Accessories Care
Good accessories reward a little care and can last decades. This hub sets out how to clean each material, how to condition and protect leather, and how to store pieces well, grouped by cleaning, conditioning and storage.
Cleaning by material
Caring for Leather
Wiping, cleaning and treating smooth leather.
What it is
Leather care means wiping dust off, cleaning gently with a damp cloth or leather cleaner, and letting it dry naturally.
Why it matters
Regular light cleaning stops grime building up and keeps the surface healthy for conditioning.
Caring for Suede
Brushing and protecting delicate suede nap.
What it is
Suede is cleaned with a suede brush to lift the nap and a rubber block or eraser for marks, kept away from water.
Why it matters
Suede stains easily, so a protector spray and gentle brushing are the key to keeping it fresh.
Cleaning Canvas
Spot-cleaning and refreshing canvas bags.
What it is
Canvas is spot-cleaned with mild soap and a soft brush, then air dried; waxed canvas is only wiped, never soaked.
Why it matters
Gentle cleaning keeps canvas looking fresh without stripping any wax finish.
Cleaning Nylon
Wiping down technical nylon bags.
What it is
Nylon is wiped with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air dried away from direct heat.
Why it matters
Nylon is easy-clean by nature, so quick wipes keep travel bags presentable.
Conditioning and protection
Leather Conditioning
Feeding leather with cream or balm to keep it supple.
What it is
Conditioning works a small amount of leather cream or balm into clean, dry leather to replace natural oils.
Why it matters
It stops leather drying, cracking and fading, and is the single most useful habit for longevity.
Waterproofing Leather
Adding a protective barrier against water and stains.
What it is
Waterproofing applies a wax or spray protector that helps leather resist water and staining.
Why it matters
It guards against rain and spills, especially useful on nubuck, suede and light colours.
Belt Care
Keeping a leather belt supple and unwarped.
What it is
Belt care means occasional conditioning, avoiding over-tightening, and hanging or rolling rather than folding.
Why it matters
It prevents cracking at the fold and keeps the belt straight and strong.
Zip Maintenance
Keeping zips running smoothly.
What it is
Zip maintenance means keeping teeth free of grit and easing a stiff zip with a little wax or graphite.
Why it matters
A cared-for zip is far less likely to jam or fail, the most common bag fault.
Storage
Storage
Storing accessories to hold their shape.
What it is
Storage means keeping bags stuffed and upright, wallets emptied, and everything in a cool, dry, ventilated place.
Why it matters
Good storage prevents creasing, mould and misshaping between uses.
Preventing Mould
Keeping leather dry and ventilated to stop mould.
What it is
Preventing mould means storing leather dry, out of plastic, with airflow and away from damp.
Why it matters
Leather is organic and will grow mould in damp, sealed conditions, which is hard to reverse.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I condition leather accessories?
For everyday leather goods, conditioning every few months is usually enough, and sooner if the leather looks dry or dull. Clean first, apply a thin, even coat of leather cream or balm, and buff once absorbed.
How do I clean a suede accessory?
Use a suede brush to lift the nap and a rubber suede block or eraser for marks, keeping suede away from water. A protector spray applied when new makes stains far less likely and cleaning much easier.
How do I stop leather going mouldy?
Store leather in a cool, dry, ventilated place, never sealed in plastic, and let it dry naturally if it gets wet. Mould grows in damp, airless conditions, so airflow and dryness are the best prevention.