Leather care & preventing damage

Like a fine wine, quality leather becomes better with age. Like our skin, animal leather can dry out, crack, tear, and become damaged based on the way we treat it. A number of things can affect the leathers surface, such as the sun, rain, snow, and dry/cold air. 

The life of your leather product depends on how it is treated. For the most part, leather treatment is only necessary every 6 months.

Adding a coat of organic, waterproofing, leather balm will help maintain the life of your leather goods for years to come.

For our products, we suggest applying Hide Society leather balm to waterproof and protect the material. This will ensure your product stays in tip-top shape, but it can also be applied whenever you feel your product is getting dirty, dry, or losing its color and shine.         

Applying balm to your leather

What you'll need: a soft bristle brush, our organic balm, and a cloth without large fibers(such as a kitchen towel), an old t-shirt will work just fine. 

1. Remove any dirt off of your leather by gently brushing it with a soft bristle brush.
2. Once clean and dry, apply a small amount of balm to your leather. 
3. SLOWLY work the wax into your leather with a cloth in a circular motion. (The color will get dark, but it will return to original state once it has dried)
4. Once the entire item is covered and the wax begins to dry, run the cloth over the leather lightly until the wax begins to shine (too much pressure will generate heat and actually darken your leather)
5. Congrats, your leather is clean, nourished, and happy! 

Preventing Damage

Leather is the product of animal hide. Based on the way it is treated, it will look magnificent or it will slowly lose its life. Leather is greatly affected by the environment it is in and there are ways you can prevent damage to your leather products.       

1. Water:

Water is not your leathers friend! While water will not ruin your leather products entirely, exposure can cause damage and flush the oils out, which will cause cracking on the surface. When leather dries after being wet, it will hold whatever shape it is left in. 

• Water exposure: 
  •  Immediately place your leather product propped up in a dry environment, stuff it with newspaper to absorb the moisture, and allow it to dry naturally. 
  • DO NOT apply heat, as it will dry out the leather and cause it to crack. 
  • Avoid water if possible!

2. Sun:

Where you store your leather products can potentially cause damage. The sun will actually darken your product the longer it's exposed and cause it to dry out. (dry out= surface cracks) 

Follow these simple steps and your leather products are sure to shine! Just by nourishing your leather with our organic balm for 10 minutes every 6 months you're adding life to the products you love and adore!