How to care for your S&R goods
How to clean and care for handmade waxed canvas bags
Waxed canvas is fun because it gains a patina. The rub marks and textures make it a unique material, and that patina is different for each person.
In general, waxed canvas goods don’t need a lot of upkeep or special treatment, but in our world, stuff sometimes happens, and caring for your S&R goods will extend their life and keep things looking uniquely yours. Here is the overview of how to care for your waxed canvas bag:
To maintain the wax finish, we suggest you spot clean with water and very mild soap only when necessary or wipe clean with water and air dry.
Do not put waxed canvas items in a washing machine or dryer.
If re-waxing is needed, supplies can be purchased from Otter Wax or many other fabric wax companies.
Heat will soften the wax, and in extreme cases (like a clothes dryer), it will run and potentially ruin your bag and dryer.
If your bag gets wet, let it air dry, and if you wish to be extra careful, you can stuff it with a towel to help it keep its shape while drying.
Most of our lined bags have a “free lining” that you can flip out and rinse off. Once the stain is clean, lay flat to dry before flipping the lining back into place.
If your bag comes into contact with road salt or other corrosive chemicals, clean the area with cool water as soon as possible and allow it to air dry to help prevent fabric breakdown.
In the case of oily stains, sometimes cornstarch can lift the oil spot, but it can take some work and a stiff bristle brush to remove the starch from the texture of the fabric. To attempt to lift oil, put your bag on a flat surface, liberally apply cornstarch to the stain, and let it sit for 12-24 hours so the starch can absorb the oil. This does not always work, but sometimes it can be quite effective.
How to care for handmade leather goods
Leather is a natural product that gets more interesting as it ages and develops a patina.
The more you use leather, the better it gets, but sometimes, things happen, leaving you with a soggy bag or an unexpected stain. With that in mind, with some care, your bag or wallet should last a long time and gain an interesting and fun patina that reflects your adventures. Here are some pointers on how to care for your leather S&R goods:
If you store your leather goods for an extended period, stuff them with a clean towel or paper and wrap them in a pillowcase to help keep them in shape and prevent dust from accumulating.
To maintain your leather pieces, you should wipe clean any dirt spots with a damp cloth and allow them to air dry; if desired, use a minimal amount of high-quality leather conditioners such as Otter Wax Leather Salve or Smith’s Leather Balm on a soft cloth to gently rub over the entire item.
To buff out unwanted scratches, use a soft dry cloth or a shoe shine brush and rub until the spot is lessened in appearance. Leather balm can also help with making scratches less noticeable. Resist adding water since that can darken the leather, especially with rubbing.
If your leather item is soaking wet, let it air dry, and in the case of a bag - stuff it with a towel to help it keep its shape.
If your item comes into contact with road salt or other corrosive chemicals, wipe the area with a damp cloth as soon as possible and allow it to air dry to help prevent breakdown.
In the case of oily stains, sometimes cornstarch can lift the oil spot. To use cornstarch, liberally apply cornstarch to the stain and let it sit for 12-24 hours so the starch can absorb the oil. Brush away with a dry paintbrush or soft cloth. This does not always work, but sometimes it can be quite effective, and the sooner you try it, the better the result.
Do not apply any solvent-based cleaner, as it can cause irreparable damage to any leather and will strip any finish.
Always test any product in an inconspicuous spot before use since it may alter the color or surface texture of the leather.
For specific cleaning issues or concerns (like I spilled yogurt in this bag, what do I do now?), please email Stitch & Rivet.
