Care of use
We want you to enjoy your leather goods for a lifetime. And from the moment they are crafted, until they arrive in your arms, they need to be cared for properly.
With our guide, your bag will look beautiful for years to come. From day-to-day care and maintenance to small repairs and specialist cleaning, here you'll find everything there is to know about leather care.
Maintenance
DAMIAAN products are handmade in France and Italy using Italian calf leathers. The skins have a smooth surface and have been treated, giving it a soft and luxurious hand feel. Each leather skin is unique, so color differences or vein marks may appear and are natural features. This adds to the charm of this leather luxury item.
By following a few simple rules, you can avoid unnecessary wear and tear and extend the life of your bag for years:
Leather is a skin, and it can stretch. Avoid overfilling your handbag, purse or wallet to maintain its original silhouette.
A weekly wipe to remove dust and spots with a soft cloth (avoid abrasive sponges) will do wonders. When carrying the bag, take care to avoid contact with heavily embellished clothes, sharp surfaces, or chunky jewellery.
Wet leather requires extra care, so if rain is forecast, remember to take an umbrella!
Storage
Proper storage is one of the easiest ways you can prevent damage and maintain a high-quality finish:
Store leather away from direct sunlight as this can cause fading
Store handbags in its dust bag to avoid scratches (avoid using plastic bags as they prevent good ventilation)
Store leather away from heat sources such as radiators as they can cause leather to dry and crack.
Specific Products
Although it's tempting to leave your bag packed with your daily essentials ready for the next day, instead take the time to empty it regularly to avoid deformation.
If you are planning to leave your bag in storage for an extended period - until next season, for example – you should empty it and fill it with plain, soft, acid-free tissue paper in order to maintain the handbag's silhouette. You might also like to take the time to wrap hardware such as zips and clasps in tissue paper to avoid them creating any unwanted imprints on your leather.
The next stage is to cover your bag in its dust bag - these are cut to the right size to avoid squashing and warping. If you no longer have the original dust bag, a white cotton pillowcase can be an ideal substitute - avoid using a colored fabric to prevent the color transferring.
Once covered, place your covered handbag away from direct sunlight and artificial sources of heat. Be sure to stand it on its base rather than hanging it up, as this can stretch the handles. Additionally, take care to choose a spot that is tall enough to allow the handles to stand up unimpeded. This is to prevent the handles from deforming.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Leather Goods … Dos and Don'ts
Do regularly clean leather with a soft cloth
Do regularly air out leather
Do blot away water or moisture as soon as possible
Do dry wet leather naturally, away from artificial heat
Do keep leather supple with a specialized leather conditioner every 3-6 months
Do clean spots and stains with a mixture of natural soap and warm water
Do test any conditioners, cleaners, polishes or wax in a hidden spot beforehand
Don't machine wash leather
Don't let leather get wet wherever possible
Don't dry wet leather next to a radiator or with a hairdryer
Don't tumble dry leather
Don't iron leather
Don't immerse leather in water to clean