leather care guide

Leather manufacturing

We are committed to supporting responsible leather manufacturing across the globe, which is why we're proud members of Leather Working Group (LWG).

LWG is committed to driving improvement across the global leather supply chain, minimising the environmental impact of leather production as well as inspiring, educating, and challenging its member companies. Visit our Sustainability page to learn more.

Caring for leather

At Mimco we use a variety of different leathers; each chosen for its unique characteristics. All leather should be protected with protector spray prior to first wear, and regularly afterwards to help resist the effects of daily wear. Mimco’s Leather Protector Spray can be applied to most leather and suede items. The spray will help prevent lighter coloured leathers absorbing unstable dyes such as denim, however this is not guaranteed by Mimco.

To protect your item: in an exposed space away from any open flame, hold the protector spray approximately 30cm from your item and spray evenly over the surface. Please ensure you cover any embellishments or hardware before spraying. Allow the item to dry before using or storing. Mimco recommends reapplying leather protection spray to your bag every few months.

How to clean leather

As Mimco does not sell leather cleaner, we suggest visiting a leather goods repair store or shoe repairer to find the most suitable product to clean your item. Always test any cleaner on an inconspicuous part of your item before applying it completely. Remember to protect your item again after cleaning.

How to condition leather

Leather conditioners and gels should only be used occasionally as they contain fats or oils that help to lubricate the leather and replenish suppleness. Mimco’s Leather Conditioner can be used on most smooth leathers but should NOT be used on any suede, metallic, embossed, vegetable tanned or patent leathers. Always test any conditioner on an inconspicuous part of your item before applying it completely.

To condition: Apply a small amount of conditioner to a soft cloth and massage gently into your item. Allow the item to dry before using or storing. Condition your item every two to three weeks, depending on the frequency of use.

How to polish leather

Polishing is a great way to remove fingerprints and dust from leather items, particularly high shine leathers such as patent leather. We recommend using a soft cloth, such as the Mimco dust bag to polish your item.

How to store leather

We recommend storing leather items in their Mimco dust bag when not in use. Never store any leather items in plastic and always store them in a cool, dry place away from heat.

Types of leather

Each leather is processed differently and requires specific cleaning methods. When not in use, store in your Mimco dust bag.

• Semi Shine Leather − +

  This is a soft grained cow leather that is durable and will soften with wear. It can be protected using a leather protection spray or leather cream. Clean using a dry or damp cloth.

• Soft Wash Leather − +

  This is an aniline cow leather with a hand tipping wax finish that will age with wear. It is best protected using a leather cream. Dab a small amount on a clean, dry cloth and apply onto the leather evenly. Clean using a dry or damp cloth.

• Large Grain Pebbled Leather − +

  This is a large grained and durable leather that will soften with wear. It can be protected using a leather protection spray or leather cream. Clean using a dry or damp cloth.

• Smooth Grain Pebble Leather − +

  This is a soft grained leather that is durable with a natural feel. It can be protected using a leather protection spray or leather cream. Clean using a dry cloth only.

• Saffiano Leather − +

  This is a durable leather and can be protected using a leather protection spray or leather cream. Clean using a dry or damp cloth.

• Cow Suede − +

  This is best protected using a leather protector spray; a leather conditioner can also be used. Clean using a dry or damp cloth.

• Metallic Foiled Leather − +

  This leather has a metallic foiled surface and is delicate. It can be protected using a special cream, however take special care when applying to not rub as excessive abrasion may cause damage to the delicate foil. Gently clean using a dry or damp cloth but do not rub. When not in use, store in your Mimco dust bag.

• Hair on Cow/Pony Skin − +

  This cow leather has been finished with natural hair and cannot be sprayed to protect it. Take special care. Clean using a dry cloth.

• Prickly Pear Cactus Leather − +

  An innovative vegan leather crafted with material that uses prickly pear cactus leaves. Use a clean dry or damp cloth to remove dirt.

• Goat Nappa − +

  This is a smooth, genuine goat leather with a soft and luxurious handfeel. Clean using a dry or damp cloth.

• Cracked Leather − +

  This leather has a shiny, cracked foiled surface and is delicate. Gently clean using a dry or damp cloth but do not rub, as excessive abrasion may cause damage to the delicate foil.

• Smooth Leather − +

  This is a smooth, durable leather with a natural handfeel. It can be protected using a leather protection spray or leather cream. Clean using a dry cloth only.

• Cow Suede − +

  This is a soft, genuine cow suede with a 'nap' texture that can be brushed smooth. It can be protected using a leather protection spray or leather cream. Clean using a dry or damp cloth.

• Snake Print Leather − +

  This is a small grain cow leather with a snake-embossed texture and print in a shiny finish. It can be protected using a leather protection spray or leather cream. Clean using a dry or damp cloth.

• Classic Nappa − +

  This is a smooth cow leather with a slight grainy sheen and soft handfeel. It can be protected using a leather protection spray or leather cream. Clean using a dry or damp cloth.

• Sheep Shearling − +

  This is a genuine sheep shearling with a soft handfeel. Use a cold, damp cloth to spot clean any stains or dirt. A mild solvent can be used if necessary. Gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Once dry, use a wide-tooth comb to brush through any matted fur and lift the fibres. Always store items clean in a breathable cotton garment bag - storing in plastic encourages yellowing and can trap mildew-causing moisture.

• Metallic Semi Shine Leather − +

  This soft grained leather has a metallic foil coating and is delicate. It can be protected using a leather protection spray or cream, however take special care when applying to not rub as excessive abrasion may cause damage to the delicate foil. Clean using a dry or damp cloth.

• Suede Leather − +

  This is a soft, genuine cow suede with a 'nap' texture that can be brushed smooth. It can be protected using a leather protection spray or cream. Clean using a dry or damp cloth.

• Semi Shine Smooth Nappa − +

  This is a veg tanned natural milling aniline smooth leather with a satin-like shine, designed to wear beautifully with age. Due to the nature of this leather, there may be slight variations in the grain and colour. It is not recommended to use care products on aniline finish leathers. Clean using a dry or damp cloth.

• Metallic Crinkle Leather − +

  This leather has a metallic foiled surface with a wrinkled texture and is delicate. It can be protected using a leather cream, however take special care when applying to not rub as excessive abrasion may cause damage to the delicate foil. Gently clean using a dry or damp cloth but do not rub. When not in use, store in your Mimco dust bag.

• Shiny Goat Leather − +

  This is a soft grained leather with a glazed and crunched effect. Any spray or cream may affect the colour/shine of the leather finish and is not recommended. Clean using a dry cloth only.

• Soft Sheep Nappa − +

  This is a soft sheep leather with a smooth grain and a semi-sheen finish. Drapes beautifully thanks to its malleable nature. Gently clean with a dry microfibre cloth. Avoid rubbing or abrasive actions, as they may discolour or strip the leather.

• Lizard Emboss Leather − +

  This is a small grain leather with a lizard-embossed pattern and a sheen that mimics lizard skin. It is durable and can be maintained with a leather protection spray or leather cream. Clean with a dry or damp microfibre cloth.

• Croco Emboss Leather − +

  This is a smooth grain leather with a croc-embossed pattern and a semi-sheen finish. It is durable and can be maintained with a leather protection spray or leather cream. Clean with a dry or damp microfibre cloth.

• Hair On Leather − +

  This is a cow leather with natural hair and a printed finish. Gently clean using a dry microfibre cloth. Rubbing or abrasion may discolour or strip the leather.

• Metallic Croco Emboss Leather − +

  This is a cow leather with a croc-embossed pattern, finished with metallic foil. Gently clean using a dry microfibre cloth. Rubbing or abrasion may discolour or strip the leather.

• Soft Classic Nappa − +

  This is a veg tanned natural milling aniline smooth leather. It wears beautifully and will get better with age. Crease, break, wrinkle, vein mark, growth mark, looseness, grain and colour variation are natural and to be expected. It is not recommended to use care products on aniline finish leathers. Clean using a dry or damp microfibre cloth.

• Vachetta − +

  This is a smooth cow leather with a slight sheen, designed to soften with wear. Durable and trimmed with naturally tanned leather. Creasing, wrinkling, vein and growth marks are intentional characteristics of Vachetta leather. This leather absorbs what it is exposed to, so care products are not recommended.

• Animal Print Leather − +

  This is a small grain leather with a leopard print pattern and a glossy sheen. It is durable and can be maintained with a leather protection spray or leather cream. Gently clean using a dry microfibre cloth. Rubbing or abrasion will discolour or strip the leather.

• Crinkle Leather − +

  This leather has a foiled surface with a wrinkled texture and is delicate. It can be protected using a leather cream, however take special care when applying not to rub as excessive abrasion may cause damage to the delicate foil. Gently clean using a dry or damp cloth but do not rub.

• Small Grain Pebble Leather − +

  This is a soft small grained cow leather that is durable and will soften with wear. It can be protected using a leather protection spray or leather cream. Clean using a dry microfibre cloth.