If your wallet is showing signs of age, it is likely that you have not cleaned it in some time (or maybe ever). Leather wallets, being porous, absorb oils and moisture from our skin and the environment, which can lead to a buildup of dirt and grime over time. Hence, knowing how to take care of leather wallets is crucial to manage these effects. The following guide on cleaning leather wallets can help you maintain their condition.
Tips on Taking Care of Your Leather Wallet
Here are some dos and don’ts for how to take care of leather wallets effectively, so they look new for years to come.
Regularly clean your wallet.
The first step in knowing how to take care of leather wallets is to clean it regularly. Just clean out the insides every 2 months, and deep clean it every 6 months. This will go a long way in extending its life.
Learning how to clean a leather wallet is simple: just wipe it with a soft, dry cloth to remove any surface dust. If stubborn stains persist, use a damp cloth and, if necessary, a soft brush or a cleaner specially formulated for leather. This approach ensures your wallet stays in good condition and maintains its appearance over time.
Avoid exposure to heat.
Learning how to dry leather wallets is important too. Avoid exposing your wallet to direct sunlight or other heat sources, as this can cause the leather to fade or crack. Even if it gets damp (like after you have cleaned it), just place it on a dry towel or cloth to let it air dry. Do not use heat to speed up the process as this can damage the leather.
Ensure proper storage of your wallet.
If possible, keep your wallet in a cool, dry place — like in its dust bag — when not in use. This is essential for learning how to take care of leather wallets, as it helps protect them from humidity and temperature fluctuations that can cause leather to warp or deteriorate. Additionally, storing it in a dust bag will safeguard it from dust and potential scratches, preserving its appearance and extending its lifespan.
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Avoid sitting on your wallet.
Keep the wallet in your front pocket or inside your jacket’s pocket so as to avoid sitting on it. Otherwise, the constant pressure and strain will lead to stretching or deforming.
Do not wash your wallet in the washing machine.
No matter how tempted you are, do not pop your wallet in the washing machine as this will cause it to become discolored or misshapen. The stitching is also likely to become undone. Moreover, the leather will lose its natural oils, making it dry, brittle, and prone to cracks.
Avoid contact with other objects.
If you usually place your wallet in a bag, ensure it remains separated from sharp objects like pens or stationery items. Sharp edges can scratch or puncture the wallet’s surface, leading to unsightly damage or compromising its structural integrity.
Do not put unnecessary items in your wallet.
Avoid overstuffing your wallet as it can cause stretching and warping, making it lose its original shape. Go through it every once in a while to throw away any old business cards or receipts that you do not need anymore, and free up some space. If you have too many essential cards, consider getting an extra card holder, like the 8 Card Slots Leather Card Holder.
Use the right wallet cleaners.
Another important point to remember when learning how to take care of leather wallets is finding the correct cleaning products. To preserve the leather, do not use cleaners with ammonia, bleach, and petroleum. Baby wipes or sanitizing wipes are also not recommended. Also, make sure you follow the instructions on the leather cleaner you use, as some require the cleaner to sit on the surface of the wallet before being wiped off. Remove it thoroughly afterwards to avoid clogging the pores of the leather.
Read More: A Comprehensive Guide to Different Leather Types
Dry your wallet after cleaning with the right materials.
Rough surfaces like paper towels can scratch the surfaces of the leather, so make sure to use soft cloths when wiping the wallet. Stay away from brightly-colored wipes too, as the dye may bleed onto the leather.
Choose premium leather for longevity.
If your wallet is made from low-grade leather, it is unlikely to retain its shape and luster for long. In such cases, learning how to take care of leather wallets might not be worth the effort, as the wallet may not last as expected. Thus, invest in a high-quality wallet with expert craftsmanship to ensure durability and longevity.
If you find learning how to take care of leather wallets to be demanding, you can consider low-maintenance alternatives like wood wallets, such as the Minimalist Walnut Wood Wallet.
