Most leather companies guarantee their products to be free of manufacturing defects, but it is up to you to see that your leather luggage, purses, wallets and totes are properly maintained. Properly caring for your leather products will assure you years of return on your investment. Does this sound a little overwhelming? Let us simplify the process for you. Continue reading, and we will break it down into four easy steps: clean, dry, condition and buff.

If you are able to remember how you felt when you purchased your first piece of fine leather luggage or that great leather purse, you might recall feelings of awe at the craftsmanship of the brand you chose. You might remember thinking that, since you now own your first piece of fine leather, you are truly on the way to the top. Pieces you acquire after that may not inspire such lofty feelings, but will still bring you satisfaction with your purchase. Keeping these items in good shape just makes sense.

In this fast-paced world, circling the globe or simply going back and forth to work can cause normal wear and tear on your leather travel bags, purses and messenger bags. Our advice is to perform a regular annual inspection and cleaning of your fine leather. The perfect time to inspect luggage might be after returning home from a long trip. With purses, totes, and wallets that are used more frequently, once a month is often enough to detect any issues that might need some attention.

Regular inspection and cleaning of your leather luggage and purses is simple. Begin by setting aside a few minutes of uninterrupted time, and plan to spend that quality time with your leather item. First look it over with fresh eyes, searching for things you might be accustomed to seeing, but which merit a second look. Give special attention to the bottom of luggage and purses in particular.

Next check for stability of zippers, confirm that zipper teeth are aligned, and inspect for any areas of wear around handles, tags, seams and straps. Small tears in the leather by handles or zippers might need professional repair. If you find a problem with these areas, you may want to contact the company you purchased the products from to see what they might suggest for repair. They may repair the problem free if it resulted from a defect in the manufacturing process. They may suggest that a professional handle the repairs if the problem isn't covered by their warranty. Even if the problem arose from normal wear and tear, having a professional do the repairs will lengthen the life of your investment.

Once you have identified any areas that might need professional repair, move on to the condition of the leather itself. Several good products are available to care for your leather. The manufacturer may have sent a sample cleaner with your purchase, or you may want to check with them to see what they suggest for cleaning their line of leather luggage, purses and totes. As a general rule, apply the cleaner to one small area at a time, making sure you clean and dry each section as you go. To do otherwise might result in the liquid remaining on the leather too long, potentially causing staining.

Once you are satisfied with one section, move to the next, making sure to apply the cleaner as outlined in the directions, wiping it down as instructed and drying the leather as you work with each section.

When the leather has been cleaned, begin the process of conditioning. Use a professional conditioner and again work in a small area before moving on to the next. Professional conditioners will restore the oils, protect the finish and prolong the life of the leather. Generally, you will work the conditioner into the leather until it is absorbed. The surface may begin to appear soft and may take on its original look. These four easy steps will go a long way in prolonging the life of your leather luggage. Clean, dry, condition and buff.

Different substances on leather require different responses. However, a good leather cleaner, properly applied, followed by leather conditioner, will take care of most problems.

Remember never to leave your leather luggage, purses and totes in the rain. Quality leather products won't generally leak, but water will stain them if they soak in it. If you get caught in the rain, as soon as possible, dry the wet leather with a soft cloth and let it air dry. Apply leather conditioner to restore the visual beauty of the surface once it is completely dry. Also avoid leaving your leather items in direct sunlight to store them. Heat from the sun may prematurely dry the leather, so store your leather items in a cool, dark area until you are ready to use them. When you are getting ready to travel, it is a good idea to inspect your luggage well prior to your departure. In the unlikely event you need a professional to repair a small problem, you want to allow sufficient time for repairs before your trip.

Regular care of your leather luggage, purses, totes and wallets is an investment in the future, certainly well worth your time.