HushTug Complete Leather Care Guide
HushTug Leather Care Complete Guide
The leather used in HushTug bags and wallets varies in texture and care methods depending on the material. However, with the "correct care", it can maintain its beauty for many years.
Here, we have compiled the care methods for Himeji leather and Shell Cordovan.
1. Himeji Leather Care Method
For all leathers except Shell Cordovan, continuous basic care can help maintain the natural color, luster, and texture of the leather for a long time.
① Remove dirt and dust with a soft brush such as horsehair.
The key is to gently brush out dust and debris that has penetrated deep into the leather fibers.
② Apply leather conditioner.
Take a small amount of oil in your palm (or on a soft cloth) and warm it with your body temperature, then apply it thinly and evenly over the entire leather. *If you want to avoid getting your hands dirty, please use a cloth.
At this time, oil tends to accumulate in the grooves of the grain (surface unevenness), so gently brush with a horsehair brush before it dries completely.
The trick to a beautiful finish is to brush out excess oil from the grooves and blend it evenly over the entire surface. Be careful not to apply too much oil.
*If cream remains in the grooves of the grain, it can cause leather damage or dirt due to oxidation, so it must be carefully removed with brushing.
【Tip】About using different brushes
Ideally, you should have separate brushes for "dust removal" and "finishing." Separating them by purpose prevents dirt from re-attaching and keeps the leather cleaner and more beautiful.
③ Air dry.
Dry in a well-ventilated shaded area for about 1 hour. Avoid direct sunlight and strong winds.
④ Wipe off excess oil with a dry cloth.
Once the surface is no longer sticky, the leather is good to go. If the oil is not completely removed, it can cause color transfer to clothing, so wipe it thoroughly.
⑤ Finish with waterproof spray (optional)
When you are concerned about rain or dirt, lightly spray with a waterproof spray (fluorine-based, such as Collonil). It will protect the surface from water and dirt without compromising the breathability of the leather.
How to use waterproof spray correctly to avoid failure
STEP 1: Brush outdoors
If there is dust on the surface of the bag, the water-repellent effect will decrease. First, gently remove dust with a horsehair brush in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
STEP 2: "Test spray" in an empty space
Newly purchased sprays can sometimes cause stains when the liquid first comes out. Before spraying on the bag, first spray into the air once to check the amount being dispensed.
STEP 3: Spray "thinly" from about 30cm away
Keep a good distance from the bag and ensure the spray mist covers the entire surface evenly. Do not spray too much at once; the trick to a clean finish is to "spray thinly over the entire surface, let it sit for a few minutes, then apply another thin layer."
STEP 4: Dry thoroughly for 5 to 10 minutes
After spraying the entire surface, let it dry for 5 to 10 minutes without touching it. Once completely dry, the care is complete.
*Do not use silicone-based water repellent sprays as they block the breathability of leather and can cause mold. For HushTug products, please use a fluorine-based waterproof spray".
Watch the video for actual distances and spraying tips!
[Video] How to correctly spray waterproof spray without failure >2. Shell Cordovan Care Method
Shell Cordovan is a high-quality leather with beautiful luster and strength, but it is very susceptible to water and sweat. If it gets wet or sweaty and is left unattended, it can cause stains and deformation.
Also, with long wallets and card cases, if you open them too wide, the leather is prone to creases and wrinkles, so be careful not to open them more than 180°.
For daily care, gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth about once a week to remove dust, sebum, and dirt.
Do not rub hard, but gently. Even this alone has the effect of flattening the fibers to create a luster and making small scratches and stains less noticeable.
3. Recommended items for all leathers
When the leather surface feels dry or rough, moisturize it with a leather cream approximately once every three months.
HushTug recommends a transparent, plant-based emulsified cream (Collonil Aniline Emulsified Cream).
Cream usage and precautions
While oil-based creams may be used in conjunction depending on the leather's condition and desired finish, it's crucial to understand their different properties before use.
● Emulsified cream (for daily care):
Contains a balanced amount of water and oil to moisturize the leather. This highly penetrating cream is ideal for daily conditioning and moisturizing.
● Oil-based cream (for special care):
Used when the leather is extremely dry, for special care approximately once every six months or once a year, or when a stronger shine than emulsified cream is desired.
【※Warning for oil-based cream use】
Oil-based creams have strong coating properties, so please be aware of the following risks:
- Hardening of leather: Over-application can cause leather fibers to harden, losing their original suppleness and becoming stiff.
- Mold growth: Applying too thickly can impair the leather's breathability, increasing the risk of mold growth due to trapped moisture.
Basically, the "emulsified cream" recommended by HushTug is sufficient for proper care. If using an oil-based cream, be sure to apply a very small amount thinly.
Applying a large amount of oil after the leather has dried out can cause stains and deformation.
The "proactive" maintenance of thinly caring for the leather when its condition is still good, but "it's been about three months," is the shortest route to maintaining the leather's condition for a long time.
After application, air dry in the shade, and once the surface is dry, resume use.
If water or sweat causes a stain, do not rub it vigorously. Gently wipe it with a soft cloth and immediately air dry it in the shade.
For stubborn stains that won't come off, use a very small amount of specialized "Stain Cleansing Water", apply it to a cloth, and gently wipe in a circular motion.
Then, let it air dry in the shade.
It can also be used to remove dirt from whitened areas if you have sprayed too much waterproof spray.
With proper care, it can be used for over 20 years, as stated.
New / Immediately after purchase (general leather)
Apply waterproof spray.
*If there is dust, brush it off first.
Weekly use / Using the bag for general travel
Remove dust with brushing.
*For Shell Cordovan, gently dry wipe with a soft cloth.
Monthly or change of season (dry season)
Perform moisturizing and conditioning care with emulsified cream.
*As a "prevention" before the leather dries out, we recommend care every 3 months.
When it gets rained on, sweaty, or dirty
Immediately wipe with a soft cloth and air dry in the shade. For stubborn stains, use stain cleansing water.
4. Tips for long-lasting leather care
Leather, like "human skin," can maintain its suppleness and luster by "cleaning dirt" and "replenishing oil when dry."
Excessive application of cream or oil, and strong rubbing, are counterproductive. Apply thinly, gently, and regularly.
Since the type of leather differs depending on the bag or wallet, it is important to change the care method according to the purpose and leather type.
Especially for Shell Cordovan, the idea is "dry wiping → cream as needed."
By establishing a regular care routine, the color, luster, and texture of the leather will deepen with each use, allowing you to enjoy its "aging process."
Summary
HushTug leather items, with proper care, can become "lifelong companions that last 10, 20 years."
Since the appropriate care methods differ for Shell Cordovan and general leather, it is important to understand their respective characteristics and regularly perform dirt removal, moisturizing, and waterproofing treatments.
Please read this guide and carefully nurture your bags and wallets.