LEATHER CARE GUIDE & POLICY

Thank you for choosing Own Leather! Every single piece in our collection is handcrafted from 100% genuine full-grain leather. Genuine leather is a natural, living material that changes, softens, and develops a beautiful vintage character (patina) over time.

To ensure your investment lasts a lifetime and stays in pristine condition, please follow our official care guidelines and policy below.

1. Daily Care & Protection

Avoid Water and Moisture: Leather is naturally porous. Keep your leather goods away from heavy rain, standing water, and high-humidity environments. If your item does get wet, blot it gently with a soft, dry cloth immediately and let it air dry naturally.
Keep Away from Direct Heat: Never use a hair dryer, radiator, or direct sunlight to dry wet leather. High heat will draw out the natural oils, causing the leather to warp, stiffen, or crack.
Beware of Color Transfer: Dark dyes (such as from new blue jeans) can sometimes transfer onto lighter-colored leathers, and vice versa. Be mindful of what your leather items rub against during daily use.

2. Cleaning & Conditioning

Routine Cleaning: Wipe down your leather items once a week with a clean, soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to remove surface dust and oils from your hands.
Conditioning: To keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out, we recommend applying a high-quality, natural leather conditioner or balm every 3 to 6 months.
- Artisan Tip: Always test any new leather cleaner or conditioner on a small, hidden area first (like the inside engraving zone or bottom corner) to ensure it does not alter the color in a way you dislike.
No Harsh Chemicals: Never use rubbing alcohol, acetone, chemical solvents, or household detergents on your leather goods. These will instantly strip away the leather's protective finish and natural natural oils.

3. Storage Guidelines

Store Properly: When not in use, store your leather bags or journals in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Use a breathable fabric dust bag; never store leather in plastic bags, as plastic traps moisture and can cause mold or mildew to grow.
Maintain Shape: For leather bags or structured items, lightly stuff the interior with clean tissue paper or bubble wrap when storing them long-term to help maintain their original shape.

4. Product Warranty & Care Policy

Natural Aging is Not a Defect: As outlined in our policies, natural leather markings, slight color fading, stretching, and scratches accumulated through daily wear are completely normal. These are signs of authentic usage and are not considered manufacturing defects.
Damage Due to Improper Care: Own Leather is not responsible for any damage caused by improper maintenance, cleaning errors, chemical exposure, water damage, or incorrect storage. Repair or replacement requests under our Return Policy will be rejected if the product displays damage resulting from a lack of standard leather care.

5. Need Care Recommendations?

If you are unsure about which type of leather conditioner to use, or if your handcrafted piece requires specific maintenance advice, please don't hesitate to reach out: