How to care for a leather bag without changing its finish

Identify what you are treating

Read the material description and check the close-up photographs. Coda is listed as full-grain cow leather. Göteborg combines waxed canvas with full-grain cowhide in a Crazy Horse finish. “Crazy Horse” describes the leather treatment; the listed hide is cowhide.

Natural grain, colour variation and handling marks are part of many leather finishes. A mark is not necessarily dirt that needs to be scrubbed away. If you are unsure whether a surface is suede, nubuck or coated leather, ask us before applying a cleaner.

Keep everyday cleaning simple

1. Empty the bag and remove loose dust with a soft, dry cloth.
2. If its care instructions allow it, wipe surface dirt gently with a barely damp cloth. Do not saturate the leather or let water collect around stitching.
3. Let it dry naturally in a ventilated place, away from direct heat and strong sun.

Do not machine-wash, soak or tumble-dry the bag. Avoid alcohol, bleach, household detergents and aggressive rubbing. Oils from the kitchen are not a substitute for a product made for the particular leather finish.

Test conditioner before treating a visible panel

Use a conditioner only when it is appropriate for the finish and consistent with the bag’s instructions. Apply a small amount to a hidden area and allow it to settle fully. Check for darkening, uneven colour, residue or a change in feel before continuing.

More conditioner is not automatically better. Apply sparingly according to its directions and remove excess as instructed. There is no reliable “every month” rule for every bag: climate, use and finish affect what it needs. If you prefer a lighter-coloured bag, remember that even a compatible product may deepen its shade.

After rain, dry it slowly

Blot surface moisture with a soft cloth, empty the contents and leave the bag open to air-dry. Use clean, unprinted paper lightly inside if needed to support the shape; do not pack it tightly. Avoid a hairdryer, radiator or tumble dryer for drying wet leather.

Oil-treated or wet leather can transfer colour to light fabric. Keep it away from pale clothing and upholstery while damp and follow the product’s colour-transfer guidance. A leather bag should not be treated as waterproof protection for electronics.

Store it with its shape supported

Keep the bag dry, lightly supported and away from prolonged direct sunlight. Use a breathable cover rather than sealing damp leather inside plastic. Empty heavy objects and avoid pressure from other luggage that could distort straps or leave creases.

For a mixed-material backpack, use waxed canvas care on the fabric and appropriate leather care on the trims. To compare materials before choosing a new bag, read canvas versus leather or browse the leather bag collection.