Leather Care
Product Leather Care
Keep your MONOLISA leather pieces looking beautiful by treating them like the premium materials they are. This guide covers simple, realistic care habits for everyday use—especially for handbags and straps that get handled often.
Consistent, gentle care beats aggressive cleaning. The goal is to protect the leather’s surface, prevent drying, and avoid damage from harsh chemicals or over-conditioning.
Quick Leather Care Rules
To preserve your MONOLISA leather products, keep them away from lacquer, perfume, or anything containing alcohol. Avoid harsh cleaners or solvents. Extended direct sunlight can damage leather. If your product gets wet, wipe it with a soft cloth and air dry it naturally.
Avoid These Common Leather “Enemies”
- Alcohol-based products: perfume, hairspray, hand sanitizer overspray
- Solvents & harsh cleaners: household sprays, wipes, abrasive cleaners
- Heat & direct sun: dashboards, sunny windowsills, hot cars
- Soaking wet: heavy rain or water exposure—always air dry naturally
Protecting Your Leather
Protect your leather by keeping it clean, dry, and away from harsh chemicals.
To protect, clean, and condition leather, use saddle soap (except on patent leathers). Saddle soap provides just the right amount of moisture required to preserve leather goods. The key is to use a light hand—more product does not equal better results.
How to Clean Leather with Saddle Soap
Before using saddle soap, take a lightly moist cloth and clean your leather product. After it dries, dab a small amount of saddle soap on your product and rub it around the leather. Make clockwise rubbing motions on the leather until it is dry. Repeat until you have cleaned the entire leather surface. Use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess residue.
Use a lightly moist, soft cloth to remove surface dust and marks. Let the leather dry naturally.
Dab a little saddle soap onto a cloth, then apply gently—avoid soaking the leather.
Make clockwise rubbing motions until the area feels dry. Repeat section-by-section.
Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess product and leave a clean finish.
Do I need to test first?
If you’re unsure how a product will react, test on a small, less visible area first. This is especially helpful when you’re working with a new leather type or a bag you haven’t cleaned before.
How Often Should You Clean Leather?
It is important to clean leather on a regular basis. Use saddle soap every few months. It will help protect your leather, keep it moist, and looking beautiful. Avoid cleaning your leather pieces too often. Over-cleaning leather can damage the leather. It can cause leather to be too moist, creating mildew and damage the leather item.
Simple schedule (easy to remember)
- Light use: wipe down occasionally + saddle soap every few months
- Frequent use: quick wipe more often + saddle soap as needed (don’t overdo it)
- After rain: wipe + air dry naturally, away from heat
Tip: If the leather looks dull, feels dry, or has surface buildup, it’s usually time for a gentle clean—not a heavy scrub.
Storage Tips for Leather Handbags
Good storage is part of leather care. It helps prevent creasing, preserves shape, and keeps hardware and straps in better condition.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid plastic bags—leather needs to breathe.
- Don’t store heavy items inside the bag (it can stretch the shape).
- Keep away from products with alcohol (perfume, hairspray, sanitizers).
FAQ: Leather Care
What should I do if my leather bag gets wet?
Wipe it with a soft cloth and allow it to air dry naturally. Avoid hair dryers, heaters, or direct sun while drying.
Can I use saddle soap on patent leather?
No—avoid saddle soap on patent leathers. Patent finishes require different care methods than natural or traditional leather surfaces.
Is it bad to clean leather too often?
Yes. Over-cleaning can introduce too much moisture, which may lead to mildew and damage. Gentle, occasional care is best.
Written by Lisa Ramos — California designer and the artist behind MONOLISA, creating handmade leather handbags and sculpted jewelry.
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