Merino & Co Leather Care Guide

Merino & Co. Leather Care Guide

Welcome to our craft and thank you for your support.
Whether you’ve purchased a belt, journal cover, or another piece from Merino & Co., you now own something made with intention—crafted by hand from the highest-quality leather and designed to last for decades. With a little care, your leather will soften, deepen in character, and age beautifully.

General Leather Care Philosophy

Merino & Co. products are made from full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather. This type of leather develops a patina over time—a visual history of your journey with it. Marks, scratches, and wear are not flaws; they’re the signature of a well-lived life.
We embrace this character, but proper care helps your leather stay strong and supple for the long haul.

Basic Leather Care Instructions

1. Routine Cleaning
Use a horsehair brush or soft cloth to gently remove surface dust and dirt. Avoid soaps or cleaners unless they are leather-specific and pH-balanced.

2. Conditioning
When the leather feels dry, stiff, or you simply want to clean it up or slightly darken its tone, it’s time to condition. Conditioning is essential—not only to nourish the leather, but to protect it. The right product acts like a natural shield that repels dirt, grime, and stains. It helps particles bead or stay at the surface rather than absorbing into the fibers.

We recommend Skidmore’s Leather Cream, made from natural ingredients that work well with our vegetable-tanned hides.

Frequency: Every 3–6 months or as needed, depending on use and climate.

How to Apply Leather Cream:

  1. Clean the leather first (as above).
  2. Use clean fingers or a soft cloth to apply a small amount of cream.
  3. Massage it in evenly, generously, and with friction—gentle heat from your hands or the cloth helps the conditioner penetrate the leather.
  4. Let it soak in for 15–30 minutes.
  5. Buff with a dry cloth. With enough friction, the leather will take on a natural, rich shine.

Conditioning not only nourishes and protects leather—it also improves its resistance to water. Well-moisturized leather is more likely to repel moisture and resist water spots, while dry or neglected leather tends to absorb water more easily and stain. Unless the leather is pre-conditioned or treated (such as harness leather), it will remain porous and more susceptible to environmental changes. Regular maintenance helps seal the surface naturally and reduce the chance of permanent marks.

⚠️ Note: Conditioners may darken natural leather and may cause subtle color fading in some areas. Always test on a hidden spot first. Avoid conditioners with petroleum, silicone, or synthetic additives. Do not condition suede (like the interior of the journal's close tab).

Water, Heat, and Storage

Moisture: Leather is water-resistant, not waterproof. If it gets wet, pat it dry and let it air dry naturally. Never use a heater or hair dryer.
Heat & Sunlight: Prolonged exposure can cause fading, cracking, or stiffening. Store leather goods in a cool, dry place, away from direct light.
Storage: Never seal leather in plastic bags. Let it breathe. Use dust bags, fabric wraps, or simply store in open-air environments.

Additional Product-Specific Tips

Belts

  • To store, either hang your belt or roll it up starting from the billet end (where the holes are). Don’t wrap it too tightly or crease it sharply—this helps prevent unwanted marks and preserves the leather’s shape.

Journal Covers

  • Compatible with Moleskine® Cahier inserts. Hand-sized = “Large”; small laptop-sized = “Extra-Large”.
  • Ink stains are difficult to clean off leather. Use capped, high-quality, and airplane-safe pens.

Long-Term Care & Repairs

Our products are built to last. If something falls apart or wears down—reach out. Merino & Co. offers lifetime repairs on all our goods. We believe in longevity, not replacement.

What to Avoid

  • Harsh chemicals or household cleaners
  • Soaking leather in water
  • Long-term sun exposure
  • Plastic or vinyl storage
  • Over-conditioning (can lead to sticky, waxy buildup)

In Summary

Leather lasts a lifetime if you treat it right. Clean it now and then, condition it when it dries out, store it somewhere cool and dry, and don’t be afraid to use it every day. The more you live with it, the better it gets.