Properly caring for your newly (or not so newly) acquired leather wallets, handbags, jackets and even footwear can sometimes prove to be a tricky task, and requires a fair share of patience. But fear not, friends! We're here to help you keep your leather goods looking and feeling pristine. 

Do you have your own home care remedies, magical sorcery or good leather caring vibes to add to the list? Comment below and share your secrets, and otherwise enjoy our guide to keeping your Mahiya leather items in top shape!

Mahiya Guide: How to Care for Leather Products

First off, keep in mind that natural wear and tear to any leather product is bound to happen, and this ageing affect, called the 'patina,' is ideally an admired step in owning any leather item. Think of it as the leather fulfilling its destiny, if you will. 

So while these tips are meant to delay the ageing process, missing a few steps may just add to the overall character of the leather, and that's not always a bad thing.

Basic Leather Maintenance 

• Once a week, give your leather a quick wipe down with a soft, dry cloth.
• Rotate your leather so that one product doesn't age more rapidly than the others.
• Limit the item's exposure to direct sunlight.
• To prevent added wrinkling or flaking, use a dab of conditioner on a soft cloth and gently rub all over, repeating every month or so. Our Leather Cream is prefect for this.

Preventative Measures

While rainstorms, dirt and moisture are bound to happen, you can prepare for them by applying products designed to repel water and stains while also conditioning the leather.

• Protect your leather with products like the Mahiya Leather Cream 
• Mink or Neatsfoot Oil also work well to supplement the natural oils of leather. Simply leave on for 10 minutes, wipe off any remaining excess and let the leather dry in an airy, open space. 
• Scotchgard Fabric and Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protectors also work well for repelling water and oil. 
• While beeswax creams are also recommended as a water repellant, this often alters the hue of dyed leathers. Test on a small, discreet area first before applying all over.  
• Avoid using products containing Lanolin, which typically includes baby wipes.
• Avoid resting your leather against denim, which can cause undesirable colour transfer and stains.
• Be sure to secure your pens with caps to avoid unwanted ink stains on the interior of bags.

Removing Stains from Leather

• Let water spills dry on their own. Do not blow dry them! 
• For a stain on white leather, rub a small amount of paste on the stain and leave for 10 minutes. Then remove the paste using a damp cloth and moisturising soap, and wipe dry using a soft cloth. 
• For food stains, it's best to crush a small amount of white chalk and let it sit on the stain overnight. In the morning, brush it off with a clean cloth. 
• For oil stains, it's recommended to put cornstarch on it as soon as possible, rub it in, and immediately brush off the remaining powder with with a clean cloth. Alternately, you can apply mink or neatsfoot oil to the rest of the area, which often covers up the initial oil stain and blends in with a natural look. 
• For fresh ink or dirt stains, lightly use a white eraser on the affected area. For older stains that have set in, seek professional help. Upholstery cleaners or even dry cleaners and tailors often have experience in cleaning leather.

Storing your Leather

• Store your leather handbags in dust bags or a cotton pillowcase, crossing the handles over each other and leaving in an upright position.
• To keep the shape of the bag, be sure to fill it with clothing items, acid-free tissue paper or butter paper. Avoid newspaper, which can smear and stain. Air it out once every two weeks. 
• To prevent or get rid of unwanted odours, fill a plastic bag with baking soda, zip the leather bag closed, and store for a few days. Alternately, dryer sheets also do the trick. 

Thanks for reading our leather care tips and tricks, and we look forward to seeing your lovely leathers living up to their potential!