How to Care for Your Handmade British Leather
Leather Care Guide
Leather is one of the world’s oldest and most durable natural materials — prized for its strength, beauty, and unique character. At Warriner Leather, I create handcrafted leather belts, shoulder bags, gardening trugs, bridles, and horse harnesses using traditional British leathercraft techniques and the finest oak bark tanned leather. With simple, thoughtful care, your leather goods can be treasured for a lifetime — ageing gracefully and developing a rich patina that tells your story.
Keep Your Leather Strong, Supple & Beautiful
Like our skin, natural vegetable tanned leather can dry out if exposed to too much sunlight, heat, or moisture. For the first six to twelve months, the natural oils in the hide will keep it nourished. After this, it’s essential to replenish those oils to prevent cracking and drying. Using a dedicated, natural leather balm will keep your leather belts, bags, and horse tack supple, protected, and strong for years to come.
When it comes to leather care, avoid using harsh products like dubbin or neatsfoot oil. While once popular, these can actually rot the stitching, weaken the fibres, and cause more harm than good — leaving your beautiful leather dry, greasy, or sticky over time.
My Natural Leather Balm
I recommend only using a high-quality, natural leather balm that respects the unique pH of vegetable tanned leather. My Warriner Leather Balm is carefully made by hand using balanced pH ingredients — a gentle blend of tallow, beeswax, rapeseed oil, and birch tar oil. These ingredients work in harmony with the natural pH of the hide, nourishing the fibres without clogging them.
When creating my balm, I spent years studying the methods of British tanneries and traditional curriers — learning how they finish and protect leather at every stage. That knowledge inspired me to develop a balm that works as nature intended, preserving the strength and character of your leather goods while enhancing their natural beauty. You can purchase 30ml and 60ml pots of The Natural Leather Balm here
Simple Leather Care Steps
Wipe your leather clean with a damp cloth and let it dry naturally at room temperature — never rush it with heat.
Use a soft cloth to apply a tiny amount of leather balm, gently rubbing it into the surface. Allow it to soak in overnight for best results.
Repeat this care routine every few months, or whenever your leather starts to feel dry.
Remember, a good leather balm may darken your leather slightly — this is a sign the fibres are nourished and will develop a richer, deeper patina with use.
Leather with a Story
Every handmade leather piece is unique — the growth lines, marks and subtle scars reflect its natural origins. Good leather care honours that story, allowing your belt, bag, bridle, or harness to age gracefully, becoming softer, stronger and more beautiful as the years pass.
I also take pride in sustainable practices. All Warriner Leather packaging is recyclable or compostable, and the leather itself is vegetable tanned using entirely natural processes — making it biodegradable at the end of its long life.
If you ever need advice about caring for your leather — whether it’s a new leather belt, an heirloom bag, or your equestrian tack — I’m always happy to help. Feel free to email hello@warrinerleather.co.uk and I’ll gladly share what I know so you can keep your handmade British leather goods looking their best for decades to come.
Keep Your Leather at Its Best
Treat your handmade leather goods to the care they deserve — click the button below to order your Warriner Leather Balm and protect your belts, bags, horse tack, and accessories with a balm crafted to work naturally with your leather’s pH. Handmade in small batches, it’s the perfect finishing touch for lasting durability and timeless beauty