Care Guide

Leather
Care Guide

Full-grain vegetable-tanned leather lasts decades when properly maintained. This guide covers cleaning, conditioning, and storage for all Craftline goods. Takes about 15 minutes, twice a year.

What You Need
ConditionerLeather Honey, Bick 4, or Saphir Renovateur
Application clothSoft lint-free cloth (an old t-shirt works perfectly)
Cleaning clothBarely-damp cotton cloth for surface dirt
Time15 min active + 30 min absorption

Five Steps

Step 1

Clean the surface

Wipe with a barely-damp cloth to remove surface dirt. Let it air dry at room temperature. Never use hot air or sunlight to speed drying — this causes cracking.

Step 2

Apply conditioner

Apply a small amount of conditioner to a soft cloth. Work it in with circular motions across the entire surface, including edges. Use less than you think you need.

Step 3

Let it absorb

Allow 15–30 minutes for absorption. The leather will darken while the conditioner soaks in, then return toward its original color as it dries. For dry leather, allow several hours.

Step 4

Buff to finish

Buff with a clean dry cloth using light pressure. The leather should feel supple but not greasy. If it feels oily, allow more absorption time.

Step 5

Store properly

Keep leather away from direct sunlight and heat. For long-term storage, use a dust bag or breathable cotton cloth. Never seal leather in plastic — it traps moisture and promotes mold.

Common Questions

How often should I condition leather?

Every 6–12 months for daily-use items. More frequently in dry climates or when the leather feels stiff or looks dull. The leather tells you when it needs conditioning.

Which conditioner is best for veg-tan leather?

Leather Honey, Bick 4, and Saphir Renovateur are all excellent. Avoid silicone-based products (which coat rather than penetrate) and petroleum distillates (which rot thread over time). Neatsfoot oil works but permanently darkens veg-tan.

My leather got wet — what do I do?

Air dry at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight. Do not use a hair dryer or radiator. Once fully dry (12–24 hours), condition the leather — water draws out natural oils and the leather will feel dry afterward.

Does veg-tan leather develop a patina?

Yes. Veg-tan develops a rich, deep patina from hand oils, UV exposure, and daily use. This is considered highly desirable and is unique to each item and its owner. Chrome-tanned leather does not patina the same way.

Shop Craftline leather goods — all made from Badalassi Carlo veg-tan leather:

Leather Wallet $89 Leather Belt $65 Notebook Cover $120