HushTug Complete Leather Care Guide

01 Himeji Leather Care Guide

Even leathers other than Shell Cordovan can maintain their natural color, luster, and texture for a long time by regularly performing basic care.

Basic Monthly Maintenance Steps

STEP 01 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.

STEP 02 Apply leather conditioner.

Take a small amount of oil into the palm of your hand (or a soft cloth) and apply it thinly and evenly over the entire leather, warming it with your body temperature.

Since oil tends to accumulate in the grooves of the grain (surface texture), gently brush it with a horsehair brush before it dries completely. The trick to a beautiful finish is to remove excess oil that has entered the grooves and spread it evenly over the entire surface.

* If you want to avoid getting your hands dirty, please use a cloth. Be careful not to apply too much oil.

* If cream remains in the grooves of the grain, it can cause leather damage and dirt due to oxidation, so it must be carefully removed with brushing.

POINT — About using different brushes

Ideally, you should have separate brushes for "dust removal" and "finishing" for brushing. Separating them by purpose prevents reattachment of dirt and keeps the leather cleaner and more beautiful.

STEP 03 Air dry

Dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area for about 1 hour. Avoid direct sunlight and windy outdoor areas.

STEP 04 Wipe off excess oil with a dry cloth.

Once the surface is no longer sticky, the leather is good to go. Make sure to wipe thoroughly, as not removing all the oil can cause color transfer to clothing.

STEP 05 Finish with waterproof spray (optional)

On rainy days or when you are concerned about dirt, lightly spray with a waterproof spray (fluorine-based, such as Collonil). It will protect the surface from water and dirt without compromising the leather's breathability.

⚠ Important Notes on Waterproof Spray

Do not use silicone-based water repellent sprays.
Silicone components can block the breathability of the leather, potentially leading to mold and deterioration.

For HushTug products, please use a "fluorine-based" waterproof spray, which is less burdensome on the leather.

Notes on Usage 注意点

① Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading and deformation.

② Do not leave dirt unattended: Prolonged adhesion of dust, sebum, sweat, etc., will accelerate the deterioration of the leather. Make monthly maintenance a habit.

02 Shell Cordovan Care Guide

Shell Cordovan is a high-quality leather that combines beautiful luster and strength, but it is very sensitive to water and sweat. Leaving it wet or sweaty can cause stains and distortion.

For long wallets and card cases, avoid opening them too wide (more than 180°) as this can easily create creases and wrinkles in the leather.

For daily care, gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth about once a week to remove dust, sebum, and dirt.

POINT — A dry wipe alone can produce a shine

Gently, without rubbing hard. Even this alone has the effect of laying down the fibers to create a shine and making minor scratches and stains less noticeable.

03 Items that can be used for all leathers

If the leather surface feels dry or rough, moisturize it with a leather cream approximately once every 3 months. HushTug recommends a clear, plant-based emulsion cream (such as Collonil's Aniline Emulsion Cream).

Cream usage and precautions

Emulsion Cream — For daily care

Contains a balanced amount of water and oil to moisturize the leather. This highly permeable cream is ideal for everyday conditioning and moisturizing.

Oil-based Cream — For special care

Used when the leather is extremely dry, for special care once every six months to a year, or when you want to achieve a strong shine.

⚠ Precautions when using oil-based cream

Hardening of leather: Applying too much can solidify the leather fibers, causing them to lose their natural suppleness and become stiff.

Mold growth: Applying it too thickly can impair the breathability of the leather, increasing the risk of mold growth due to trapped moisture.

Compensating with a large amount of oil after the leather has become dry can cause stains and deformation.
"Pre-emptive" maintenance, such as thinly caring for the leather when it's still in good condition but "it's almost been three months," is the shortest path to maintaining the leather's health for a long time.

Collonil Aniline Emulsion Cream

After application, air dry in the shade. Resume use once the surface is dry.

→ Purchase cream here First aid for dirt and stains

If you get a stain from water or sweat, do not rub it excessively; gently wipe it with a soft cloth and then immediately air dry it in the shade. For stubborn stains, use a very small amount of specialized "Stain Cleansing Water," apply it to a cloth, and gently wipe in a circular motion.

M. MOWBRAY Stain Cleansing Water

Can also be used to remove dirt from whitened areas of waterproof spray. With proper care, it can be used for over 20 years.

→ Purchase Cleansing Water here Care Schedule Quick Reference

New item

New / Just Purchased (General Leather)

Apply waterproof spray.
* If there is dust, brush it off first.

Weekly

Weekly Use / Using a Bag for General Commuting

Remove dust by brushing.
* For Shell Cordovan, gently wipe with a soft dry cloth.

Regularly

Monthly or with Seasonal Changes (During Dry Periods)

Perform moisturizing and conditioning care with emulsion cream.
* We recommend caring for the leather approximately once every 3 months as a "preventative" measure before it becomes dry.

Emergency

When exposed to rain, sweat, or dirt

Immediately wipe with a soft cloth and air dry in the shade. For stubborn stains, use stain cleansing water.

04 Tips for Long-lasting Leather Care

Leather is just like "human skin"; by "cleaning when dirty" and "replenishing oil when dry," you can maintain its suppleness and luster.

Excessive application of cream or oil and aggressive rubbing are counterproductive. Thinly, gently, and regularly.

Since the type of leather varies 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 approach is "dry wiping → cream as needed."

Establishing a regular care routine will deepen the leather's color, luster, and texture with each use, allowing you to enjoy its "aging process."

Summary

With proper care, HushTug leather items can become "lifelong companions that last 10, 20 years." Since the appropriate care methods differ for Shell Cordovan and general leather, it's crucial to understand their respective characteristics and regularly perform cleaning, moisturizing, and waterproofing.

Click here for the leather care playlist on YouTube