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Leather Care 101: Make It Last Decades

May 2, 2025 — June Calloway

Condition twice a year, rest between wears, and never tumble-dry — the simple routine that doubles leather life.

Leather Care 101: Make It Last Decades

Leather is skin, and it likes the same things yours does: gentle cleaning, occasional moisture, and rest between wears. Wipe dust with a dry cloth, condition twice a year with a neutral cream, and let wet boots dry slowly away from radiators.

Store bags stuffed with paper so they hold their shape, hang jackets on wide wooden hangers, and never — ever — machine-wash or tumble-dry anything stitched. Salt lines on winter boots lift off with a 50/50 water-and-vinegar dab followed by conditioner.

Do this and your Rivetwood pieces will not just survive but improve: the patina deepens, the fibres polish, and the story shows. Bring any piece back to our bench for a free annual health check.

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