brown leather bag with out-of-focus passport in foreground

Leather bags are a staple for many people. They’re durable, stylish, and can be used for almost anything. Whether you use your leather bag to carry around your laptop or your gym clothes, it’s important to take care of it so that it lasts as long as possible.

In this article, we’ll give you tips on caring for your durable leather bags for men and women so that they stay looking great for years to come.

Let’s dive in.

1. Use a High-quality Leather Cleaner

The first and most important tip is to make sure you’re using high-quality leather cleaners. If your leather bag is made from real leather, then it will be more durable and long-lasting. Poor quality cleaning products can actually damage the material and cause irreversible damage.

When choosing a cleaner, look for ones specifically made for cleaning leather products. These cleaners are designed to care for your leather while removing stains without damaging the material. They also contain moisturizers which will help keep your entire bag soft and supple.

2. Keep It Away From Water and Extreme Temperatures

Keeping your leather items away from water and extreme temperatures is an easy way to keep them looking good for longer.

Prolonged exposure to humid weather can cause the textured leather to crack, fade, and become brittle. It can also cause the dye used in the leather to run or fade out. Waterproofing your bag is a good idea if you’re using it in wet conditions, but if you want to keep your bag looking good as long as possible, keep it away from water as much as possible. Repeat: wet leather is to be avoided! 

Direct sunlight can also cause problems with leather accessories. The high heat of summer can make the bag dry out, making it more likely to crack and become brittle, and the sun’s UV rays can cause its colour to fade. When storing a leather bag, it’s best to put it in its original dust bag (an old pillow case will do in a pinch), so that it isn’t exposed to direct sunlight unnecessarily. If you live in a hot climate, store leather in a cool place when not in use. 

3. Don’t Clean Your Leather Bag With Water, Soap, or Shampoo

If you’ve ever cleaned a leather bag with water, soap, or shampoo—you might be surprised to hear this—you’ve been doing it wrong!

So why not use these things? Well, for one thing, they can damage your bag’s finish over time. And secondly, they can cause discoloration or blemishes.

Instead of using water and soap on your leather handbags, we recommend using a soft cloth or slightly damp cloth to wipe them down after each use. This allows you to remove any dirt or debris from the surface without risking any lasting damage to your bag’s finish. Lastly, let your leather air dry.

4. Never Use a Steamer on Your Leather Handbag

Leather is a natural material, and as such, it can be susceptible to damage if you’re not careful. One of the worst things you can do is use a steamer on your bag. Yes, it might seem like a good idea—after all, it will help to give the leather a bit of extra shine—but in reality, this excess moisture could end up ruining your bag.

The problem with using steamers on leather items is that they can cause the material to become extremely soft and pliable. This means that over time, the steam will make the leather weaker and more prone to tearing. If that doesn’t scare you into never using a steamer again, consider this: steamers also damage grain patterns in the leather, making them less distinct and diminishing their beauty.

Instead, use a dry clean cloth to wipe down your leather item before applying any cleaning products. This form of leather care increases the bag’s longevity.

5. Apply Conditioner Regularly

Leather conditioners will keep your bag looking new for years to come, so make sure you treat it with one regularly (at least once a month). You’ll want to ensure that the leather conditioner is made specifically for leather—if you use something else, like saddle soap or shoe polish, it could cause damage instead of helping. 

Applying conditioner on any leather surface regularly helps maintain the leather’s natural oils, which keeps it soft and supple. Conditioning your bag will help prevent cracks and scuffs from forming over an extended period, so it’s worth the effort.

6. Rotate Your Bags To Prevent Wear and Tear

If you’re a bag-lover, it can be hard to remember to rotate your bags each season. But if you want them all to last as long as possible, it’s important that you do.

Leather bags are durable and can take a lot of wear and tear, but if you put too much stress on any part of the leather purse, it will eventually break down. So when packing for summer vacation or switching from winter to spring wardrobe staples, make sure you give each bag a break every few weeks so that the leather doesn’t get too hot or cold from being packed away for long periods.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it. Now you’re all set to care for your genuine leather goods and get them looking their best.


We have a great selection of  durable leather bags for men and women made with high-quality materials. 

Happy shopping!