If you’ve made the investment of purchasing a leather watch strap, you’ll want to make it last for as long as possible. Luckily, that’s not difficult. Leather is a very durable material and if you take good care of it, it will age like a fine wine. However, due to the sensitivity and uniqueness of the material, leather needs a special type of care and cleaning routine.
Leather watch straps are a timeless addition to your watch’s face and add a level of comfort that’s unbeatable. If you want to make your investment last, follow these tips on how to take care of your leather watch strap.
The first step to cleaning your leather strap is to remove it completely from your watch. You want to be thorough and avoid risking damage to the case and dial, so don’t try to clean it when it’s still attached. Next, gently wipe your leather with a dry cloth. This step ensures that you avoid scratching your watch during cleaning by removing surface debris that could lead to damage once the leather is wet. Microfiber cloths are a great option for this.
After you’ve wiped your strap down with a soft cloth, you need to wash your strap with a gentle, leather-safe soap. If you use a harsh soap, you risk drying or damaging the leather. Only use a small amount of soap and apply it to a damp, not wet, cloth rather than directly on your leather watch strap. In small, circular motions, gently rub both the interior and exterior areas of your strap with your dampened cloth.
Next, you’ll need to remove the soap residue. Do not, under any circumstances, submerge your leather strap in water to rinse it. Instead, use a soap-free, damp area of the cloth to gently wipe away the soap residue. Let the band dry completely when you’re done.
Finally, as a finishing touch, it’s important to use a good leather conditioner. This helps keep the leather strap in good condition and well hydrated. Dried out leather cracks and ages much faster than leather that has been conditioned. We recommend a top of the line venetian cream conditioner.
A Brief Note on Buying Leather
As a final note, we want to mention one thing that people tend to forget: all leather is not created equal. There is high-quality leather and there is low-quality leather. There are also a number of faux leather materials being sold to unaware recipients at comparable prices to real leather. Just make sure to do your research prior to making any purchases and you’ll be fine.
If you’re looking to add a leather watch strap to your wardrobe, look no further than DaLuca Straps. All of our professionals are well trained and will help you find a leather watch strap that’s perfect for you. We have a variety of types of leathers for all of your needs. Head on over to DaLuca Straps and browse our selection today!