Vintage Leather Care: A Step-by-Step Guide
Caring for vintage leather bags is essential to preserving their beauty, structure, and value over time. Whether you just purchased a collector’s piece from Iceqwn Closet or simply want to give some extra love to something in your existing collection, proper leather care keeps your bag supple, clean, and looking its best for years to come.
Here are are my favorite simple and effective steps to maintaining your vintage leather beauty.
Important, if it’s your first time cleaning this bag or other leather item, make sure to spot test each of these steps in an unnoticeable area before moving forward with the whole bag.
1. Clean Gently with Saddle Soap and a Horsehair Brush
Start by using a small amount of saddle soap and a horsehair brush to gently clean the surface of your bag. Work one section at a time and use light, circular motions to lift dirt and residue from the leather. As you go, wipe away the suds with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to avoid over-saturating the leather. This step refreshes the surface without compromising the bag's integrity.
Note: I recommend skipping this step if you have a leather item that is a unique or bright color as it may strip some of the color off the leather. I typically only recommend this step for black or dark brown leather.
2. Hydrate and Restore with Leather CPR
Once your bag is clean and dry, it's time to condition. Pour a generous amount of Leather CPR onto your bag and gently massage it into the leather. Your hands are the best tool for this—the warmth helps the conditioner absorb evenly and deeply, although feel free to wear light gloves for this. These are my favorite for cleaning.
If the bag feels particularly dry or stiff, apply a thicker layer and let it sit for about 10 minutes after working it in. This gives the leather a chance to fully absorb moisture. After that, use a clean horsehair brush to remove any remaining product and buff the surface to a soft finish.
3. Finish with a Touch of Blackrock Balm
Let the bag fully absorb the Leather CPR before continuing. Once the bag is completely dry (no stickiness to the touch), apply a very small amount of Blackrock leather balm using a clean sponge. Use only a tiny amount at a time to avoid residual stickiness—a little goes a long way. This step enhances the leather's luster and adds a layer of conditioning protection.
That said, if I had to choose just Leather CPR or Blackrock, I’d get the the leather CPR.
4. Polish the Hardware with Care
To revive hardware, use Brasso with a microfiber cloth or a Q-tip for finer areas. It works wonders on brass, chrome, stainless steel, and copper.
Important: DO NOT use Brasso on silver, gold, or silver/gold-plated hardware (e.g., most Chanel hardware). When in doubt, skip polishing or consult a restoration professional.
Final Tips
Before using or storing the bag, ensure all the products are fully absorbed and dry to the touch.
Store your leather bag in a breathable dust bag, away from direct sunlight or humidity.
Avoid overfilling to maintain its shape.
Use a thread zapper to seal and remove any loose threads. Trust me, this is an insanely fun and useful tool.
Repeat this care routine every few months depending on use and climate.
A vintage bag is a piece of fashion history. With the right care, yours can last for decades, look better with age, and be passed down for generations.
All products, linked here.
Happy cleaning
xx Iceqwn
