Care Instructions

Leather is a natural material — strong, flexible and capable of lasting decades when cared for intentionally.
At Vektor Leather, we design every piece to age with you.
This page explains how to care for it, why it matters, what to avoid, and how to restore your leather if something goes wrong.

These guidelines apply to all Vektor Leather products, including top-grain, full-grain and kangaroo leather.

Understanding Leather the Honest Way

Leather is not plastic, and that is precisely why it lasts.
Unlike synthetics, it has:

natural fibres
real structure
breathability
the ability to develop patina rather than crack

Because it’s natural, it responds to its environment — moisture, oils, friction, and handling.

Caring for leather is not complicated. It’s about respecting the material.

Daily Use & Long-Term Longevity

Keep it dry whenever possible

Leather is naturally water-resistant but not waterproof.
If it gets wet:

Pat dry with a clean cloth
Allow it to air dry in a cool place
Keep it away from heaters, cars dashboards, windows or sun
Do not use a hairdryer

Let the patina happen

Scratches, softening and darkening are all part of the story.
Top-grain and full-grain leather become:

smoother
richer
more characterful
more “yours”

This is not damage — this is the defining beauty of real leather.

Avoid over-stuffing wallets

Leather stretches but does not shrink back.
An overfilled wallet will permanently alter its shape and shorten its life.
Carry what matters — it’s the essence of minimalist living.

Conditioning — When & How

Soon, Vektor Leather will release a 100% natural Australian-made leather conditioner specifically designed for our materials. It will be formulated to:

nourish without over-softening
protect without creating residue
maintain fibre integrity long-term
avoid petroleum-based ingredients
be safe for both bovine and kangaroo leather

How often should you condition leather?

Every 6–12 months for regular use
More frequently in hot, dry, or coastal climates
Less frequently for kangaroo leather, which requires very minimal conditioning

How to condition properly

Clean the surface with a dry cloth
Apply a small amount of conditioner
Massage gently in circular motions
Allow to rest
Buff lightly with a soft cloth

Do not over-condition

Too much oil or balm can:

clog pores
attract dust
darken leather
soften the fibres excessively

With premium leather, less is more.

Stain Management & Common Issues

Light scuffs

Often removed simply by warming the leather with your hands and gently rubbing the area.

Deep scratches

Use a minuscule amount of conditioner on the mark.
Over time, patina blends scratches naturally.

Ink stains

Ink is difficult — treat immediately.
Do not use alcohol, acetone or “magic erasers”.
These damage the finish.

Professional cleaning may be required.

Mould — What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Treat It

Mould can grow on any organic material, including leather, in humid or poorly ventilated environments.
It is not a defect — it is a biological reaction to moisture.

How mould starts

Long periods in dark, enclosed spaces
High humidity
Leather stored in sealed plastic
Exposure to moisture then stored before fully dry

How to remove mould safely

Move the item outdoors or into a well-ventilated area
Brush off loose mould gently with a soft cloth
Dampen another cloth lightly with a mild vinegar solution (50/50 with water)
Wipe the affected areas gently
Allow to fully air dry — never use heat
Once dry, apply a small amount of conditioner to rebalance the fibres

If mould smell persists

Place the item in a breathable cotton bag with:

baking soda, OR
fresh coffee grounds (in a separate pouch)

Leave for 24–48 hours.

Preventing mould permanently

Store leather in breathable cotton, never plastic
Ensure items are dry before putting them away
Avoid leaving leather in closed drawers in tropical or coastal humidity
Allow airflow around stored leather

Mould can be treated — but prevention is far easier.

Water, Sweat & Sunlight

Water

Small droplets are fine. Extended soaking is not.

Sweat

Natural salt can darken leather over time.
Wipe occasionally with a dry cloth.

Sunlight

Leather changes colour with UV exposure — slowly and naturally.
To maintain original shade longer, avoid prolonged exposure in car dashboards or windowsills.

Storage Best Practices

Store wallets empty to preserve their shape
Keep leather in cool, dry places
Use breathable cotton bags (never plastic)
Avoid sealed humid drawers, cupboards or boxes
Keep away from direct heat sources

Kangaroo Leather — Care Differences

Kangaroo leather fibres are extremely fine and dense, meaning:

it requires less conditioning
it tolerates friction very well
stretching is minimal
it handles sweat better than many bovine leathers

Do not over-oil kangaroo leather.
A small amount once a year is usually more than enough.

How to Clean Leather Safely

Do not use:

Baby wipes
Alcohol or acetone
Household cleaners
Shoe polish
Oils not intended for leather
Harsh degreasers

These damage fibres and finishes.

Safe cleaning

Dry cloth for dust
Very lightly dampened cloth for surface grime
Specialist leather cleaner for deeper buildup

Avoid soaking or saturating.

When to Repair Your Leather

Good leather does not simply “break” — it evolves.
But if your product needs attention:

stitching can be repaired
edges can be refinished
surfaces can be reconditioned
structure can be reinforced

A repaired product is not a sign of weakness — it is proof of longevity.

A Final Word: Leather Is an Investment

A well-made leather piece becomes more beautiful, more personal, and more valuable with time.
Your wallet or passport cover becomes a record of your travels, decisions, routines — a physical journal of your life.

Care is not a chore.
It is a way of honouring something built to last.