Care & Maintenance
Leather Care Guide
Full-grain leather is built to last a lifetime — with a little care, your Pellavio piece will develop a rich patina that only improves with age. Follow these ten steps to keep it at its best.
Nourish Regularly
Nourish your leather products with neutral cream every so often to help maintain their natural oils. Regular conditioning keeps the leather supple, prevents cracking, and deepens the patina over time.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Store all leather goods away from direct sunlight to prevent the colour from fading. Prolonged UV exposure can dry out the leather and cause irreversible discolouration, particularly on vegetable-tanned hides.
Use a Dust Bag
Use a dust bag to protect the leather against scratches while storing. When not in use, keeping your piece in its dust bag also helps maintain its shape and shields it from humidity fluctuations.
Keep Away from Extreme Heat
Keep leather away from extreme heat as it can dry out the natural oils. Avoid leaving leather goods near radiators, car dashboards, or in direct proximity to any heat source.
Act Fast if It Gets Wet
Take immediate action if leather gets wet. Wipe it with a soft cloth, pack the inside with paper to absorb any further wetness, and leave it to dry naturally — never near a heater or with a hair dryer.
Embrace Natural Character
Remember that leather is a natural material, so it is to be expected that minor variations in colour and even small imperfections may be visible on the surface. These marks are a signature of genuine full-grain leather and will mellow beautifully with age.
Don't Overfill
Avoid overfilling leather bags as they can lose their shape. Pack only what you need, and when storing an empty bag for an extended period, stuff it lightly with tissue or bubble wrap to help it retain its form.
Keep Perfume Away
Avoid spraying perfume near leather as it can affect the colour. Alcohol-based fragrances and cosmetics can stain or permanently alter the finish. Apply perfume before dressing, giving it time to dry before handling your leather goods.
Store by Colour
Do not store light-coloured leather next to dark-coloured leather as the darker shade could 'migrate' or rub off and cause irreversible damage. Keep pieces separated in individual dust bags or on different shelves.
Clean Surface Dirt Carefully
Wipe away surface dirt with a damp cloth, or with trichloroethylene if resistant — always test first on a hidden part of the piece. Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners as they will damage the leather permanently.
A Note on Leather Conditioners
Always choose a neutral, colourless leather cream or conditioner — tinted products can alter the natural tone of full-grain leather. Apply sparingly with a soft, lint-free cloth, work in small circular motions, and allow the leather to absorb fully before use. A little goes a long way.
If you're ever unsure about a product or technique, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first — the underside of a strap or the base of a gusset — and allow 24 hours before treating the full piece.