Leather Care Lesson 1
How to Apply Leather Cream
One of the great joys of owning a leather item is watching it develop a unique patina over time. The more you use your piece, the more character and depth it gains. With proper care, your leather companion will age beautifully and stay with you for years to come. Explore the basics of leather care in the simple steps below.
What You'll Need
・Leather care brush
・Leather cream or oil
・Clean cotton cloth (for applying leather cream or oil)
・Clean cotton cloth (for dry wiping)
※ Note on the choice of cloth: to avoid scratching or zippers catching onto the fabric, we recommend using a cloth made from natural materials such as cotton. Do not use pile fabrics.
When to Apply Leather Care?
If the surface of your leather item begins to feel dry, it’s time to apply a leather cream or oil. Conditioning keeps the fibers supple, helps prevent cracking or other damage, and restores a beautiful sheen.
As you continue to spend time with your leather pieces, you’ll naturally get a feel for your own preferences and the ideal timing for care.
Leather Care in 3 Steps
1. Remove dust
Remove any items inside your piece before gently removing dust with a leather care brush. Do not brush vigorously. Pay extra attention to the seams and folds where dust and dirt are more likely to accumulate.
2. Dab a cloth with leather cream
Dampen a clean, soft cotton cloth with a small amount of leather cream—about the size of a penny. For smaller items such as wallets or card cases, a drop the size of a grain of rice is enough. Adjust the amount based on the size and condition of your bag, using only as much cream as needed to lightly nourish the leather.
3. Spread the cream
Use a circular motion to evenly spread the leather cream over the entire surface of your piece. Avoid applying too much in one spot, as this can cause staining—apply the cream thinly and efficiently.
Depending on the type of leather, slight discoloration may occur after application. If this is your first time using leather cream, we recommend testing it on a less visible area, such as the bottom of your bag, before treating the entire piece.
4. Dry your piece
Allow the leather oil to fully absorb by leaving your piece undisturbed for about an hour away from direct sunlight. Perhaps take this time to brew a cup of coffee and enjoy a moment of relaxation—turning your leather care routine into a small, mindful ritual can be a real pleasure.
Note: Drying times may vary depending on the leather cream or oil used. The suggested one-hour resting time is based on the use of Collonil Crème de Luxe Colourless, available at Tsuchiya Kaban’s physical stores. If using a different product, please follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying time.
5. Dry wipe your piece
Once your item is dry, use a clean cotton cloth to dry wipe the entire product—and that's it!
【Note】
- We only sell the Collonil Crème de Luxe Colourless at our physical stores.
- Begin routine leather care approximately 3–6 months after you start using your piece. We recommend maintaining your item 2–3 times per year.