The Art of Leather Care

- THE ART OF LEATHER CARE

A Guide to Maintaining Your Treasured Leather Pieces

Crafted by artisans from natural leather, each Tsuchiya Kaban piece evolves into a truly unique companion, becoming more personal and distinctive with time—especially with proper care. Leather care doesn’t have to be daunting—just a few simple steps can make all the difference. Explore our foolproof leather care guide below to keep your cherished pieces vibrant and beautiful for years to come.

- BASIC OIL CARE

The Essential How-Tos

Discover the fundamental care methods to keep your leather goods looking timeless and full of character. These basics are easy to understand, even for those new to leather products.

- LEATHER CLEANING

Preserving Beauty and Luster

Learn how to prevent watermarks and reduce existing stains with proper care techniques, ensuring your leather stays beautiful.

- FOR SPECIALTY LEATHERS

Caring for Unique Leathers

Some unique or luxury leathers with distinct beauty, texture, and character require specialized care methods. Discover the appropriate care techniques for three popular leather types: Water-dyed Cordovan, Bridle Leather, and Suede.

- BASIC OIL CARE

The Essential How-Tos

Collonil 1909 Supreme Crème De Luxe

Polishing Cloth

Collonil Horse Hair Polishing Brush

STEP.01: Remove any dust with a brush or cloth. Brush or wipe gently without applying pressure, using soft stroking motions.
STEP.02: Take a small amount of oil or cream (about the size of a penny) on a clean, soft cloth and apply it thinly and evenly. Be careful not to apply too much as this can cause staining.
STEP.03: Allow the item to rest for about an hour, away from direct sunlight, to let the cream fully absorb into the leather.
STEP.04: Finish by gently wiping the surface with a clean, soft cloth or brushing it.

- LEATHER CLEANING

Preserving Beauty and Luster

1. Preventing Water Stains

Collonil Waterstop Classic

Polishing Cloth

Collonil Horse Hair Polishing Brush

STEP.01: Remove any dust with a brush or cloth. Brush or wipe gently without applying pressure, using soft stroking motions.
STEP.02: Take the bag outside and spray it evenly, holding the spray about 12 inches (30cm) away to ensure consistent coverage.
STEP.03: Spray lightly until the surface is slightly damp, then let it dry for 20–30 minutes. If the color darkens as if wet, don’t worry—it will return to normal once dry.
STEP.04: Finish by gently wiping the surface with a clean, soft cloth or brushing it.

2. Cleaning Minor Stains

Leather Soap

Polishing Cloth

Collonil Horse Hair Polishing Brush

STEP.01: Remove any dust with a brush or cloth. Brush or wipe gently without applying pressure, using soft stroking motions.
STEP.02: Shake the Collonil Leather Soap well, then take an appropriate amount of foam on a dry, soft cloth and quickly spread it evenly across the entire surface.
STEP.03: Do not rub. Instead, let the foam lift the stains, then absorb it with the cloth. This process both cleans and nourishes the leather.
STEP.04: Finish by gently wiping the surface with a clean, soft cloth or brushing it.

- FOR SPECIALTY LEATHERS

Caring for Unique Leathers

1. Cordovan Leather Care

Leder Ogawa Cordovan Care Wax

Polishing Cloth

Collonil Horse Hair Polishing Brush

STEP.01: Remove any dust with a brush or cloth. Brush or wipe gently without applying pressure, using soft stroking motions.
STEP.02: Take a small amount of wax (about the size of a penny) and apply it thinly and evenly, using a clean, soft cloth or your fingers, working to melt the wax as you apply.
STEP.03: Let the item rest for about 5 minutes, away from direct sunlight, to let the cream fully absorb into the leather.
STEP.04: Gently wipe the entire surface with a clean, soft cloth. Remove any excess wax and polish to restore the leather’s beautiful luster.

2. Bridle Leather Care

Sedgwick Leather Care Cream

Polishing Cloth

Collonil Horse Hair Polishing Brush

STEP.01: Remove any dust with a brush or cloth. Brush or wipe gently without applying pressure, using soft stroking motions.
STEP.02: Take a small amount of cream (about the size of a penny) and apply it thinly and evenly, using a clean, soft cloth or your fingers, working to melt the cream as you apply.
STEP.03: Since it takes several hours for the cream to fully absorb into the fibers, we recommend applying it at night and leaving it overnight. A white residue may appear on the surface after absorption, which is normal.
STEP.04: Once the surface is dry, remove any excess cream using a horsehair brush or soft, clean cloth. The more you polish, the richer the patina will become.

3. Suede Care

Collonil 1909 Supreme Protect

Polishing Cloth

Collonil Horse Hair Polishing Brush

STEP.01: Remove any dust with a brush or cloth. Brush or wipe gently without applying pressure, using soft stroking motions.
STEP.02: Outdoors, lightly spray the item with a suede leather protector from a distance of 8-12 inches, applying two coats. Be sure to cover the entire surface evenly using a "Z" motion.
STEP.03: Wait about 10 minutes until completely dry, then finish by brushing the entire surface evenly to restore and align the nap.
STEP.04: Test water resistance by placing 1-2 drops of water in an inconspicuous area. if the water beads up, the protection is working. Collonil 1909 Supreme Protect spray will offer both waterproofing and nourishment for the leather.

FAQ

How often should I care for leather?

Begin your leather care routine about 3 to 6 months after you start using it, with 2 to 3 maintenance sessions per year.

Can I use cream made for leather shoes?

We don’t recommend it, as the quality of such creams can vary, and some may contain chemicals that could harden the leather. Instead, we suggest using the products listed on this page, which have been tested and approved specifically for Tsuchiya Kaban items.