Leather Care & Cleaning
With its natural resilience, leather requires minimal maintenance and develops even more character over time. Follow these simple tips to help preserve your leather and keep it looking its best.
Pure Aniline, Aniline Plus, Semi-Aniline, Pigmented
Cleaning Finished or Smooth Leather
For regular care and cleaning, dust periodically with a dry cloth to remove residual dust and prevent dirt from building up. No harsh cleaners or solvents should ever be used on the leather, as they could abrade the finish or topcoat off the article.
For stubborn stains and spills, a lightly damp cloth with warm water should be blotted on the stain to lift and remove it. If this does not work, a mild dish soap and water solution should be mixed and then blotted to release the stain and then blot again with dry cloth. This should never be done heavily or in a scrubbing motion.
Specially formulated products such as Moore & Giles’ No. 33 Conditioner can be used to rejuvenate fine leather surfaces, however, some leathers are inherently sensitive, spot tested before overall use.
For stubborn stains and spills, a lightly damp cloth with warm water should be blotted on the stain to lift and remove it. If this does not work, a mild dish soap and water solution should be mixed and then blotted to release the stain and then blot again with dry cloth. This should never be done heavily or in a scrubbing motion.
Specially formulated products such as Moore & Giles’ No. 33 Conditioner can be used to rejuvenate fine leather surfaces, however, some leathers are inherently sensitive, spot tested before overall use.
Nubuck, Suede Hair on Hide
Cleaning Nubuck, Suede
Cleaning Nubuck, Suede
or Hair on Hide Leather
For Hair on Hide or Shearling, dry vacuum or use a soft nylon brush. For small stains, use a damp white absorbent cloth and mild detergent.
Nubuck, suede, or unfinished upholstery leather generally does not have a protective film on its surface, making it a “naked” leather that is susceptible to soiling and staining. Please note certain Moore & Giles’ suedes and nubucks are either waterproofed during tanning or treated with water repellent, so they will offer more stain resistance than untreated suede and nubuck, but it is still important to review the following care and cleaning methods.
Do not use cleaning chemicals on nubuck or suede.
Instead, regular cleaning of nubuck and suede can best be done using a vacuum, followed by brushing the nap back up using a soft nylon brush. When spills do occur, blot excess liquid immediately with a clean white absorbent cloth or sponge. If necessary, use clear lukewarm water and a clean, white cloth that is well wrung and gently wipe the spill dry using a blow dryer. At the same time, brush the affected area with a soft nylon brush. Light soiling and dry stains can sometimes be removed by using a pencil eraser or a dry cleaning pad to gently rub the affected area. Finish by vacuuming and brushing the nap with a nylon brush.
Ink or marker stains can sometimes be removed by using a pen eraser or a dry cleaning pad. In most cases, this lightens up the mark, but will not remove it completely. Sanding the ink or marker stain with 400-grit sandpaper will also help lighten the mark, but caution should be taken because this can also lighten the area being sanded.
Please be mindful of keeping butter, oil, and grease away from nubuck and suede. If these substances come into contact with the material, promptly remove the excess using a clean, white, dry cloth. Avoid the use of water, as it can further embed or smear the stain. Should the spot persist, consider applying baby powder or baking flour, followed by covering the area with a damp towel for approximately one hour. Remove the towel, dry the affected area, vacuum up the flour, and gently brush the nap back up using a soft nylon brush. Repeat this process as necessary until the stain is removed.
Do not use cleaning chemicals on nubuck or suede.
Instead, regular cleaning of nubuck and suede can best be done using a vacuum, followed by brushing the nap back up using a soft nylon brush. When spills do occur, blot excess liquid immediately with a clean white absorbent cloth or sponge. If necessary, use clear lukewarm water and a clean, white cloth that is well wrung and gently wipe the spill dry using a blow dryer. At the same time, brush the affected area with a soft nylon brush. Light soiling and dry stains can sometimes be removed by using a pencil eraser or a dry cleaning pad to gently rub the affected area. Finish by vacuuming and brushing the nap with a nylon brush.
Ink or marker stains can sometimes be removed by using a pen eraser or a dry cleaning pad. In most cases, this lightens up the mark, but will not remove it completely. Sanding the ink or marker stain with 400-grit sandpaper will also help lighten the mark, but caution should be taken because this can also lighten the area being sanded.
Please be mindful of keeping butter, oil, and grease away from nubuck and suede. If these substances come into contact with the material, promptly remove the excess using a clean, white, dry cloth. Avoid the use of water, as it can further embed or smear the stain. Should the spot persist, consider applying baby powder or baking flour, followed by covering the area with a damp towel for approximately one hour. Remove the towel, dry the affected area, vacuum up the flour, and gently brush the nap back up using a soft nylon brush. Repeat this process as necessary until the stain is removed.
Why Leather
Win Collier of Smith Hanes Studio describes his appreciation for the long-lasting, ever-improving benefits of real leather versus synthetic options.
Leather is a natural material that requires minimal care, making it a practical and timeless choice.
Learn more about the types of leather finishes
Leather Finish Types
DUST PERIODICALLYDust with a microfiber cloth to remove residual dust. For suede, nubuck, or shearling, dry vacuum or use a soft nylon brush.
AVOID HEAT & DIRECT SUNLIGHTDirect sunlight and excessive heat can cause leather to fade and become damaged over time.
CONTAIN STAINSFor spills, contain as quickly as possible. Blot, don’t rub. For stubborn stains, clean using Moore & Giles leather cleaner.
For heavy spills or stains, blot immediately with a dry cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible and avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain. Treat with our natural Leather Cleaner. For lighter spills, use a gentle solution of three parts water and one part mild soap to spot clean. Treated areas may slightly darken. The leather's natural burnishing will gradually envelop any discoloration. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Do not use liquid cleaners on nubuck or suede.
Small Ink or marker stains may be removed using an eraser or dry cleaning pad. In most cases, this lightens the mark, but may not remove it completely. Once lightened, treat with our Natural Leather Cleaner. For larger ink or maker stains, use 400-grit sandpaper to gently remove the stain. Note this may permanently lighten the sanded area.
Our microfiber Cleaning Cloth is specially designed with a gentle blend of proprietary waxes and oils. A few quick strokes will buff away everyday scratches and abrasions. In case of deeper undesired scratches on your leather piece, use a blow dryer to warm the leather and blend the scratch mark. As the natural waxes and oils in the leather shift and move when exposed to heat, it will help conceal any marks effectively.
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