Maintenance guide

Smooth and grained leathers

These full-grain cowhide leathers , whether smooth or grained, are chosen for their quality and durability. Smooth leather retains the natural grain of the hide, while grained leather has a relief imprinted during tanning. These leathers, renowned for their robustness, age and develop a subtle patina over time.

Clean and remove stains from smooth or grained leather

Maintenance cleaning:

Every week, dust your items with a soft horsehair brush. This simple step helps preserve the shine and cleanliness of the leather every day.

Deep cleaning:

Occasionally use a specific cleaning lotion or jelly for smooth or grained leather, applied with a clean cloth or chamois, to revive the material and even out the color.

Eliminate difficult tasks:

For deep stains (pen, grease, etc.), choose a suitable stain remover: universal or targeted depending on the type of dirt.

Restoration:

For leather damaged or dulled by UV rays, apply a renovating cream, pigmented or neutral, depending on the shade of the leather. This restores shine and suppleness to the matter.

Nourish and protect smooth or grained leather

Hydration:

After cleaning, apply a nourishing cream specifically designed for smooth or grained leather. Gently massage with your finger, let it absorb, then polish with a chamois or a polishing brush.

Waterproofing:

Protect your leather items from bad weather and everyday stains with a waterproofing spray, to be renewed once a month.

💡 Important: even when well waterproofed, smooth or grained leather remains sensitive to abrasive products (e.g. hydroalcoholic gel) and color transfers (e.g. raw denim).

“Suede”: nubuck and velvet

More delicate, nubuck leathers (sanded on the grain side) and suede leathers (sanded on the flesh side) offer a soft and velvety feel, and a magnificent “peach skin” appearance. Sensitive to UV rays, friction, crushing and humidity, they require suitable but simple care.

Cleaning and removing stains from your suede items

Regular cleaning:

Every week, use a crepe brush to dust and straighten the leather's pile. This regular action preserves the leather's "peach skin" appearance and velvety finish.

Deep cleaning:

Use a special suede cleaner (e.g., Saphir Omnidaim) to revive the material. Clean the entire item for a consistent, streak-free finish.

Detach without damaging:

  • Dried stains: Use a suede eraser. Gently rub the eraser over the stain and then brush it off with a crepe brush.
  • Grease stains: apply Fuller's earth and dab with absorbent paper.

Nourish and protect suede leather

Suitable hydration:

On cleaned leather, spray a renovating spray to maintain and revive the color of your suede leathers.

Waterproofing:

Apply a waterproofing spray every two weeks to protect your leather from the elements and minor everyday dirt. Some spray-on leather conditioners already include a water-repellent coating.

💡 Important: even when well waterproofed, nubuck or suede leather remains sensitive to abrasive products (e.g. hydroalcoholic gel) and color transfers (e.g. raw denim).

Caring for sheepskin

Full-grain sheepskin is distinguished by its great suppleness, finesse, and softness. These exceptional qualities make this leather particularly pleasant to wear... but also more delicate to maintain.

Cleaning and removing stains from your sheepskin leather goods

Regular cleaning:

To care for sheepskin, use a clean, dry chamois . This simple action removes dust while respecting the fragility of the material.

Nourish and protect sheep leather

Hydration suitable for sensitive skin:
After cleaning your item, apply a delicate cream specially formulated for fine and fragile leathers. Massage lightly with your finger, let it dry naturally, and finally, buff with a chamois to revive the leather's shine.

Waterproofing:

Protect your sheepskin pieces from bad weather and everyday stains with a waterproofing spray, to be renewed once a month.

💡 Important: even when well waterproofed, sheepskin remains sensitive to abrasive products (e.g. hydroalcoholic gel) and color transfers (e.g. raw denim).

Fancy leathers: Embossed, varnished and glazed

Patent, glazed or embossed leathers have a glossy finish obtained by applying a protective layer. Resistant to water and surface stains, they require no complex maintenance , which makes them easy to live with, perfect for everyday use.

Cleaning and removing stains from your fancy leather goods

Simple dusting:

A soft cloth or soft brush is enough to revive the shine of these leathers. It is not recommended to use waterproofing products on patent leathers, as this could alter their shiny finish.

⚠️ Important: Avoid repeated rubbing against clothing. Like nail polish, the glossy coating may eventually chip over time.

Maintenance of vegetable tanned leather

Vegetable-tanned leather is obtained using natural tannins extracted from plants (bark, leaves, fruits, etc.). This process gives the leather warm, natural, and evolving colors . At Bandit Manchot, we use this sustainable leather, particularly for the manufacture of our shoulder straps.

Nourish and protect the leather

A natural patina without effort:

This leather improves over time without requiring any special care. It is recommended to let it age and develop a natural patina to reveal its full beauty.

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse vegetable-tanned leather with so-called "vegetable leathers" or "vegan leathers", which are mainly made of plastic.