Leather Care
Leather Care – Caring for Vegetable-Tanned Leather
Your Beocca product is made from 100% vegetable-tanned leather — a natural material that, with proper care, will last for years, if not a lifetime. On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about maintaining, protecting and restoring your leather bag, wallet or accessory.
What makes vegetable-tanned leather special?
Unlike chrome-tanned leather, vegetable-tanned leather is treated with natural tanning agents from tree bark and plants. This makes the leather sturdier, more characterful and more durable. Its most important feature is that the leather develops a patina: a natural sheen and colour deepening that occurs through use, touch and exposure to light. This makes your product only more beautiful and unique over time.
Because the leather has not been chemically treated with a synthetic finish, the surface is more sensitive to moisture, stains and scratches than treated leather. This may sound like a disadvantage, but with a few simple habits, you can effortlessly keep your product in top condition.
First use – Waterproofing
We recommend treating your Beocca product before first use with a moisture and dirt-repellent spray suitable for untreated leather. This creates a protective layer that helps the leather repel water and dirt.
How to do it
Choose a waterproofing spray suitable for vegetable-tanned or untreated leather. Sprays based on fluorocarbon resin or beeswax work well. Always test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area of your product first (for example, the bottom or inside) and wait until it dries to assess the result. Then spray the entire product with an even, thin layer from about 20–30 cm distance. Let the product dry at room temperature. Repeat this treatment every 2–3 months, or more often if you use the product daily or regularly expose it to changing weather conditions.
Suitable sprays are available at shoe shops, leather shops or online. Well-known brands include Saphir, Collonil and Tarrago.
Daily care
Vegetable-tanned leather requires little daily maintenance, but a few simple habits make a big difference to the lifespan of your product.
Removing dust and dirt
Regularly wipe your product with a dry, soft cloth (such as a microfibre or cotton cloth) to remove dust and light dirt. This prevents dirt from settling into the pores of the leather.
Storage
Store your bag in a dry, well-ventilated space. Avoid plastic bags — these block airflow and can cause mould. Preferably use a fabric storage bag or an old pillowcase. Stuff your bag with tissue paper or a towel to maintain its shape when not in use for extended periods. Do not store your products in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can dry out and discolour the leather.
Protection against water
Vegetable-tanned leather is sensitive to water. Moisture can cause stains and discolouration, especially with lighter colours. Therefore, try to avoid exposure to rain and water as much as possible.
What if your bag gets wet?
Don't panic. Gently blot the excess water with a dry, clean cloth — don't rub, dab. Then let your product dry slowly at room temperature. Never use a hairdryer, heater or other heat source to speed up the drying process. Heat dries out the leather, which can cause it to crack or lose its suppleness. After drying, optionally treat the leather with a leather cream or conditioner to restore moisture.
Protection against sun and heat
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leather to discolour. This is a natural process — the leather becomes darker and warmer in colour — but if you want to prevent uneven discolouration, keep your product out of bright sunlight as much as possible. For example, don't leave your bag lying in the sun on a terrace or behind a car window for hours. Heat from radiators, fireplaces or heating elements also dries out the leather. Always store your product in a cool, shaded place.
Nourishing and conditioning leather
Just like your skin, leather needs nourishment from time to time to stay supple and healthy. A good leather conditioner or leather cream nourishes the leather, prevents drying out and helps maintain a beautiful, natural sheen.
How and when to condition?
Condition your product every 3–6 months, depending on how intensively you use it. Products that are worn daily can be conditioned more often. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a soft, clean cloth. Rub the conditioner in gentle, circular motions over the entire surface. Let the conditioner absorb for 15–30 minutes. Then buff the leather with a clean, dry cloth for a subtle sheen. Only use products suitable for vegetable-tanned or untreated leather. Avoid products containing silicones, mineral oils or harsh solvents.
Removing stains
Due to the open, untreated nature of vegetable-tanned leather, stains can occur more easily. Below you'll find tips for common situations.
Water stains
Water stains often disappear on their own as the leather dries and develops patina. You can speed up the process by lightly moistening the entire surface with a damp cloth, so the stain dries evenly and is no longer visible.
Grease stains
Grease stains on untreated leather can be tricky. Apply a layer of cornstarch or talcum powder to the stain and leave it for at least a few hours (preferably overnight). The powder absorbs the grease. Then gently brush off the powder with a soft brush. Repeat if necessary.
Ink stains
Ink stains are the most difficult to remove. Try carefully treating the stain with a cotton bud dipped in pure alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). Dab gently — don't rub — and work from outside to inside to prevent spreading. Always test on an inconspicuous spot first. If unsure, contact a professional leather specialist.
General stains
For light stains, you can use a slightly damp cloth with a very small amount of mild soap (pH-neutral). Don't rub too hard and let the leather dry well at room temperature afterwards. Condition the leather after cleaning to restore moisture.
Scratches
Small scratches are normal with daily use and often become part of the patina. Surface scratches can often be buffed out by rubbing over them with your finger or a soft cloth — the natural oils in the leather fill in the scratch. For deeper scratches, a leather conditioner can help nourish the damaged area and make it less visible.
Specific product types
Smooth leather (most Beocca products)
Most Beocca products are made from smooth vegetable-tanned leather with a sanded or polished surface. This leather feels supple and velvety. Follow the care instructions above for these products.
Suede
Some Beocca products feature suede accents. Suede is made from the inner side of the hide and has an open, velvety structure. This makes suede more sensitive to moisture and stains. Use a special suede brush to brush the fibres and remove dirt. A suede eraser can help remove dry stains. Waterproof suede with a spray specifically designed for suede.
What NOT to do
- Never use household cleaning products, bleach or acetone on leather.
- Never use a hairdryer or place leather near a heater.
- Never machine wash or iron your leather product.
- Don't use shoe polish on bags — it can leave a sticky residue.
- Avoid placing your leather product on wet or dirty surfaces.
Summary: Leather care in 5 steps
- Waterproof before first use with a suitable spray.
- Clean regularly with a dry, soft cloth.
- Condition every 3–6 months with leather conditioner.
- Store in a cool, dry place (not in plastic).
- Protect from water, direct sunlight and heat.
Questions?
Do you have questions about caring for your Beocca product? Contact us via info@beocca.com or WhatsApp. We're happy to help with personalised advice for your product.
