From the timeless elegance of a leather handbag to the durability of a leather briefcase, every SageBrown piece is designed to last a lifetime. But the secret to preserving their beauty lies in proper leather care. With the right habits, your accessories will not only age gracefully but also develop a rich patina that tells your personal story.
This guide covers everything you need to know about leather bag care, including how to care for a leather handbag, nubuck leather care, how to clean my leather bag, and even how to care for a leather briefcase. Whether it’s everyday maintenance, storage tips, or specialist cleaning, SageBrown’s approach ensures your treasured accessories remain as refined as the day you bought them.
How to Store Leather Properly
When not in use, storage plays a key role in leather handbag care and extending the life of your accessories.
Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Keep handbags in dust bags to avoid scratches. If you don’t have one, use a breathable cotton pillowcase - never plastic.
Avoid heat sources like radiators, which dry and crack leather.
Store upright on their base, never hanging, to prevent misshaped handles.
Everyday Leather Care
Leather is a natural material that needs proper care to preserve its beauty and durability. Protect your investment with these simple habits:
Weekly wipe down. Gently brush away dust and dirt with a soft cloth or brush.
Don’t overfill. To keep handbags, purses, and wallets in shape, avoid stretching the leather by stuffing them too full.
Water watch. Rain and moisture can damage leather, so carry an umbrella and allow wet items to dry naturally.
Protect against scratches. Keep your leather safe from sharp jewellery, textured clothing, or rough surfaces.
How to Care for Leather Handbags
Your handbag carries more than just your essentials—it carries your style. To preserve its elegance:
Empty it after use to avoid stretching or warping.
Maintain its shape by filling it with acid-free tissue paper.
Wrap zips and clasps with tissue when storing to prevent marks.
Cover with a dust bag or cotton cloth before putting away.
When out, consider a handbag hook to keep your bag safe and clean, away from dirty floors or rough surfaces.
Shop leather handbags here
How to Care for a Leather Briefcase
Briefcases need extra attention to maintain their professional polish:
Always place them on their protective brass feet, not the leather itself.
Avoid overloading with heavy laptops or documents, which strain the zips and hardware.
When travelling, pack your briefcase in a protective cover to prevent scratches.
Shop briefcases here
Nubuck Leather Care
Nubuck is prized for its soft, velvety texture but is more delicate than smooth leather. To look after it:
Use a suede brush to remove dust and light dirt.
For oil or grease marks, apply cornflour overnight and brush gently the next day.
Avoid water; instead, use specialist nubuck cleaners for stubborn stains.
Always store nubuck leather in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
If you’re wondering about the care of nubuck leather, remember: gentle, dry cleaning methods are always better than wet treatments.
How to Clean My Leather Bag: Dos and Don’ts
Do:
Use a soft cloth or brush to clean regularly.
Blot spills immediately with a dry cloth.
Allow leather to dry naturally away from heat.
Apply leather conditioner every 3–6 months to keep it supple.
Test conditioners or polishes on a hidden area first.
Don’t:
Machine wash leather.
Dry leather with a radiator, hairdryer, or tumble dryer.
Iron or soak leather in water.
Specialist Care for Different Leather Types
Smooth leather: Clean with a soft cloth and condition gently.
Patent leather: Remove scuffs with petroleum jelly or a specialist cleaner.
Saffiano leather: Wipe with a damp cloth—avoid abrasive methods.
Textured leathers (pebble, snake, croc): Clean with soap flakes or a leather solution, always buffing with the grain.
Light leathers: Be extra cautious of colour transfer—apply a protective spray after cleaning.
SageBrown Warranty & Repair Service
At SageBrown, we take pride in the craftsmanship of our luxury leather goods. That’s why all briefcases, handbags, holdalls, and portfolios come with a two-year warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing or material defects that occur under normal conditions of use, including:
Zip or stitching failures
Assembly faults
Handle or corner issues
Material defects (such as abnormal ageing or deterioration)
Hardware problems (press studs, locks, hinges, hooks, or rings)
If your leather bag or accessory shows any of these faults, our expert team in London will assess and repair it, drawing on over 30 years of experience in luxury leather bag care. In some cases, repairs may be carried out by our skilled craftsmen in Türkiye, which can take up to six weeks (excluding seasonal holidays). Our customer service team will keep you updated at every stage.
Please note that damage caused by misuse or normal wear and tear is not covered under the warranty. However, we do offer in-house restoration services for a fee, which includes shipping costs. Each repair is individually assessed, and the best solution will be discussed with you before any work begins.
Contact our customer service team here to arrange a repair or restoration.
Final Thoughts on Leather Bag Care
Leather is more than just a material—it’s a living surface that evolves with time. Whether you’re learning how to care for a leather handbag, how to clean my leather bag, or tackling nubuck leather care, the same principle applies: treat it with respect, and it will reward you with decades of style and reliability.
At SageBrown, our luxury leather goods are designed to last. But with thoughtful leather handbag care and the right storage, cleaning, and conditioning habits, your accessories will stay as iconic as the day you first carried them.
See our full collection here