Leather Product Care

Zipper Lube 

1. 1. Apply lube like a crayon to the closed zipper.
   2. Open and close the zipper several times to distribute lube between the teeth.
   3. Reapply as needed.

Why: Proper lubrication decreases wear on the zipper’s teeth, which eases tension on the tape. It's often the tape that stretches, causing slider to derail, which you really want to avoid. 

Best Practice: Zip open your pocket all the way when you put anything away. People often stop short of doing this, by 1"-2", so try to be mindful.

Saddle Soap

1. Dampen the cloth slightly with water.
2. Rub a small amount of saddle soap onto the cloth, creating a light lather.
3. Gently clean the surface of your leather bag using circular motions. Focus on any dirty or scuffed areas.
4. Wipe off any excess soap with a clean, damp cloth, then allow the leather to dry naturally.

Mink Oil

1. Use mink oil if you want to waterproof your leather and give it a deeper, richer finish. However, avoid using mink oil in combination with other conditioners as it can clog the leather’s pores.
2. Apply a small amount of mink oil to a cloth and rub it gently into the leather.
3. Allow the mink oil to sit for 10–15 minutes to penetrate the leather.
4. Buff with a dry cloth to finish.

Leather Conditioner 

1. Once the bag is clean and dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a clean, dry cloth.
2. Rub the conditioner onto the leather using circular motions, ensuring even coverage.
3. Let the conditioner soak into the leather for about 10–15 minutes.
4. Buff the leather with a dry cloth to restore its natural shine.

Waterproofing Spray for Canvas and Leather

1. Clean your bag ensuring it is free of dust and dirt before applying the spray.
2. Hold the waterproof spray can about 6–8 inches from the surface.
3. Evenly spray the entire surface, making sure to cover seams and stitching areas, which are the most vulnerable to water penetration.
4. Allow the product to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically in a well-ventilated area.
5. For best results, reapply the spray every few months, especially before heavy use in wet conditions.

Check connections, swivel clasps (key clip) 

• After several years (3-5 years of daily use in dry climates), metal on metal wears each other away. Chicago screw heads pivoting inside the grommet (connecting the straps and bags), may wear away to the point of disconnecting.