Leather Guitar Strap and Leather Accessories Step-by-Step Cleaning and Restoring Process

So, you've invested in a nice leather accessory or guitar strap and hope it will continue being beautiful for many years to come. We understand and want to help you learn a few key tips to care for your leather item.

Here is a summary of the steps to give a second life to your leather for guitar straps and accessories :

You can find more detailed information below*

1. Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe off dust and dirt

2. Prepare the cleaning solution (can be a warm, soapy water or a leather cleaner)

3. Test the solution on a small unnoticeable area

4. Clean it with the prepared solution (if it passed the test at step 3)

5. Wipe off residue and let it dry naturally

6. Use a leather conditioner or cream, Skidmore's has a good value for money option.

7. Buff for shine (optional)

Let's dive in!

First, there are different type of leather. Many types:

• Full-grain leather
• Top-grain leather
• Suede leather
• Nubuck leather
• Patent Leather
• Crazy horse leather (aka waxed leather)
• Oil-tanned leather
• Vegetable tanned leather
• Exotic leather (e.g., snakeskin, alligator)
  
• Faux leather (synthetic)
  

Since it's difficult to breakdown instructions for all of the different types, we will focus on how to care for what we consider to be more porous leather and smoother finished leathers. Because the way you protect and treat a suede leather is very different than how you might care for a vegetable tanned leather.

Genuine Full-grain Leather

We at Copperpeace use a Leather baseball glove leather. Which is more durable than most types. And while we think the patina and way it ages beautifully is what makes it one of the best leathers, we also believe you can condition or lotion it like you would your own skin to keep it looking nice!

There are many ways to care for a leather guitar strap. Before starting, you can gather the following items that you will need: 

• A clean soft dry cloth (microfiber or cotton)
• A leather cleaner spray (or simply warm soapy water)
  
• Soft-bristle brush (optional)
• Leather conditioner

The 7 steps to take care of and restore leather strap for guitar or accessories

1. Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe off dust and dirt

To begin the process, ensure your leather strap is clean by using a soft cloth that effectively removes dirt without causing any damage.

This step is optional, but if needed, you can use a soft-bristled brush from Featherline, a company we love, to clear any debris from the creases.

2. Prepare the cleaning solution

You can mix a few drops of mild leather cleaner or saddle soap with filtered water (distilled water is ideal).
Be careful not to use too much water, as leather absorbs moisture easily.

You can also find some leather cleaner spray online. Some are designed for smoother, less porous leather (such as common shoe leather) rather than suede or baseball glove leather.

3. Test the solution on a small area of the leather

Apply a small amount of the solution to an inconspicuous area of the leather. Then, wait a few minutes and check to ensure it hasn’t caused any damage or altered the colour. 

4. Clean it with a leather cleaner or warm, soapy water 

Lightly dampen a clean microfiber or cotton cloth with the prepared solution (avoiding excess moisture as leather tends to soak water fast) and gently wipe the strap in circular motions to remove dirt and sweat. If necessary, use a soft brush for stubborn stains.

5. Wipe off residue and let it dry naturally

Use a clean, slightly damp cloth (with only water) to wipe away any soap residue, then lay the strap flat in a dry and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat.

Allow it to air dry completely before proceeding to the next step, which may take a few hours or longer. You can even wait a day or two if you'd like.

6. Use a Conditioner

Once dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner using a soft cloth to keep the strap supple and prevent cracking (follow the manufacturer's instructions).

We recommend Skidmore's Original Leather Cream, as it is made with natural ingredients and works well on various types of leather. 

Another option that works well for protection could be a beeswax from Skidmore's. 

7. Buff for shine (optional)

Lightly buff the strap with a clean, dry cloth for a polished look. 

Additional Tips:

🎸Avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners.

🎸 Do not oversaturate the leather with water.

🎸 Store properly by hanging or loosely rolling the strap when not in use. 

Consistent leather guitar strap care is the best time investment you can do. Whether it's for your vintage of custom embroidered leather guitar strap, following these steps will help preserve your leather strap's quality and extend its lifespan.