Leather Cleaning Guide: How to Properly Clean Your Leather Wallet

A leather wallet is far more than stylish, durable, and functional. It’s where you keep your money, credit cards, ID, and often photos of a loved one. In many ways, your wallet is your life, and the quality and care you take by choosing a high-quality leather wallet shows the care you have for your whole life. And, just like a leather wallet protects the precious items it contains, you protect what’s precious in your life. Take care of what’s protecting the important things in your life by regularly cleaning your leather wallet. Not only will this extend your wallet’s life, but it will keep it, and you, looking sharp and ready to go.

Can You Wash a Leather Wallet?

If you haven’t accidentally put your leather wallet through your washing machine, then no, it’s not recommended to wash a leather wallet, since washing usually involves a lot of water. You can clean a leather wallet, which we’ll go over in another section. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid exposing your leather wallet to water.

If you have, however, washed your wallet with your last load of jeans, then have no fear. Leather can be brought back to life with a minimum of water stains in a few simple steps. Here’s how to rescue a washed wallet.

1. Wipe your wallet down thoroughly with a dry, soft cloth. This is especially important if it was dunked in a lake, puddle, or other dirty water. You want to make sure any dirt or debris has been removed from pockets and pouches.
2. Next, hang your wallet to dry in a well-ventilated area. It’s important to hang it in its closed position, so the leather maintains its shape. Let it dry for a minimum of 12 hours.
3. Now that your wallet is dry, use a high-quality oil, like cold-pressed olive oil, or unrefined coconut oil, to re-moisturize your wallet. It’s easy to do. You can pour a small amount on your fingers or soft, dry cloth and rub the oil into your wallet evenly and thoroughly.
4. Next, use a leather conditioner on your wallet, following the instructions carefully.

How to Clean a Leather Wallet

Part of maintaining your wallet’s luster and shine is a regular cleaning routine. And, it’s always good to clean things that are handled every day.

1. Gather your supplies: 2-3 soft, dry cloths, a plastic drinking straw (optional), toothpicks (optional), leather cleaner, and leather conditioner.
2. The first step is to remove everything from your wallet and clean it of dirt and debris. Use the soft cloth to wipe the wallet down. Turn it upside down to shake out dirt, and use the straw to blow it out of little pouches and crevices. Use a toothpick to carefully remove the dirt from hard-to-reach crevices.
3. Wipe down the leather of your wallet with the leather cleaner using a cloth. Using circular motions, rub the cleanser into the leather. Next, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the cleaner off.
4. Now it’s time to condition the leather. Do a spot test on a less visible part of the wallet to make sure the color doesn’t change too much. Use a clean cloth to rub the conditioner into the wallet. Use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess.

Use the leather cleaner and conditioner once or twice a year, or up to once a month.

How Do You Maintain Your Leather Wallet’s Quality?

1. Remember that leather can stretch, which will distort its shape. Avoid overstuffing your wallet.
2. Clean your wallet regularly with a soft cloth and do the deep clean we mentioned a few times a year or as needed.
3. Be careful to avoid scratching your wallet. Don’t put your keys or pens in the same pocket as your wallet. Avoid placing your wallet somewhere it could be scratched.
4. Avoid contact with water as much as possible. Handle your wallet with dry hands and protect it from the rain.
5. Heat will also potentially warp leather, so avoid placing your leather wallet too close to the stove or fire.

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