If you've ever invested in a high-quality leather belt, you know how important it is to keep it looking its best. Maintaining your belt only takes a few minutes, but it can add years to the life of your favorite accessory. Here are a few tips to keep your leather goods in tip-top shape.
TDLR: Use a clean, slightly damp cloth and lukewarm water to wipe off dirt and oil. Let it air dry overnight before wearing your belt again. Repeat regularly and don't forget to check your screws!
How and when should I clean a leather belt?
High-quality leather belts can go years without needing any maintenance. You know your leather belt needs some cleaning if you see any visible dirt, sweat, water stains, or oil-based stains from your hands.
How to clean a leather belt correctly
You will need a few things to get started: two clean cloths (one dry cloth and one damp cloth), a cup of lukewarm water, and a cup of warm water with a drop or two of a very mild regular soap. Make sure to use a soft cloth, like microfiber, that isn't abrasive and won't leave lint on your belt.
Damp cloth, rub. Dry cloth, repeat.
If you only have a couple of small stains, clean lukewarm water might be enough! Start by gently rubbing the leather with the dampened cloth, then wipe it dry with the other clean rag. Be careful not to rub too aggressively, or you may damage the leather.
If the stains on your leather belt are a little resistant, use lukewarm water with a drop or two of dish soap as a mild cleaning solution. Dip your clean cloth into the warm, soapy water, then wring out the excess water. Gently rub the surface of the leather belt in little circles to remove light dirt stains and oil-based stains. Wipe the belt with a dry cloth to confirm it's clean. Repeat this until you are satisfied.
Once you're happy with how clean your leather belt is, it will need to air-dry overnight or at least a day in a cool, dry place. Do not wear your belt until it has completely dried. Do not use a blow dryer to speed up the drying process! Heat sources or wearing the belt while it is wet can permanently damage the leather.
Do I need a special leather cleaner, like saddle soap?
A traditional leather cleaner, like saddle soap, is a great option for deep cleaning stains or restoring leather products. You don't need to purchase these specialty cleaners for light touch-ups. Try cleaning your leather belt with a drop or two of mild soap and water first to see if it does the trick. When cleaning leather, a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth works well if dirt can't be brushed away.
If you have some tough dirt or stubborn stains that need deep cleaning, you may need to clean your belt with saddle soap specifically designed for leather goods. Saddle soap is a mild cleaner and can be used for smooth leathers, but should be used sparingly on structured leather. If your belt's leather seems dry, apply a leather conditioner sparingly after cleaning to prevent further damage. Different products require different methods, so always follow the manufacturer's directions.
Tips for maintaining your buckle
Once you've cleaned your leather belt, it is time to move on to your buckle. It is the star of your accessory game and usually doesn't get the attention it deserves.
Start by checking that all your screws are tightened. We use blue medium-strength Loctite or Vibratite when assembling our buckles to prevent the screws from loosening. It is available at most big box stores for a few dollars.
Over time and after years of use, your screws may start to loosen. If you notice a screw coming loose or if you have to tighten it occasionally, it's time to secure it with a little medium-strength Loctite. Gently back the screw out, apply a small dab of blue Loctite to the threads, and gently reinsert the screw. Let the screws dry overnight, and your buckle should be good to go for another few years!
If you notice that a screw is completely missing, don't panic! We sell replacement parts for our buckles.
How do you extend the life of a leather belt?
The easiest way to make your belt last longer is to start out with a good handmade belt! Shop for belts like ours that are made with full-grain leather and designed to last. Avoid anything made with cheap genuine leather. You can get more life out of your favorite belts by rotating them instead of wearing the same one daily to extend their lifespan. Sweat and moisture can cause leather belts to stretch and warp, so alternating between two belts can help them dry thoroughly.
The best way to keep your leather belt looking good is to regularly maintain it. Routinely wipe it down with a damp cloth (preferably a lint-free cloth), especially if you live in a warm environment. Loctite the screws right away if you notice them starting to loosen. Here are a couple more tips to keep your belt looking fresh.
Proper storage: Keep leather belts dry and sweat-free
Although we emphasize regularly cleaning leather belts with a little soap and water, excess moisture is a big threat to leather. Use it sparingly and try your best to keep your belt from getting soaking wet or oily. Clean your belt right away if it does, and let it air dry completely before you wear it again.
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the longevity of leather belts. Store leather belts away from direct sunlight when you're not wearing them. Belts should be hung by their buckles for optimal storage. Vertical storage is recommended for leather belts to prevent creasing, cracking, and damaging the material. Avoid keeping leather belts in an airtight container, as it can cause mold issues. Airflow is important for leather storage to prevent moisture buildup and mold.
Should I oil my leather belt?
Your grandma may have told you to use olive oil to condition your leather. It's not something we recommend unless your belt is showing signs of drying and cracking, and you don't have access to leather care products. Use a light application of leather conditioner after cleaning to replenish lost natural oils and prevent drying.
Gently wipe the leather with a mild leather conditioner using a microfiber cloth. Massage the conditioner into the leather with circular motions, then give it a quick wipe with a clean, soft cloth to remove any excess so it can fully dry. This technique can also be used to restore other leather items, like leather shoes and leather bags.
Always follow the instructions recommended on the label of the leather conditioner. Test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it won't damage your leather. Some types of leather belts, like our grey distressed leather and slate grey leather, should not be oiled. Oiling these types of leather will dramatically darken the color and alter the leather's unique look.
