How to Care for Vegetable-Tanned Leather
Vegetable-tanned leather is beautiful because it changes with you — deepening in colour, softening with touch, and developing a story over time. With just a little care, your piece from Keep Studio will stay strong and beautiful for years to come.
1. Keep it clean
Wipe your leather gently with a soft, dry cloth every few weeks. For marks, use a slightly damp cloth and let it air dry naturally — never use soap or household cleaners. A light touch goes a long way.
2. Feed the leather
Every few months, use a small amount of natural leather balm or conditioner. Apply with a soft cloth using circular motions, then buff gently. This keeps the leather supple and helps protect against dryness or cracking.
3. Avoid too much water
Vegetable-tanned leather is porous, so it doesn’t like soaking rain. If it does get wet, pat it dry with a lint free cloth and allow it to dry naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight. The surface may darken slightly — that’s part of its charm.
4. Store thoughtfully
When not in use, keep your bag or wallet in a cool, dry place. Use a cotton dust bag if you have one, and fill bags with paper to hold their shape. Avoid plastic storage as it can trap moisture.
5. Embrace the patina
Over time, your piece will gain its own soft sheen and deepen in tone — a sign of true vegetable-tanned leather and the hand-stitching that holds it together. Each mark and shade tells a story of how it’s been used and loved.
Designed to KEEP, made to last
Every Keep Studio piece is made to be repaired and cared for — never thrown away. If your leather ever needs a little attention, I offer free repairs for life to help it keep going strong.
(Learn more about my process and see the full collection at www.keep-studio.com)
