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Caring for Your Leather

Fine leather deserves proper care. The proper treatment of a leather item rests on its condition, or the degree of deterioration when starting the treatment. Find out all you need to know about caring for your leather right here.

Four Causes of Leather Deterioration

The first step in caring for your leather is to understand the causes of leather damage. If you know what to avoid, it can help ensure a long life for the leather item.

Oxidation: Oxidation is most commonly seen in old dry leather, with surface cracking and flaking, and an overall weakness. This occurrence will eventually turn leather to dust if ignored. Oxidation may be reduced by a thorough impregnation with a leather care lotion to give it new life. Leather products should never be sealed in a display case and forgotten - they must be kept moisturized to maintain good condition.

Chemical damage: This can occur by way of ultraviolet light, ozone, or nitrous pollutants found in the air, or through chemical action following treatment with tallow or oil compounds. It is worth noting that oxidation and chemical damage both occur faster at higher temperatures which is why leather should always be stored away from heat and avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight.

Internal chafing or breaking of the fibers: This occurs when dry leather is flexed without proper lubricant. The use of lubricant allows the fibers to slide one against the other without damage. Dry leather should not be flexed without thorough lubrication.

Abrasion: Whether external, from rubbing on the outside, or internal from dirt particles ground into the leather, abrasions are a common concern for leather.

Caring for Your Leather from Bosca

Surface Dirt: Surface dirt can be removed by gently wiping the surface with a clean, damp cloth.

Scuffs: To eliminate scuffs, lightly rub the marks with your fingers as the natural oils in leather will usually be enough to buff out small scuffs.

Cleaning Fabrics: All of our Bosca fabrics can be cleaned with the use of a mild detergent and warm water solution. You will want to mix approximately one teaspoon of cleaner in one pint of water. A clean cloth or towel dampened with this solution should be used to essentially lift the stain out by way of blotting the entire area. Never scrub or brush one spot alone on the bag as this could lighten the color of the fabric. It is always suggested to clean an entire section of the bag to achieve a uniform appearance.