Leather Products Potential Damages & How To Care

Proper Care for Leather Goods: Ensuring Longevity and Elegance

(Updated 2025)

A well-crafted leather product can last decades — even generations — when cared for properly. Whether it’s a wallet, journal cover, card holder, valet tray, or keychain, full-grain leather is naturally durable and ages beautifully with use. However, like any natural material, leather can experience damage if it’s exposed to the wrong conditions.

This guide explains the most common types of damage, how to prevent them, and how to properly care for your premium full-grain leather goods made at Craft & Antler Co.

1. Why Leather Requires Proper Care

Full-grain leather contains natural oils and fibers that keep it strong, flexible, and long-lasting. When leather becomes dry, overstressed, or exposed to harsh environments, it can:

• crack
• warp
• stretch
• stain
• fade

These issues are avoidable with correct cleaning, conditioning, and storage.

Regular care preserves your leather’s natural beauty and helps it develop the rich patina that high-quality hides are known for.

2. Common Mistakes That Damage Leather Products

Many types of leather damage come from everyday habits — not accidents. Here are the biggest culprits:

• Excessive Sunlight & Heat

Direct sunlight and high heat can dry out leather quickly, causing fading, stiffness, and cracking. Avoid leaving leather in cars, by windows, or near heaters.

• Water Exposure & Moisture

Small splashes are usually fine, but extended exposure can stain leather, weaken fibers, and cause mildew. Never soak leather or dry it with heat.

• Oils, Sweat & Friction

Your hands naturally contain oils that darken leather over time — which is part of the patina process. But excessive sweat, lotions, or rubbing against rough surfaces can cause uneven wear.

• Overstuffing Wallets & Card Holders

Leather stretches naturally. Overloading compartments can permanently widen slots and deform the product.

• Inadequate Storage

Storing leather in damp or tightly sealed spaces can cause mould. It should always be stored in a dry, breathable environment.

3. Material-Specific Care (Pueblo, Crazy Horse & Tochigi)

Your products are made using some of the world’s best full-grain leathers. Each has unique characteristics and responds differently to wear.

Pueblo Leather

• Matte, textured surface
• Develops a rich, dramatic patina
• Light scratches blend in beautifully

Care: Avoid water exposure; condition lightly every few months.

Crazy Horse Leather

• Rustic look with pull-up effect
• Naturally scratch-friendly
• Ages with character

Care: Do not over-condition; light buffing restores appearance.

Tochigi Leather (Japan)

• Smooth, traditional veg-tan
• Slight sheen that deepens over time
• Clean, refined finish

Care: Condition sparingly; avoid water and oils.

All of these leathers develop unique markings and soften with use, becoming more personal the longer you carry them.

4. How to Clean Your Leather Products Properly

Step 1 — Wipe the Surface

Use a dry, soft microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris.

Step 2 — Spot Clean

For small spots, use a barely damp cloth and gentle pressure. Avoid soap unless absolutely necessary.

Step 3 — Dry Naturally

Let the leather air-dry away from heat, sunlight, or blow dryers.

Step 4 — Condition (Only When Necessary)

Condition full-grain leather every 3–6 months, depending on usage. Apply a small amount of leather balm and buff gently.

Step 5 — Protect

Use your item regularly — good leather improves with handling and becomes more supple over time.

5. Recommended Storage Practices

• ✔ Store in a breathable cotton bag (never plastic)
• ✔ Keep away from excessive moisture
• ✔ Avoid stacking heavy items on top
• ✔ Allow leather to rest between heavy uses
• ✔ If storing long-term, condition before storage

6. Extending the Life of Your Leather Goods

Here’s how to make your Craft & Antler Co. pieces last a lifetime:

• Rotate wallets or journal covers if possible
• Keep pockets and compartments from over-stretching
• Allow leather to dry naturally if wet
• Avoid harsh soaps and chemical cleaners
• Condition moderately — not too often

Practicing simple habits consistently keeps your products looking better every year.

Explore Handcrafted Leather Goods

From wallets and card holders to journal covers, valet trays, and everyday accessories — every piece is handcrafted in Canada using premium full-grain leathers.

Browse our handcrafted leather goods