Leather Maintenance

Thank you for purchasing from Tanner’s Alley Leather Design Studio! Whether it’s your dream briefcase, purse, luggage, or beyond, we want to offer you some basic care information to keep your leather looking pristine for years to come. 

Conditioning

Leather is a natural material and, like you or I, requires regular nourishment. To condition your leather to prevent dryness and cracking, we recommend applying a leather conditioner as needed (typically 1-2 times per year) to replenish its natural oils. If you are frequently caught in rainy weather, we encourage you to apply conditioner every few months or as needed. 

Weatherizing

Another great way to protect your leather goods from water damage is by applying a non-silicone water repellent. While there are many silicone-based repellents on the market, they often leave a strong residual odor which we wouldn’t recommend for regularly used items. 

Mink Oil?

Mink oil is another option for conditioning and protecting leather that we deter customers from. While many will praise mink oil as a one-stop leather care product, it and similar paste products tend to darken leather and leave a sticky residue which does more damage than good when caring for your fine leather items. 

Scratches

While there are many options for keeping your leather looking new, you might still find small scratches appearing on your leather through regular use. While we love the natural wear of leather that occurs as it’s loved, we recommend a shoe cream in a coordinating color to help add pigment to unsightly scratches. 

Additional Help

If you have any questions about leather care or would like more specific advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to assist in keeping our leather goods looking their best for years to come.