Leather Care

To ensure your leather lasts longer, it’s important to apply proper maintenance to your favourites pieces regularly to preserve the character and extend its natural life.

It's essential to remember that quality leather is an organic material, and it is susceptible to absorbing grease, dirt and oils. It's common for leather to have scratches and spots over time from normal use, and we believe this is evidence of your leather having an adventurous journey. Each hide will develop a natural patina according to your environment and helps make it truly one of a kind. 

TOP TIPS

+ We recommend cleaning, conditioning and protecting your leathergoods every 6 months (at a minimum).

+ If you live in a dryer (hot or cold) climate, treat the leather as soon as it feels less supple, dull or faded.  When well conditioned, the finish should feel slightly oiled and look rich in colour.

+ Avoid products that contain alcohol, turpentine, paraffin or other mineral spirits. 

+ To avoid mould and extreme dryness, store items properly when not in use. Keep out of direct sunlight and in low humidity areas. Try and keep in an area that gets a bit of air flow, or store with moisture-absorbers to ensure any mould can’t spread.

+ If your leather gets severely wet, absorb as much water as possible with a thick hand towel and then air dry in the shade. Re-condition with waterproofer afterwards.

6 MONTH GENERAL MAINTENANCE

We recommend this method twice a year to clean and enhance the finish of your leather products.

1. Wipe any dry dust or debris off the surface with a soft brush or cloth.

2. Dampen a soft cotton cloth with warm water

3. Carefully clean the surface in a circular motion

4. If heavily soiled, apply a natural Saddle Soap or Leather Cleaner to a cloth and repeat steps 1 and 2.

5. Allow to dry away from direct sunlight and heat.

6. Before completely dry, apply a Leather Conditioner Wax/Cream all over the leather.

7. If needed (if it appears to be absorbing very quickly), apply a second or third coat within 30 minutes.

8. Let dry and buff off any excess with a dry soft cloth.

WATERPROOFING

Most of our leathers are quite Water Resistant, although to ensure extra protection make sure to apply either a Waterproofer Spray or Wax/Cream.

For light coloured leathers, suede, nubuck and unfinished leathers we highly recommend a type of spray.

For all other leathers we recommend a wax/cream conditioner or oil. 

Instructions for Wax/Cream Conditioner:

1. Clean the leather thoroughly.

2. Apply a small amount of the wax to a damp cloth and rub all over the leather sparingly.

3. Repeat as necessary.

4. Leave to dry naturally in shade for 30-60 minutes.

5. Buff wax off with a dry cloth.

Instructions for Spray

1. Softly Brush any debris or dust off the surface of your leather.

2. Shake can accordingly to instructions and spray approximately 20cm away to cover entire surface.

3. Let dry natural in shade away from sunlight and direct heat. Repeat again if necessary.

DRIED-OUT OR CRACKED LEATHER

If you live in Queensland like us, a-lot of leather tends to either Dry Out or grow mould.

When unused, leather tends to dry out as it's not being handled with natural oils from your hands or being conditioned regularly.

To breathe new life into your dry leather, try first with a Leather Conditioner Cream/Wax. If this does not work we recommend applying an oil to penetrate the leather much further. 

Make sure to handle the item with care as a-lot of older leathers may be brittle or rotten from it's age.

Follow the general instructions above until no more oil or leather dressing can be absorbed. Buff with a dry cloth to remove excess.

Any type of natural based oil will also do, whether it be vegetable oil, mink oil, coconut oil, neatsfoot oil etc. This will be up-to you and what you like the smell of :)

MOULD

Mould is formed from bacteria forming in a stagnant moist environment. The best thing to avoid mould is to continue using your leather-goods every few days or store in an airtight container/bag.

1. Wipe the mould off with a cloth.

2. If it's a deeper penetrated mould, follow the cleaning instructions above or use an equal parts white vinegar/water mixed with a couple of drops of Clove Oil to remove the mould spores.

3. Re-condition the leather per instructions above to try and remove any mouldy odours.

4. If storing away again, place item in an airtight container/bag or an open area that is well ventilated, has movement and a bit of air flow (such as the back of a door).

SHOP SOME OF OUR RECOMMENDED CARE PRODUCTS BELOW

https://www.therealmccaul.com/collections/leather-care-products

These are recommended or suggested methods of cleaning and maintenance. We are not responsible for damage incurred while cleaning. ALWAYS try the method in a hidden area first to see results before continuing.