• Leather Care Chart

  • HOW TO: CARE FOR YOUR SHINOLA LEATHER GOODS

    Born in Detroit, Shinola is a design brand with an unwavering commitment to crafting lasting products, from watches to leather goods and even a hotel. We celebrate timeless design and thoughtful craftsmanship with products and stories that inspire people to live well and be confident in a style that is uniquely their own.

    Category Characteristics  Care Instructions
    USA Heritage
    This North American leather hails from Seidel Tannery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a semi-aniline leather, it has beautiful, natural highs and lows in color that will patina and change with exposure to the elements over time adding to its character. This leather will show marks from daily wear, becoming uniquely your own.
     
    This semi-aniline leather is very lightly treated meaning that it is susceptible to damage, stains, and color transfer to and from other surfaces.
     
    Each piece of USA Heritage leather tells its own story through a display of natural markings, including scars, scratches and wrinkles. Color of this leather may also vary slightly from batch to batch, which means that no two products are alike, making your piece unique to you.
    For everyday care:
    Use a dry, clean, and soft cloth to dust or remove debris from surface.
    Avoid long-term exposure to direct sunlight.
    Color transfer may occur due to friction against clothing and other surfaces.
    If leather becomes wet, blot with a dry, clean and soft cloth to remove standing water, and then air dry. Note that leather is susceptible to water damage/stains.
     
    To spot clean:
    Use a soft, dampened cloth to gently clean the surface using a light circular motion. Do not scrub or rub in one spot for an extended period of time or apply too much pressure when cleaning as this may damage and discolor the leather. Allow leather to air dry; never apply heat to leather. Note that some stains may not come clean from the surface of semi-aniline and aniline leathers.
     
    Annual Cleaning and Conditioning for longevity:
    Prior to conditioning, follow instructions for everyday care and spot cleaning to ensure surface is free of dirt and debris.
    Use a leather balm/cream, such as Chamberlain's Leather Milk Healing Balm or Chamberlain's Leather Formula No. 1, annually or as needed to condition the leather item, lessen scuffs/scratches and prolong product life. Using a clean cloth or soft sponge, apply a small amount of balm or conditioner to the leather surface in a light circular motion.

    Spot conditioning may cause uneven color as leather balms or conditioners may darken leather. For best results, follow conditioning product instructions. Over conditioning may leave undesired residue on leather surface.

    Always test all creams and balms in a hidden area first as leather will darken.
    Vachetta Leather
    Premium leather from Italy made from the ancient vegetable tanning process. It is smooth to the touch and rich in tones providing highs and lows in color.
    This leather will patina and change color through use, natural exposure to sunlight and other elements, adding to its character.
     
    This leather is a naked, untreated leather therefore is susceptible to water damage, stains, and color transfer to and from other surfaces.
     
    Each piece of Vachetta leather tells its own story through a display of natural markings, including scars, scratches and other natural markings. Color of leather may also vary slightly from batch to batch, which means that no two products are alike, making your piece unique to you.
    For everyday care:
    Use a dry, clean, and soft cloth to dust or remove debris from surface.
    Avoid long-term exposure to direct sunlight.
    Color transfer may occur due to friction against clothing and other surfaces. 

    If leather becomes wet, blot with a dry, clean and soft cloth to remove standing water, and then air dry. Note that leather is suseptible to water damage/stains. Apple Brand Leather Care Rain & Stain Repellent may be used on Shinola leather goods to reduce water damage/stains - always test in an inconspicuous area first.
     
    To spot clean:
    Use a soft, dampened cloth to gently clean the surface using a light circular motion. Do not scrub or rub in one spot for an extended period of time or apply too much pressure when cleaning as this may damage and discolor the leather. Allow leather to air dry; never apply heat to leather. Note that some stains may not come clean from the surface of semi-aniline and aniline leathers.
     
    Annual Cleaning and Conditioning for longevity:
    Prior to conditioning, follow instructions for everyday care and spot cleaning to ensure surface is free of dirt and debris.
    Use a leather balm/cream, such as Apple Brand Leather Care Leather Conditioner, Chamberlain's Leather Milk Healing Balm, or Chamberlain's Leather Formula No. 1, annually or as needed to condition the leather item, lessen scuffs/scratches and prolong product life. Using a clean cloth or soft sponge, apply a small amount of balm or conditioner to the leather surface in a light circular motion. 

    Spot conditioning may cause uneven color as leather balms or conditioners may darken leather. For best results, follow conditioning product instructions. Over conditioning may leave undesired residue on leather surface.

    Always test all creams and balms in a hidden area first as leather will darken.
    Natural Grain 
    This premium European leather is soft to the touch but full of body with a natural grain variation. This leather may patina and change color through natural exposure to sunlight and other elements, adding to its character.
     
    This leather is a naked, untreated leather therefore is susceptible to water damage, stains, and color transfer to and from other surfaces.
     
    Each piece of Natural Grain leather tells its own story through a display of natural markings, including wrinkles and natural, tumbled pebble variation. Color of leather may also vary slightly from batch to batch, which means that no two products are alike, making your piece unique to you.
    For everyday care:
    Use a dry, clean, and soft cloth to dust or remove debris from surface.
    Avoid long-term exposure to direct sunlight.
    Color transfer may occur due to friction against clothing and other surfaces. 
    If leather becomes wet, blot with a dry, clean and soft cloth to remove standing water, and then air dry. Note that leather is suseptible to water damage/stains. Apple Brand Leather Care Rain & Stain Repellent may be used on Shinola leather goods to reduce water damage/stains - always test in an inconspicuous area first.
     
    To spot clean:
    Use a soft, dampened cloth to gently clean the surface using a light circular motion. Do not scrub or rub in one spot for an extended period of time or apply too much pressure when cleaning as this may damage and discolor the leather. Allow leather to air dry; never apply heat to leather. Note that some stains may not come clean from the surface of semi-aniline and aniline leathers.
     
    Annual Cleaning and Conditioning for longevity:
    Prior to conditioning, follow instructions for everyday care and spot cleaning to ensure surface is free of dirt and debris.
    Use a leather cream, such as Apple Brand Leather Care Leather Conditioner or Chamberlain's Leather Milk Formula No. 1, annually or as needed to condition the leather item and prolong life. Using a clean cloth or soft sponge, apply a small amount of conditioner to the leather surface in a light circular motion. Spot conditioning may cause uneven color as leather conditioners may darken leather. For best results, follow conditioning product instructions. Over conditioning and heavy balms may leave undesired residue on leather surface.

    Always test all creams and balms in a hidden area first as leather will darken.
    Navigator
    During the tanning process, Navigator leather is infused with oils that give it a rich, creamy hand feel and its pull-up characteristics.
     
    This rugged leather has color variation that naturally occurs with wear, enhancing its character. The pull-up character becomes visible with each instance of creasing and handling of the leather displaying highs and lows of the leather color. This leather will show marks from daily wear and take on a personality of its own as you carry it.
     
    Each piece of Navigator leather tells its own story through a display of natural markings, including scars, scratches and wrinkles. Color of leather may also vary slightly from batch to batch, which means that no two products are alike, making your piece unique to you.
    For everyday care:
    Use a dry, clean, and soft cloth to dust or remove debris from surface.
    Avoid long-term exposure to direct sunlight.
    Color transfer may occur due to friction against clothing and other surfaces. 
    If leather becomes wet, blot with a dry, clean and soft cloth to remove standing water, and then air dry. Note that leather is susceptible to water damage/stains. Apple Brand Leather Care Rain & Stain Repellent may be used on Shinola leather goods to reduce water damage/stains - always test in an inconspicuous area first. 
     
    To spot clean:
    Use a soft, dampened cloth to gently clean the surface using a light circular motion. Do not scrub or rub in one spot for an extended period of time or apply too much pressure when cleaning as this may damage and discolor the leather. Allow leather to air dry; never apply heat to leather. Note that some stains may not come clean from the surface of semi-aniline and aniline leathers.
     
    Annual Cleaning and Conditioning for longevity:
    Prior to conditioning, follow instructions for everyday care and spot cleaning to ensure surface is free of dirt and debris.
    Use a leather balm/cream, such as Apple Brand Leather Care Leather Conditioner, Chamberlain's Leather Milk Healing Balm or Chamberlain's Leather Formula No. 1, annually or as needed to condition the leather item, lessen scuffs/scratches and prolong product life. Using a clean cloth or soft sponge, apply a small amount of balm or conditioner to the leather surface in a light circular motion. 

    Spot conditioning may cause uneven color as leather balms or conditioners may darken leather. For best results, follow conditioning product instructions. Over conditioning may leave undesired residue on leather surface.

    Always test all creams and balms in a hidden area first as leather will darken.
    Suede
    Suede is known for its soft and luxurious feel.
    Its distinct texture adds an elevated charm to
    any style.
    Use a dry, clean, soft cloth to dust or remove debris.

    For a deeper clean, lightly brush using a suede brush being careful to brush with a light hand.
    Apple Brand Leather Care Rain & Stain Repellent may be used on Shinola leather goods to reduce water damage/stains - always test in an inconspicuous area first. 

    Always test all suede cleaners and protectants in a small area first as suede feel or color may change.
    Nubuck
    Nubuck is a durable, top-grain leather that is buffed on the outside to give it a velvety feel.
    Use a dry, clean, soft cloth to dust or remove debris.

    For a deeper clean, lightly brush using a suede brush being careful to brush with a light hand.
    Apple Brand Leather Care Rain & Stain Repellent may be used on Shinola leather goods to reduce water damage/stains - always test in an inconspicuous area first. 

    Always test all suede cleaners and protectants in a small area first as suede feel or color may change.
    Shearling
    This premium shearling is derived from sheep hide and features unbelievably soft curly wool.
    Use a dry, clean, soft cloth to dust or remove debris.
    Spot clean by blotting with a soft cloth dampened with a small drop of mild soap and water allowing to air dry.
    Never soak shearling or apply heat to dry. Always test cleaning in a small area first.
    Canvas/Denim
    Shinola offers several different cotton canvases from our duck canvas to our denim twill.
     
    Our cotton canvases are lightweight and water resistant.
     
    Our denim twill is a cotton American selvage denim from Vidalia Mills and is woven with the historic Draper X3 looms. Denim is dyed from indigo therefore is susceptible to color transfer due to friction against clothing and other surfaces.
    Use a dry, clean, and soft cloth to dust or remove debris. 

    Spot clean with a soft cloth dampened with a small drop of mild soap and water allowing to air dry. Always test a small area first, when cleaning. Note that color transfer to or from some fabrics is possible.
    Waxed Canvas 
    Classic, hardwearing cotton-based ripstop canvas with a waxed treatment to make it durable and water-resistant. 
    Cleaning and Care:
    Do NOT wash, dry or spot clean with any cleaning products as this will damage and remove the wax finish. Do not dry-clean.
    Brush off excessive dirt, and gently wipe with a lightly dampened cloth. Allow to air dry.
    Oil based stains are likely to remain after cleaning and will become a part of the bags developing patina adding character.
     
    Heavily worn areas can be rewaxed with Martexin Original Wax refinishing compound, which is specifically developed for this waxed canvas. A good indicator of when it is time to rewax, is fabric that is significantly lighter than initial use or water failing to bead on the surface.
    Before rewaxing, ensure that the bag surface has been cleaned and completely dried. Use a lint roller to remove any lint or debris from the surface. 
    Using a gloved hand, apply a small daub of wax to the canvas in the area to be re-wax and rub into the canvas in a circular motion ensuring the coat of wax is even. 
    Use a heat gun, or hair dryer, to heat up the wax allowing it to liquify and blend into the fibers. Use fingers to evenly spread the wax in a circular motion while moving the heat around at the same time to prevent burning. 
    Let the freshly waxed bag dry overnight. If there are any areas of excessive wax, reheat until the wax liquifies and blot with a clean paper towel. Blend wax into the surface and allow to dry overnight.