6 Steps To Care For Your Leather Wallet
A leather wallet is an investment worth protecting. With the right care and consideration, you can maintain a high-quality leather wallet for years. It’s important to remember that leather is a natural product, and like skin, it’s susceptible to damage.
Here are six practical tips to caring for your leather wallet.
Keep Out of Direct Sunlight and Heat
One of the simplest things you can do to care for your leather wallet is to keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Prolonged exposure to the sun or heat will dry out the leather and cause cracking.
If you check out Real Mens Wallets, you’ll see that genuine leather is meant to be soft and supple. Heat deprives the leather of natural oils, which will cause it to stiffen. As using your wallet often entails folding and unfolding the leather, the stiffness will cause the pressure point to crack and ultimately ruin it. Avoid tossing your wallet on the dash of your vehicle, tucking it under the seat or in the console instead. At home, keep your leather wallet in a drawer.
Keep Away from Moisture
Moisture will also negatively impact your leather wallet. While your wallet will be fine in your pocket on rainy days, you don’t want to throw it in the laundry accidentally.
If your wallet gets wet, dry it with a soft cloth and let it dry naturally. Keep your wallet closed as it dries to maintain the crease, and consider putting a credit card on each side of the billfold to maintain the original shape. Do not use a blow dryer, as this will lead to cracking and shrinkage.
Clean Exterior with Microfiber
Leather is sensitive to abrasive surfaces. When you clean or dry the exterior, use a soft microfiber towel to avoid scratching. If the towel is something you wouldn’t use on your glasses, don’t use it on your leather. It’s also important to avoid other abrasive surfaces. Don’t put your wallet in the same pocket as your keys, and be mindful of buttons and zippers.
Don’t Overstuff Your Wallet
While there are worse problems than having too much money in your wallet, overstuffing will stretch the leather grain and cause cracking and damage.
Overstuffing will also curve the leather, losing the flat, stylish look. If you need to keep your receipts, put them in your pocket rather than your wallet. Swap out your cards and cash as needed, taking the time to tidy the contents every few weeks.
Don’t Sit on Your Wallet
Sitting on your wallet is another common error that many men make. Keeping your wallet in your back pocket is fine while walking around, but you should always take it out when you sit down. The pressure of your body weight puts strain on the leather, especially when it’s full of cards and cash. Sitting on your wallet also puts undue stress on the stitching. Sitting on your wallet is also bad for your body, causing spinal misalignment.
Use a Leather Conditioner
Finally, you can extend the lifespan of your leather wallet with regular wipe downs and frequent applications of leather conditioner. Look for something deemed leather-safe and chemical-free. With these simple tips, you can care for your leather wallet and extend the lifespan of your investment.