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Leather bag/briefcase care and cleaning

mat135ta

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How do you guys clean and take care of your leather bags and briefcases? Is A-E cleaner&condition, and Meltonian shoe cream appropriate? Shall I use neutral or London tan for a vintage briefcase in London tan?

I just got a vintage BB Peal & Co. briefcase that is almost identical to Swaine Adeney Brigg Whitehall model

800x800_fitbox-l17d06008003sa018.png


The leather is a bit dry and hard, and it has some scratches. I plan to give it some TLC but don't know how. I tried, but didn't find useful thread in SF.
 

Mark from Plano

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Might depend on the case, the leather and how it's tanned/dyed, etc. However my Glazer bag comes with recommendation to use human skin care products. Specifically they recommend the original formula Nivea (in the blue bottle) as the only care it needs. YMMV.
 

Rambler

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I would recommend the wax that BB sells for their Peal/SAB cases. It's the exact same stuff that SAB includes with their cases. You can order it through classicluggage.com as well. I usually wait until BB has a 25% or higher sale to purchase the wax since it's quite pricey at full retail. But a little goes a long way so it should last for a while.

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...=&sectionsize=

It works great and smells pleasant too! It is beeswax based. It has the consistency of vaseline but it absorbs surprisingly quickly. I use it on my SAB Westminster.
 

mat135ta

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Originally Posted by Rambler
I would recommend the wax that BB sells for their Peal/SAB cases. It's the exact same stuff that SAB includes with their cases. You can order it through classicluggage.com as well. I usually wait until BB has a 25% or higher sale to purchase the wax since it's quite pricey at full retail. But a little goes a long way so it should last for a while.

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...=&sectionsize=

It works great and smells pleasant too! It is beeswax based. It has the consistency of vaseline but it absorbs surprisingly quickly. I use it on my SAB Westminster.


Thanks for the link. Do you know if the wax can soften the leather?

My briefcase also have some noticeable scratches, so I was wondering if I can use shoe cream to cover them up. It seems on another thread, it is suggested to never use shoe care products. Then is there colored cream for bridle leather with similar effect as shoe creams?
 

Rambler

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Originally Posted by mat135ta
Thanks for the link. Do you know if the wax can soften the leather?

My briefcase also have some noticeable scratches, so I was wondering if I can use shoe cream to cover them up. It seems on another thread, it is suggested to never use shoe care products. Then is there colored cream for bridle leather with similar effect as shoe creams?


I haven't noticed that the wax softens the leather, just gives it a good conditioning and shine. If your case is dry or brittle, it should help in that regard. What I like about it is that it doesn't really affect the color, other than enriching it. It doesn't darken the color like some other leather conditioners do. It's not great at covering up scuffs and scratches, but the scuffs and scratches also add to the character. I wouldn't worry too much about that unless it's REALLY bad. Bridle leather scratches very easily, at least in my experience with SAB, Peal, and Filson. I've also used the wax on my calf leather shoes with great results.

Like others have suggested, I would not use shoe polish on the case. Notwithstanding what it could do to the leather, it'll just rub off on your clothes. I'm not aware of any bridle leather polishes. You might want to inquire with BB or SAB whether they offer some kind of redye/recondition service.
 

asdf

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Originally Posted by Rambler
I haven't noticed that the wax softens the leather, just gives it a good conditioning and shine. If your case is dry or brittle, it should help in that regard. What I like about it is that it doesn't really affect the color, other than enriching it. It doesn't darken the color like some other leather conditioners do. It's not great at covering up scuffs and scratches, but the scuffs and scratches also add to the character. I wouldn't worry too much about that unless it's REALLY bad. Bridle leather scratches very easily, at least in my experience with SAB, Peal, and Filson. I've also used the wax on my calf leather shoes with great results.

Like others have suggested, I would not use shoe polish on the case. Notwithstanding what it could do to the leather, it'll just rub off on your clothes. I'm not aware of any bridle leather polishes. You might want to inquire with BB or SAB whether they offer some kind of redye/recondition service.


IIRC, beeswax is traditionally used for applications where softness is not desired, or so reads Sno-Seal lore
 

mat135ta

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Rambler

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Originally Posted by mat135ta
I guess the first step is cleaning the briefcase. I understand now that shoe polishes are to be avoided. But for cleaning purpose, is A-E Conditioner/Cleaner acceptable?
2_570_I.jpg


Not sure about the A-E conditioner but I know that Lexol works pretty well and won't damage the leather. Also, a lightly damped cloth could do the trick for simply removing surface dirt and debris.
 

mat135ta

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Originally Posted by Rambler
Not sure about the A-E conditioner but I know that Lexol works pretty well and won't damage the leather. Also, a lightly damped cloth could do the trick for simply removing surface dirt and debris.

Do you mean Lexal Cleaner can be used to clean the bag?
 

Rambler

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Originally Posted by mat135ta
Do you mean Lexal Cleaner can be used to clean the bag?

Yes, try it out in a test area and let it fully dry. From there, you'll get an idea of how it will clean and affect the leather.

Product Description
Lexol Leather pH Cleaner Spray, 16.9 oz. Deep-cleans dirt, oil and leftover perspiration salts that build up and destroy leather interiors. Lexol Cleaner is adjusted to the pH of leather, so it will not harm the finish or fibers of the leather. Rinses easily and quickly with water, leaving no residue or dulling film. Apply with either a damp Lexol Applicator Sponge or a damp soft cloth to work up a foam that lifts out the dirt. Rinse thoroughly with another clean, wet sponge or cloth. Once all traces of cleaner have been rinsed off, pat dry with a soft, 100% cotton towel. To keep your interior in top condition, clean the leather about twice a year and immediately follow with Lexol Conditioner. Do not use on suede.
 

DressingInTheDark

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I have been looking for something for my leather portfolio and wallets. Emailed Collonil on the Premium Diamant and they ok-ed it on all leather goods and shoes. Thought i'd share...

1-diamant-cr.jpg
 

guster

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This has been a helpful thread, thanks to those responding.
 

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