So, you just got your beloved Bee in the mail–perhaps you even snagged a Daily Wallet or Travel Wallet and a matching leather keychain to complete the look. You’re already obsessed (understandably so), and now you want to know how to take care of leather to ensure your Bee and accessories stay in tip-top shape. Well, there’s no time to waste. Let’s dive into how to clean leather bags and more–plus, we’re sharing important information about managing expectations for your new favorite leather pouch. 

How to Care for Leather Bags and Accessories from Lyons Leather Co.

At Lyons Leather Co., we craft our products using high-quality, full-grain vegetable-tanned leather. While your heart might stop at the first scratch or stain on your new pouch, rest assured it will naturally blend together and develop a stunning patina over time, creating unique and memorable imperfections. In the meantime, here’s how to take care of leather to preserve your Bee and accessories.

1. Store Your Leather Goods Properly

Proper storage is essential to keeping your Lyons Leather Co. handcrafted goods in pristine condition for years to come. If you're not using your Bee or wallet regularly (a crazy thought, I know–but it happens), it's important to store them properly to prevent any damage or deterioration. 

We recommend finding a dry and dark place to keep your leather goods safe from any moisture or sunlight exposure that could cause discoloration or leather cracking. This includes storing your Bee in its dust bag (the bag it shipped in) or protective covers to shield it from any accidental spills or scratches.

2. Waterproof Your Leather Goods Before Wearing

Leather is not waterproof; therefore, your Bee, wallet, and keychain aren’t either. One of the best ways to protect your Lyons Leather Co. handcrafted goods from premature wear and tear is by waterproofing them before using them. While it may not completely safeguard them from a spilled iced coffee or torrential downpour, it does help reduce the likelihood of discoloration or water damage. 

We highly recommend this for light-colored natural leather products (like the fan-favorite Honey Bee) since they tend to be more susceptible to staining. Consider using a water and stain-repellent spray designed for leather goods, as this can prevent liquids from penetrating the leather surface and causing irreversible damage. 

3. Clean and Condition Your Leather Goods with Leather Butter

The best way to keep your buttery leather Bee buttery is to use butter (leather butter, that is)! You can grab a bottle of my favorite leather conditioner and follow the instructions below for how to clean leather bags:

• Step 1: Remove Dirt and Dust: Use a damp (not wet) cloth and gently rub your Bee to remove excess dirt and dust.
• Step 2: Apply Leather Conditioner: While your Bee is still damp, apply the conditioner with a clean cloth towel over the entire thing.
• Step 3: Let the Conditioner Dry: Once dry, buff your Bee again with the clean, dry cloth towel.

While cleaning and conditioning your Bee helps moisturize and protect it from cracking, it can change the color of the leather. Your Bee may get darker so that the stains are less visible. 

4. Accept Your Leather Goods for Who They Are

Conditioning your Bee and leather accessories ensures they stay buttery forever. However, accepting imperfections and every messy memory forever imprinted on your Bee is also important. She doesn’t judge you for your imperfections, so it’s important to learn to love her’s too! 

The handcrafted leather goods you use and cherish are a reflection of your lifestyle and journey. As you use them frequently, they will inevitably experience spills, scratches, or stains. However, these imperfections will eventually add up, creating a beautifully worn look that reminds you of all the adventures and good times you've had with them–whether a magical music festival, cross-country road trip, or summer adventure with the kids! So, embrace the unique character of your leather goods, and enjoy the memories that come with them.

How to Take Care of Leather: Home Remedy FAQs

Now, before we send you off, we’re going to answer some common questions about how to clean leather bags at home! 

How Do You Clean Leather Without Damaging It?

Cleaning leather can be tricky, but with the right techniques and products, you can keep your Lyons Leather Co. products looking their best without causing any damage. First, avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean your Bee and accessories, as these can cause discoloration or scratches. Instead, use a soft cloth to gently wipe down the leather surface, removing any dirt or dust particles, being careful not to saturate the leather.

After cleaning, allow your Bee to air dry naturally, away from any direct sunlight or heat sources. Always, always spot-test any new cleaning products on an inconspicuous area of your Bee before using them all over to ensure no adverse reactions occur.

What is the Best Homemade Leather Cleaner?

We highly recommend using a traditional leather conditioner to clean your Bee because it’s designed specifically for keeping leather buttery. However, if you can’t get your hands on a product like that, you can try this homemade leather cleaner:

• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts olive oil in a bowl.
• Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and wring out any excess liquid.
• Gently wipe down your leather goods, using light circular motions to remove any dirt or stains.
• Allow the leather to air dry naturally, away from any direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Once the leather is dry, buff it with a clean cloth to restore its natural shine.

This homemade leather cleaner can effectively remove dirt and stains from leather goods, while the olive oil helps nourish and condition the leather. However, please be sure to spot-test the solution on a small, unseen area of your Bee or wallet before using it all over your accessories! 

Keep Your Bee Buttery for Years and Generations to Come

At Lyons Leather Co., we take pride in crafting high-quality leather goods designed to last for years and serve as treasured heirlooms that can be passed down from generation to generation. Our Bees are no exception. With proper care and maintenance, your Bee can remain in excellent condition for many years to come. If you have any questions about how to take care of leather and clean your Bee, wallet, or keychain, please reach out to us today!