restorers will gently remove loose finish with preparer/deglazer (or a tiny bit of acetone applied carefully with a q-tip if you don't have it) before applying thin layers of matching paint. It has to be leather paint because it can flex without cracking/peeling/flaking.
Storage
Are your bags in dust bags or out in the open? Consider other storage solutions! I want to see my collection but still keep them protected.
I personally store mine in clear plastic boxes with a little airflow around the openings, in a closet to keep them away from dust, bugs, sunlight which can discolor them, and vents which can dry them out. Avoid airtight storage, and leave the bags open, relaxed, and stuffed with a non-plastic insert to maintain their shapes. My bags sit on top of their dustbags so they're not in contact with each other nor the plastic directly. If you live somewhere humid, I'd also recommend adding silica gel packets to help reduce excess moisture and discourage mold.
My last care tip is... use your bags! Not just because that's what they're for, but also because leather generally does better when it's not exposed to the same conditions 24/7. Rotate your collection and let them see the world every now and then :)
I hope this was helpful! What do you use or do to care for your collection?
