Leather Care by Cox the Saddler Ltd.

At Cox the Saddler we are regularly asked about the best way to clean and care for the leather bags, purses and wallets we sell. The advice we give our customers applies equally to upholstery and car seats, saddles and tack, in fact anything made of leather.

With use most leather goods develop a lovely patina. They also get quite dirty and the first step in caring for leather is to clean it. This does not usually require any fancy proprietory cleaners, just tepid water and ordinary toilet soap such as Fairy. Use a clean soft cloth and make sure it is thoroughly wrung out before using it on the leather. Use gentle circular strokes. Once finished, leave the leather item to dry naturally, not in the airing cupboard or on a radiator.

Once the handbag, purse or whatever is completely dry the next step of conditioning can begin. Remember leather is a skin and like skin has a high moisture content. As we moisturise our skin, so it is necessary to moisturise leather from time to time. The ideal product for this is a lanoline based hide food such as Connolly's Hide Food. (We sell this in the shop for £8.00 call Sara on 01494-771340 to order a jar.)

Connolly's Hide Food may seem expensive at first but it should be used little and seldom. You will need another soft, clean, dry cloth. Dab the cloth in the jar of Hide Food to get just a little on the cloth. Apply - again with gentle circular strokes. Leave the product to soak in and then buff up to a lustre. Your handbag will love you for it!

Connolly Hide Food for sale on-line.

If you have any more queries about the care or repair of leather products, just give us a call on 01494-771340.