Product Care and Repairs

How to care for vegetable tanned leather

To maintain its beautiful finish vegetable-tanned leather requires some maintenance. Since leather is not a synthetic material it benefits from being cleaned and conditioned to maintain durability through rain, sweat, dirt and sunshine. You should expect to do this about once a year depending on how much use you get from your belt and what it is subjected to. A cleaning and conditioning routine will keep the belt looking great for years to come.

Cleaning

There are a variety of opinions on how to best clean and condition vegetable tanned leather goods. When testing out a new cleaning method it is recommended to try it out on a small section of leather that is out of sight to make sure it won't change the leather in a way you may not like.

There are a few different options to choose from. I have linked several products below but there are many brands and places to buy from. The reason there are leather specific cleaning products is because leather has a particular PH balance that can be thrown off by other kinds of cleaning solutions.

Saddle Soap is seen as the standard for boots, belts and tack. It has cleaning and conditioning agents in it but is on the stronger side and so I recommend always conditioning after cleaning to make sure you are putting back a protective seal on the leather.

Leather Cleaner is considered to be a bit more gentle. It is still a good idea to condition after cleaning with it but it is less dehydrating on the leather. 

How to apply:

• Wipe down leather with a soft dry cloth
• Take a small amount of the cleaner onto a damp bristle brush and buff the entire surface in small circular motions. If you don't have a bristle brush using a microfiber cloth works just fine.
• Wipe off cleaner with another clean dry cloth

 

Conditioning

After you have cleaned your belt you can now move on to the conditioner. If the leather is frequently exposed to the elements like direct sun or rain, a conditioning treatment can be applied more than once a year. Look for dry patches on the leather. That’s an indication of needing to be treated with a conditioner.

There are again a variety of options when it comes to conditioning your leather.

Aussie Leather Conditioner is especially good for repelling moisture.

Neatsfoot oil is a yellow oil rendered and purified from cattle.

Olive Oil can also be used as a conditioner and is a nice option as it is a common house hold item.

How to apply:

• Rub a light coat of conditioning treatment using a clean, dry rag.
• Allow the conditioner to soak in at least a few minutes or up to overnight.
• Use another clean rag to buff dry and look for an even glow and no dry areas.
• You may need to add more to certain places on your belt, followed by buffing.

Cleaning and conditioning your belt may darken its patina. This natural darkening process happens as your vegetable-tanned leather ages. Conditioning enhances this natural process and will provide a color that is beautiful, deep and unique. If you are concerned about it darkening too much just test your conditioner out on a small area first before using on the entire belt.

 

Brass Buckles

Solid brass is prone to oxidation over time. Some people really like this natural patina and think that it adds to the beauty of the belt. If you prefer the shiny gold look there are commercial polishes that are designed specifically for brass. You can also go for do-it-yourself methods like mixing lemon juice and and baking soda to form a paste you can scrub with. With either option be mindful to not get the polishing agent on the leather itself.

Repairs and Questions

If you have any questions about maintenance or issues with your belt please don't hesitate to email me at contact@aurelianleathercraft.com and I will do my best to meet your needs.