Cleaning and Caring for Your Antique Leather Goods

So, you are loving your gorgeous foil-embossed Florentine box you bought from our Collection The Mixologist, or perhaps invested in a well-traveled leather suitcase. These vintage beauties add character to your home, but they can also come with a challenge of proper care. Cleaning vintage and antique leather isn’t just about making it look good, it’s about preserving its history. Whether it’s tooled leather desk accessories or a vintage leather case, here’s our tips on how to keep your precious finds in top condition.

Know When Your Leather is Crying for Help

Leather, much like your skin, has a way of letting you know when it needs moisture. If your vintage leather goods are starting to look dull, brittle, or feel rough to the touch, it’s screaming for hydration.

Signs Your Leather Needs Moisture:

• Cracks or fine lines appearing on the surface
• A stiff or papery texture
• Faded colour, looking more “dusty” than “lustrous”
• A powdery, white substance (leather bloom) appearing
• Ignoring these signs could lead to irreversible damage, and nobody wants their 19th-century Victorian leather box flaking apart like a croissant.

Cleaning & Caring Products Without Destroying History

Before you go in with the heavy artillery, always start with a gentle approach. Dust and dirt are the main culprits in leather degradation, so regular dry dusting with a soft cloth is essential. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty:

Best Natural Products for Antique Leather

• White Vinegar & Water (50/50 mix) – Great for removing grime and restoring suppleness, but don’t drown the leather, damp, not soaked.
• Olive Oil & Lemon Juice (2:1 ratio) – Adds a natural shine and conditions the leather.
• Beeswax Balm – Acts as a fantastic moisture-locking barrier.
• Unscented Castile Soap – Mild and effective for gentle cleaning.

Best Chemical Products for Tougher Jobs

Waxes and creams are also available. Choose one that that is colourless and follow the brands instructions

• pH-balanced Leather Cleaner – Perfect for stubborn stains without stripping essential oils.
• Rubbing Alcohol (diluted 1:3 with water) – Works wonders on ink stains but use sparingly.
• Glycerin-Based Leather Conditioners – Prevents cracking and restores flexibility.

Tackling Leather Stains Like a Pro

Spills happen. Maybe your vintage leather desk set took a hit from a rogue coffee cup, or your suitcase has an oil stain from that one time you overpacked skincare products. No worries, we’ve got fixes for that.

• Water Stains – Blot excess moisture, then gently rub with a slightly damp cloth. Let it dry naturally. Head up, no hairdryers, no direct sunlight!
• Oil Stains – Sprinkle cornstarch, baking soda or talcum powder, let it sit overnight, and brush off with a dry cloth.
• Ink Stains – A cotton swab with a bit of rubbing alcohol will help lift pen marks, but do a patch test first.
• Mould & Mildew – Mix equal parts water and white vinegar, wipe gently, and let it air out completely.

 

Step Four: Conditioning & Protecting Your Leather Treasures

After cleaning, your antique leather needs some TLC to stay in its best shape. A good leather conditioner is like a spa day. Leather should be nourished and treated regularly to maintain its suppleness, colour and flexibility. Opt for natural conditioners like:

• Mink Oil for deep conditioning
• Beeswax-based balms for protection and a slight sheen
• Lanolin cream for softening and restoring suppleness

Cleaning Inside an Antique Suitcase or Textile-Lined Box

The interior of antique suitcases and boxes often feature textile linings that can trap dust, odours, and even mould. Keeping these interiors fresh is just as important as caring for the leather exterior.

Steps to Clean and Maintain Textile Linings:

• Vacuum First – Use a soft brush attachment to remove loose dirt and dust.
• Spot Clean Gently – Mix mild dish soap with warm water, dip a cloth in, wring out excess liquid, and dab stains carefully. Avoid soaking the fabric.
• Banish Nasty Odours – Place a small bowl of baking soda or activated charcoal inside the case and let it sit for a few days to absorb smells. 
• Combat Mould & Mildew – If you spot mould, wipe the affected area with a mixture of white vinegar and water, then let it dry thoroughly with the lid open.
• Keep It Fresh – Store with silica gel packets, mould resistance sheets or lightly scented sachets to maintain freshness. 

Regular airing and occasional spot cleaning will help maintain the charm and integrity of the suitcase or box without compromising its vintage appeal.