Maintenance & Care

Leather is a natural product

All leather products at BEAR are made from high-quality leather that is up to four times stronger than fabric. However, leather is and remains a natural product. A bag or wallet is used every day, come rain or shine, and has to endure a lot. Over time, leather goods will therefore show signs of wear. Due to use and weather conditions, the leather may darken or lighten slightly. Leather is also susceptible to small scratches and stains. Additionally, a leather bag, belt, or wallet may feel stiff and rigid at first. With use, it will naturally become more supple and only grow more beautiful. You’ll see that the leather, as it were, comes to life.

Every leather product is unique

Because leather is a natural product, the leather of two products will never be identical. Leather is made from animal hides. These animals walk through wind and weather, through grass and past thorn bushes, get bitten by insects, and sometimes rub against a fence to scratch themselves. You can see this in the hide and, consequently, in the leather your bag or wallet is made from. This is precisely the charm of a genuine leather product; it makes your bag, wallet, and more unique.

Leather can stain

Just as a new sofa can leave marks, the same can sometimes happen with the leather of our bags and wallets. Oiled leather and brightly colored leather are particularly prone to this. As a result, a bag or wallet may leave some marks on light-colored clothing. Having trouble with a product that’s rubbing off? Use a dry (old) cloth and gently rub it out. A protective spray can help prevent stains on your clothing.

Zippers

Bear products use both plastic and metal zippers. Metal zippers are stronger than plastic ones and have a longer lifespan. On the other hand, metal zippers are heavier and can be stiffer, especially at first. Is the zipper hard to open and close? Rub a candle over the zipper, and it will glide more smoothly. Do not force a zipper or pull it when it won’t move. This will help prevent the zipper and the lining of a bag or wallet from breaking down prematurely.

General Care

A leather bag requires little care. Use and exposure to the elements only make the leather more beautiful and bring it to life. We recommend wiping your bag down 1 to 2 times a year with a dry to slightly damp, clean cloth.

The best way to treat stains is to dab them with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Rubbing or scrubbing can cause the stain to set into the leather or make it spread, especially in the case of grease stains. Never use strong chemical or harsh cleaning products on leather items to remove a stain.

Do you want to give your bag or wallet extra protection against rain, wind, and signs of wear, and ensure it lasts as long as possible? Then you can use leather protection products.

Leather Protection Spray

Leather spray protects leather from dirt, water, and other external factors. Leather sprays are available for different types of leather, so be sure to check the packaging to ensure you’re using the right spray for the type of leather on your bag. When using leather spray, it’s important to spray it lightly over the bag or wallet, keeping a distance of 20 to 30 cm (or as indicated on the packaging). Then let it dry thoroughly overnight. Leather spray comes in clear and colored varieties; we recommend using a clear spray to avoid any color differences.

Leather wax

Leather wax protects the leather from dirt, water, and other external influences. Leather wax is similar to leather spray, but in a spreadable form. Leather wax comes in transparent and colored varieties; we recommend using a transparent wax to prevent color differences.

Leather grease/leather oil

If the leather feels dry and/or you want to revive the product’s color, you can condition it with leather grease. Leather grease comes in transparent and colored varieties; we recommend using a transparent grease to avoid color differences. Use leather grease sparingly. Too much leather grease can make the products too soft, causing them to lose their shape.

(!) After reading this article, are you still unsure what to do? Do you have a bag or wallet and aren’t sure how best to care for it? Is there a stain on your bag and you’re not sure what to do? Then contact our headquarters in Druten; we’d be happy to help you.