Quality leather briefcases can never go out of style. It is more than an accessory: it's a statement of style, professionalism, and craftsmanship.
Whether you pick an elegant briefcase for business meetings or daily commuting, a well-maintained leather briefcase can elevate your overall appearance and leave a lasting impression.
However, leather briefcases are a work of art, crafted by skilled artisans with vigour. To ensure your leather briefcase remains in pristine condition for years to come, it's crucial to understand leather care.
Let’s discuss some essential maintenance tips and tricks for your briefcase, and how to clean, condition, and store it for a long use.
Cleaning, Moisturizing And Storing Quality Leather Briefcases
Cleaning Your Leather Briefcase
The very first leather care step that comes into play is the effective cleaning of your briefcase, using proper cleaning essentials that do not harm the material.
Necessary Supplies You Need For Briefcase Care:
Before you start cleaning your leather briefcase, gather the required supplies:
- A soft, lint-free cloth,
- A leather cleaner specifically designed for your type of leather (e.g., full-grain, top-grain, or suede),
- A soft-bristle brush, and
- Leather conditioner
How to Start Cleaning Your Leather Briefcase?
Begin by gently brushing off any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the surface of the leather. Use a soft-bristle brush to avoid scratching the material.
For minor stains or spots go for Spot cleaning technique. Dampen a clean cloth with water and gently rub the affected area. Avoid using excessive water, as it can damage the leather, and it will take too long to dry. If the stain remains, consult a professional leather cleaner.
For a thorough cleaning process, use a leather cleaner specifically made for genuine leather care. Apply a small amount of cleaner in a circular motion. With a slightly damp cloth gently rub off the entire surface of the briefcase to avoid product buildup.
Ensure to test the cleaner on a hidden area first to avoid any adverse reactions.
Once cleaned, allow the briefcase to air dry naturally. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or using artificial heat sources, as this can cause the leather to dry out and crack.
How To Condition Your Leather Briefcase?
Leather conditioners help maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from becoming brittle. Conditioning your briefcase lengthens its shelf life and holds the glamour as new.
Steps to Conditioning Your Elegant Briefcase:
Choose the Right Conditioner: Select a high-quality leather conditioner that matches the type of leather your briefcase is made from.
Application: Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a clean, dry cloth. Gently rub it onto the leather in a circular motion, paying extra attention to areas that may experience more wear and tear, like handles and corners.
Buffing Method: After applying the conditioner, use a separate clean cloth to buff the leather. This helps to remove any excess conditioner and gives the briefcase a polished, clean look.
How often you should condition your leather briefcase?
The frequency of conditioning leather briefcases depends on factors like climate, usage, and the type of leather. Conditioning every 6 to 12 months is a good starting point, but monitor your briefcase's condition and adjust accordingly.
How To Store Your Leather Briefcase?
Proper storage is vital to maintain the integrity of your leather briefcase, especially when you're not using it regularly. Here are three things to consider when storing away your precious leather briefcase.
Use a Dust Bag: Store your briefcase in a dust bag or cotton pillowcase to protect it from dust, dirt, and light exposure. These bags allow the leather to breathe while keeping it shielded.
Avoid Adding Compression: Keep your leather briefcase in a shape-preserving manner. Avoid overloading it or placing heavy items on top when storing.
You can also use padding or stuffing to maintain its shape.
Temperature and Humidity Conditions: Store your briefcase in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures and humidity. Excessive heat and moisture can lead to leather damage, such as mould and mildew.
Rotation Method: If you have multiple leather briefcases, rotate their use to prevent overuse of a single bag and give each of the leather bags time to breathe.
Additional Tips and Tricks On Leather Maintenance
Here are a few more tips and tricks for your arsenal to make your leather briefcases a bit more durable…
Handle with Care: Avoid dragging or tossing your leather briefcase, and be mindful of sharp or abrasive surfaces that can scratch the leather.
Protection from Rain: Waterproof sprays are quite handy when it comes to rain protection. Use one specifically designed for leather to protect your briefcase from rain and moisture. Reapply as needed.
Avoid Sunlight Exposure: Constant exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leather to fade and become brittle. Store your briefcase away from windows and direct sunlight. Also, the rotation method helps to make the most of your leather briefcase and bag collection.
Professional Maintenance: Consider taking your leather briefcase to a professional leather cleaner or cobbler for deeper cleaning and restoration, especially if it's an heirloom piece or of significant value.
Caring for your leather briefcase is an investment in both its longevity and your style. With proper cleaning, conditioning, and storage, you can ensure that your leather briefcase continues to look pristine, exuding timeless elegance and sophistication. Treat it with the love it deserves, and it will serve as an amazing style companion for years to come, making every outing or business meeting a stylish affair.
A Little About eské
Eské is a premium luxury and lifestyle goods brand with a focus on planet-first creations. Our craftsmen create handbags, briefcases, duffels, footwear and more with ethically sourced materials and eco-conscious processes. We offer a seamless blend of style, functionality and sustainability; products that are built to last.
Before you bid adieu, do check briefcases for men and women from our collection…
