American West genuine leather handbags can last a lifetime when properly cared for. To keep your bag looking great, simply follow these
guidelines:
Storage: Store your bag in the dust bag it came with in a cool, dry atmosphere out of direct sunlight. Use stuffing to help retain its shape.
Protection: There are many leather protection products on the market that are great to use to shield your new leather goods from dirt, grime buildup, and stains while making them easier to clean. Using leather protection on your items is a proactive step to help keep it last longer in great condition.
Cleaning: Regularly wipe down your handbag using a damp cloth to prevent the buildup of dust and oils. Never soak your bag in water and avoid harsh cleaners to avoid damage. When using a leather cleaner prior to conditioning, never scrub the leather, which can cause damage. You’re removing dirt and stains from daily use and cleaning products are designed to remove these without extreme force. If your leather item isn’t dirty, you can skip cleaning and move right to conditioning. Scratches, scuff marks and other similar types of damage will not be removed with a leather cleaner.
Conditioning: Proper conditioning is the key to maintaining your leather bag. Use a high quality leather conditioner every six months to prevent cracking and fading. Products designed to condition leather are typically used on older products that are showing signs of wear instead of new items. Conditioning replaces the item’s luster, helps to moisturize the leather, and helps keep colors from fading. Avoid products
with lanolin (see caution tab).
Interior Care: Be mindful of what you put in your bag. Because it cannot be submerged in water, some stains will be impossible to remove. We suggest using a cosmetic case or pouch to keep makeup and ink pens in. Check the stitching when doing maintenance and repair any stitching that has broken due to use.
All leather products age with time: American West believes bags should be timeless, so they choose leathers that break in beautifully over time. Scratches, creases and darkening are to be expected. How you carry your bag is how it'll age, making every bag especially personal. All leather products are susceptible to scratches and scuffs from jewelry and other items and from rough usage. Handle your leather products with care to avoid damaging the leather. Prior to cleaning or conditioning, remove all jewelry to avoid inadvertently scratching the leather.
