Leather Care Guide

Leather Care Guide

At AuraHide, we craft our footwear and accessories from the finest genuine leathers. With the right care, your AuraHide pieces will develop a rich patina and last for years to come. Follow this guide to keep your leather looking its best.

Daily Care

  • After each wear, wipe your leather with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and surface dirt.
  • Allow footwear to air out naturally before storing — never near direct heat sources such as radiators.
  • Use cedar shoe trees to absorb moisture and maintain the shape of your boots and shoes.

Cleaning

  • For light dirt, use a slightly damp soft cloth and wipe gently in circular motions.
  • For deeper cleaning, use a specialist leather cleaner applied with a soft brush or cloth.
  • Always test any product on a small, inconspicuous area first.
  • Never use household detergents, baby wipes, or alcohol-based products — these strip the leather's natural oils.
  • Allow the leather to dry naturally at room temperature after cleaning.

Conditioning

  • Apply a quality leather conditioner every 4–6 weeks to replenish natural oils and prevent cracking.
  • Use a soft cloth to work the conditioner in using small circular motions.
  • Allow to absorb for 10–15 minutes, then buff gently with a clean cloth.
  • Conditioning is especially important during winter months and after exposure to rain.

Polishing

  • Use a cream or wax polish that matches the colour of your leather to maintain a rich, even finish.
  • Apply with a horsehair brush or soft cloth, allow to dry, then buff to a shine.
  • For our croc-embossed leathers, use a clear conditioner rather than a tinted polish to preserve the texture.

Protection

  • Apply a leather protector spray before first wear and reapply every few weeks.
  • This creates a barrier against water, stains and everyday scuffs.
  • Keep leather away from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause fading and drying.

Storage

  • Store leather footwear in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space.
  • Use dust bags or the original box to protect from dust and light.
  • Never store in plastic bags — leather needs to breathe.
  • Insert shoe trees or stuff with tissue paper to maintain shape during long-term storage.

Handling Rain & Moisture

  • If your leather gets wet, blot — do not rub — with a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.
  • Allow to dry naturally away from heat.
  • Once dry, apply conditioner to restore suppleness.
  • Avoid wearing the same pair on consecutive rainy days to allow full drying between wears.

Professional Care

For deep stains, significant scuffs or resoling, we recommend visiting a professional cobbler. Quality leather footwear is worth the investment in expert repair — it will extend the life of your AuraHide pieces considerably.

Have a question about caring for your AuraHide leather? Contact our team — we're happy to help.