How to Care for Your Leather Accessories in Australia’s Climate

There’s no denying that Australia’s unpredictable weather makes owning nice things a bit tricky.

It’s hot and dry one minute, and there’s rain the next. Some places feel like a dessert. Others, make your hair frizzy and sunglasses foggy at the same time.

So what does that mean for your cherished leather accessories?

Whether it’s a handbag that moves everywhere with you or a wallet that you carry everyday, taking care of leather in Australia’s unique climate just needs a little extra TLC. Worry not, just a few good habits and choosing the right products to care for them can go a long way.

Let’s talk about how to keep your leather pieces safe from sun, moisture, mould, and everything in between.

1. Know Your Leather Type

Before we jump into how to care for your leather companions, let’s first break down what kind of leather you actually have. It’s important to know this when it comes to care, because not all leather behaves the same way.

Full-grain leather ages beautifully and is the most durable of them all, but it’s prone to drying out and therefore needs moisturising to stop that from happening, especially in dry or high-UV areas of Australia.

Top-grain leather is slightly more processed and may not develop as much patina over time, but it still benefits from some regular conditioning.

Suede needs gentle handling and special care products (no rough scrubbing, ever!), as it is softer and more vulnerable to moisture and stains.

At bark&bison, we use full and top-grain leather - tough, reliable, and made for the Aussie way of life, though we also offer some products made with suede, if that’s more your jam. But irrespective of the finish, all leather benefits from a bit of attention and love.

2. The Sun And Leather Are Not Friends

We sure love the sun. But leather? Not so much.

Excessive exposure to sun can dry out, fade, or even crack your leather fairly quickly. That rich, deep colour you adore? It can bleach out over time if your bag spends too much time next to a window. or is left in the back seat of your car.

How to keep your leather safe from the sun:

• Store smart. Avoid keeping your bags and accessories in direct sunlight when not in use. A dry, cool, shaded space is perfect.
• Rotate your bags. Swapping your bags out weekly and gives the leather some much needed break.
• Use a good quality leather conditioner. Conditioning helps prevents cracking by locking in moisture. It’s like sunscreen for your bag, but don’t slather it on right before you’re heading out!

Bonus tip: Lighter tones can show sun damage quicker. So if you live somewhere super sunny (hello, Queenslanders), opt for mid to dark-coloured leather.

3. Moisture: When Too Much of a Good Thing Goes Bad

While leather needs a bit of moisture to stay in good shape, too much - especially when we talk about humidity or dampness - can quite easily lead to mould and stains, or that dreadful sticky feeling.

Australia’s tropical and coastal areas (looking at you, Far North QLD and the Top End) are breathtaking, but they’re also tough on leather.

Here’s how to protect your leather from the damp:

• Don’t store leather in plastic. Plastic bags or airtight containers trap moisture which often leads to mould growth. And your leather? It needs to breathe.
• Air it out every now and then. Even if you store your bag in a cupboard, give it a few hours in fresh, dry air occasionally, preferably in the shade.
• Wipe it down after use, gently. Got caught in the rain? It’s a particularly humid day? Just use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off any excess moisture.
• Silica gel or charcoal pouches absorb moisture naturally. Just toss them in your wardrobe or bag drawer to help.

Now if you do see signs of mould (little white or greenish spots), don’t panic. Use a soft cloth slightly dampened with a mild mix of white vinegar and water, and gently wipe it away and follow up with conditioning.

4. Dust, Dirt, and the Great Australian Outdoors

Let’s be honest, we’re an outdoorsy bunch. Which means that our precious leather accessories often have to deal with dust, dirt, and the occasional coffee spill.

To help your bags weather a weekend getaway, or just quick errands, a basic cleaning routine is your leather bag’s best friend..

Simple cleaning tips:

• Dust it off regularly. You’d be surprised how much a quick wipe-down with a soft microfibre cloth helps maintain the finish of your leather.
• Use a leather cleaner every few months. pH-balanced leather cleaning products are best for this. No all-purpose sprays or harsh soaps.
• Spot clean gently. Spilled something on your favourite bag? Just dab (don’t rub!) with a clean, dry cloth, then treat with a tad bit of cleaner or conditioner if needed.

Keep in mind: Think of leather like skin. Harsh products or aggressive cleaning can strip leather off of its natural oils and do more harm than good.

5. Storing Leather the Right Way (Especially Between Seasons)

That moment when summer comes around and you pull out your leather handbag, only to find it’s a bit stiff, faded, or musty? Yep, we’ve all been there.

Storing your leather pieces properly can make a massive difference, especially in a climate with such dramatic seasonal shifts.

Here’s how you can store them properly:

• Stuff your bags with paper (not plastic!) to help them keep their shape. You can also use old but clean T-shirts or pillowcases.
• Use a dust bag. If you got one with your leather item, use it. If not, a cotton pillowcase will also work. It keeps the dust out while letting the leather breathe.
• Avoid squishing. Don’t pile things on top of your bag or stuff them into tight spaces, they’ll develop creases and lose their shape.
• Keep them away from heaters or vents. That warm air in winter can dry out leather faster which may lead to cracks and discolouration.

6. Conditioning: The Secret Sauce

We’ve discussed this already, but let’s dig into conditioning a bit more because it’s honestly the easiest way to keep your leather in the best shape.

Leather is like your skin. It needs moisture, especially in dry or extreme conditions. A good conditioner not only prevents cracks and softens the leather, it also restores its flexibility.

How often should you condition?

Every 3-4 months is a good rule of thumb, if you use your leather piece regularly. If you use it occasionally, every 6 months should do.

What to use?

Best to stick to natural or beeswax-based conditioners, nothing too chemical or oil heavy. Always remember to do a patch test first (preferably on the base or inside flap), just to make sure there’s no discolouration.

How to do it:

1. Clean the surface with a dry cloth.
2. Apply a small amount of conditioner using a soft cloth.
3. Gently rub it in, using circular motions.
4. Let it sit for a few minutes, then buff off any excess.

It’s low effort, satisfying, and your leather will love you for it.

Love It, and It’ll Love You Back

If you treat leather right, it is one of those rare materials that only gets better with age. In climate like Australia’s, that means being a little proactive. Whether it’s keeping your bag away from the sun as much as possible, wiping off the coastal salt, or giving it a good condition every now and then, a little care goes a long way.

Explore Leather That’s Made for Aussie Life

At bark&bison, we design our bags and accessories with real life - and real climates - in mind. Whether you're in the dry heat of the Outback, or the the sticky tropics, our leather pieces are made to last and crafted to handle whatever Australia throws your way.

Ready to find a companion that sticks with you through thick and thin? Explore the Bark&Bison collection today!