Ah, the allure of the beach! The gentle lapping of waves, the softness of white sand beneath your feet, and the invigorating scent of sea salt in the air. It's a paradise for the soul but can be a bit challenging for your cherished leather backpack or tote. At HIDES, we understand your journey and the love you have for your leather companions. We're here to guide you through the process of rejuvenating your leather goods after they've been exposed to sea salt and sand.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide to Caring for Your Leather Goods After Being Seaside or at the Beach
👜 1. Shake Off the Sand: Before anything else, empty your backpack or tote and gently shake it to remove any loose sand. Turn it upside down and tap the bottom to ensure all grains are out. Open up all the pockets even the side pockets. Your HIDES handcrafted leather bags have numerous storage areas in each design and it's important to thoroughly examine each of them.
A soft brush, like a makeup brush or a paintbrush, can help dislodge sand particles without being abrasive to the leather.
After emptying the pockets as much as possible by shaking out the sand, gently brush the inside of the pockets with the soft brush. Brush in one direction to guide the sand out of the pocket opening.
Sometimes, sand can stick to the interior due to moisture or other residues. A damp cloth can help lift these stubborn grains.
After removing as much sand as possible with the above method, take a clean cloth and dampen it with water (make sure it's not soaking wet, just slightly damp). Gently wipe the inside of the pockets with the damp cloth, being careful not to soak the leather. Once done, leave the HIDES leather tote or leather backpack to air dry, ensuring it's kept away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Check out these tips to carefully care and store your HIDES leather essentials if they have gotten more that just slightly damp.
💧 2. Wipe with a Damp Cloth: Using a soft cloth dampened with fresh water, gently wipe the entire surface of your leather item. This will help remove the sea salt and any remaining sand particles.
🌬️ 3. Dry Naturally: It's essential to let your leather item dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can cause the leather to shrink or warp. Instead, place it in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry.
🍶 4. Condition the Leather: Once your HIDES leather backpack or HIDES crossbody tote is completely dry, it's time to condition it. Use a high-quality leather conditioner and apply it in a circular motion using a soft cloth. This will replenish the natural oils and keep the leather supple.
✨ 5. Buff to Shine: After conditioning, take a clean soft cloth and gently buff the surface. This will restore the leather's natural shine and luster.
🛍️ 6. Store Properly: If you're not planning to use your leather item immediately, store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture. Instead, use a breathable cloth bag.
📌 Additional Tips:
🚫 Avoid Submerging in Water: If your leather item gets wet, avoid the temptation to rinse it under running water. This can cause the leather to lose its shape and color.
Note: Always test any method on a small, inconspicuous area of the leather first to ensure it doesn't cause any damage or discoloration. After cleaning, it's a good idea to condition the leather to keep it soft and supple.
“Every time I stand before a beautiful beach, its waves seem to whisper to me: If you choose the simple things and find joy in nature’s simple treasures, life and living need not be so hard.”
– Psyche Roxas-Mendoza
