June 03, 2025

How to Care for Your Leather Bag (So It Looks Great for Years!)

When you invest in a beautifully made leather bag from Honey and Toast—you’re choosing quality, craftsmanship, and timeless style. But even the finest leather needs a little TLC to stay looking its best. With just a bit of regular care, your leather bag can look great for years and develop a character that gets better with age and is unique to you!

Take a look through some essentials of leather bag care, including how to clean, condition, store, and protect your bag.

1. Understand the Nature of Leather

It's good to know what makes leather so special. Leather is a natural material, and like skin, it breathes, ages, and reacts to its environment. Over time, your bag will soften, develop creases, and gain a unique patina—that warm sheen and deepening of colour that comes with use. These changes are part of its charm and not flaws. But to keep your bag looking beautiful, you need to support that natural aging process with proper care.

At Honey and Toast, I use high-quality leathers, sourced within Europe.

2. Daily Habits That Make a Big Difference

You don’t need to be precious with your leather bag, but building a few smart habits into your daily routine will go a long way:

Avoid Overstuffing: Putting too much into your bag can stretch the leather and alter its shape.
Be Mindful of Placement: Don’t place your bag on dirty or wet floors. Use a hook, chair, or clean surface instead.
Drying: Never use synthetic heat sources like hairdryers or direct radiator heat to dry your bag. This will damage the leather. Let your bag dry naturally.

3. How to Clean Your Leather Bag

For Light Surface Dirt:

Use a dry, soft cloth that is white (microfibre or a soft T shirt will work well) to gently brush away any surface dust or particles.
If needed, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe it down, then let it air dry naturally.
This product is great for cleaning leather gently.

4. Conditioning: Keep It Supple, Not Shiny

Leather can dry out over time, particularly in dry or hot climates, it's a great idea to condition your bag over a hot Summer. Also in Winter as a leather bag going between cold and warm conditions (cold outside to a warm home/work space) can get dry. Conditioning your bag every few months helps keep it supple and prevents cracking.

Use a small amount of a leather cream such as this one
Stuff your bag with something so you can push down onto the leather gently - paper would work but also a T-shirt or jumper. Anything soft to fill the bag.
Apply the leather conditioner using a clean, soft, white cloth and rub in very gently into the leather in circular motions.
Let it absorb overnight, then give it a final buff in the morning with a soft cloth.

5. How to Protect Leather from Rain and Stains

Leather is water-resistant, not waterproof. If your bag gets caught in a downpour:

Gently pat it dry with a soft cloth—please don’t rub!
Let it air dry naturally—never use a hairdryer or put it near a radiator.

For extra protection, consider applying a leather protector spray designed to repel water and prevent stains. Again, test it on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t affect the colour.

Some of our customers like to lightly treat their Honey and Toast bags every season—especially in the wetter months.

6. Storing Your Leather Bag the Right Way

When you’re not using your bag, store it properly to maintain its shape and condition:

Stuff it with acid-free tissue paper or clean fabric to help it keep its shape.
Keep it in a dust bag (we include one with every Honey and Toast bag!)
Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to mould.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat.

If your bag has a structured shape (like our Ava satchel or Russet tote), the stuffing step is particularly important to keep the structure.

7. Scuffs, Scratches & Patina: Embrace the Story

Over time, your leather bag will likely pick up a few marks—that’s all part of its journey. Minor scuffs can usually be buffed out gently with a rub from a warm hand or try a soft white cloth and a dab of leather cream. Deeper scratches may never completely disappear, but they will fade and blend (heal almost!) as the leather ages.

This natural patina is something we love at Honey and Toast—it’s what makes each bag truly yours. No two will ever age in the same way.

8. Professional TLC: When to Seek Help

If your bag is very dirty, has a serious stain, or needs structural repair (like stitching or strap replacement), it might be time to get in touch. I am always happy to help. If you have a Honey and Toast bag and you’re not sure what to do about a mark or damage, just reach out—we’re proud to offer advice and support. Email me! info@honeyandtoast.co.uk

9. Sustainable Care = Sustainable Fashion

Taking care of your bag is more than just a way to keep it looking good—it’s also part of a more sustainable lifestyle. Instead of replacing bags frequently, you’re investing in a piece that can accompany you for years, even decades. That’s better for the planet and your wardrobe.

At Honey and Toast, we design bags to last—and the care you give them is part of their story.

Final Thought: Love It, Use It, Care for It

Leather gets better with age, especially when it’s been loved and looked after. With just a little routine care, your Honey and Toast bag can remain a beautiful, functional part of your life for many years to come.

Need product recommendations, care accessories, or have a question about one of our bags? Get in touch—I am always happy to help! info@honeyandtoast.co.uk