Leather is one of those beautiful things in life that can be passed down to the next generation, if properly cared for. It’ll easily withstand the test of children, pets and daily use, still looking fantastic after decades. Here are a few things you could do to make your leather outlive you.

• Once a month, wipe off the product surface with a warm damp cloth. This will prevent buildups of body oil and dust.
• If there’s a stubborn stain, use a leather-specific cleaner followed by a leather conditioner.
• Ideally, you should condition your leather products 2 to 3 times a year to help it maintain its texture and structure.
• Do not use any kind of abrasive cleaner, furniture polish, varnish or ammonia based product.
• Store leather products in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight – like at the back of your cupboard.
• If your leather bag or jacket gets wet, you may be tempted to put it out in the sun or keep it in front of a heater. However, heat can damage your leather goods, causing shrinkage and distortion. Let it dry naturally even if it takes two or three days.
• Note: If you own a suede product, simply use a suede brush to get rid of dirt, and keep it away from water as much as you can.

Did you know that in Armenia in 2010, a 5,500 year old leather shoe was discovered in a reasonably good condition? This is a testament to the reliability and quality of the material, when crafted and maintained correctly.