Leather

Leather Care & Weather Guide

Our premium leather pieces are crafted to last a lifetime — with the right care. Nigeria's heat and humidity create specific challenges for leather. This guide gives you practical, finish-specific advice to protect your investment year-round.

🗄️ Storage

• Store in a cool, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight and heat sources (including air-conditioning vents that cycle hot/cold air).
• Use breathable cotton dust bags — never plastic, which traps humidity and encourages mould.
• Stuff structured bags with acid-free tissue to maintain shape; hang garments on padded, wide-shoulder hangers.
• Keep at least 5 cm of space around pieces for air circulation.
• In the rainy season, place silica gel sachets nearby and replace monthly.

💧 After Moisture Exposure (Rain, Sweat, Humidity)

• Blot excess moisture immediately with a clean, dry cloth — do not rub.
• Allow to air-dry at room temperature in a shaded, ventilated area. Never use direct heat (hair dryer, radiator, sunlight).
• Restore shape while damp for structured pieces; stuff with tissue paper or a shoe tree for footwear.
• Once fully dry (allow 12–24 hours), apply conditioner as below before storing.
• If water stains appear, lightly dampen the entire panel evenly, then dry — uneven drying causes tide marks.

🧴 Conditioning: Type & Frequency

Smooth & Vegetable-Tanned Leather — Use a light, wax-free leather conditioner or pure neatsfoot oil. Apply every 6–8 weeks in normal conditions; every 4 weeks during peak rainy season (April–October).

Pebbled & Textured Leather — Use a water-based conditioner to avoid flattening the grain. Apply every 8 weeks.

Suede & Nubuck — Do not use liquid conditioner. Brush with a suede brush after every wear; treat with a suede-specific spray protector monthly.

Always test any product on a hidden area first and allow 10 minutes before proceeding.

⚠️ Finish-Specific Cautions

• Patent / Lacquered finishes: Avoid conditioner oils — use a damp cloth only. Keep away from extreme heat, which causes cracking.
• Aniline & semi-aniline: Highly absorbent — condition sparingly and avoid wet conditions; use a spray-on waterproofing wax.
• Pigmented / corrected-grain: Most forgiving. Wipe with a damp cloth; condition lightly 2–3× per year.
• Embossed patterns: Use a soft brush to work conditioner into recessed areas; wipe off excess promptly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Vaseline or coconut oil?
Avoid both. Petroleum jelly can darken leather and clog pores. Coconut oil softens fibres excessively and goes rancid, causing odour and mould in humid conditions.

My bag got caught in the rain — is it ruined?
No. Blot dry, air-dry in the shade for 24 hours, and condition once fully dry. Most full-grain leathers recover well.

How do I prevent mould during the rainy season?
Never store leather while damp, ensure airflow, use silica gel sachets in your storage space, and wipe pieces down with a diluted white vinegar solution (1:5 ratio) if mould spots appear — then dry and condition.

Does waterproof spray affect the leather's look?
A quality spray protector designed for leather (not fabric) leaves no visible residue on smooth finishes. Avoid silicone-based sprays, which can darken suede permanently.

How do I know if my leather needs conditioning?
Scratch the surface lightly with a fingernail. If the scratch mark stays white or chalky, it's time to condition. Supple leather with good moisture will recover quickly.