There is nothing in the world like a leather journal. The sheer sumptuousness of the feel combined with the look and the smell of leather makes you want to carry your journal with you and write in it as much as possible. Of course, you might come to the conclusion that at Toptenleatherjournals, we’re just a little bit partial – and you’d be right!
A leather journal, no matter which one you choose, is an investment. You definitely want to protect your investment. Leather is one of the most durable, long lasting materials in the world. If cared for properly, leather will age beautifully and will last a lifetime and beyond. Here are 5 tips to keeping your leather journal in top-notch condition so that you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come!
1. Keep your leather journal away from water
Getting it wet can cause the leather to shrink or even crack. Of course accidents do happen. If it gets wet in a sudden downpour, blot it dry with a towel and let it dry in front of a fan or in a place that is dry but not too warm. Be sure to apply leather conditioner to help keep the leather supple and to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
2. The covers on leather journals are like your own skin
Keep it out of direct sun. To keep your leather journal from drying out and becoming brittle, it’s a good idea to also keep it away from any extreme heat sources like a heat register or fireplace. Keeping it clean and moisturized is essential. It takes just a few minutes to clean and moisturize leather, helping it last for years to come.
3. Keep your leather journal away from chemicals
Like your skin, you wouldn’t expose it to chemicals, bleach, alcohol, or silicone. Silicone can keep leather from “breathing”. This can cause it to become brittle and eventually fall apart. Avoid exposing your leather journal to these.
4. Saddle soap can clean some stains but not all
It’s possible that just a little bit of saddle soap and a damp cloth can get out stains like oil, blood, food stains, even some types of wax. Simply follow the directions on the tin. Only a small amount of saddle soap is needed to get the job done. Use the damp cloth to gently rub it into the leather and buff it out as you would on any other leather garment or accessory. Follow this up by applying leather conditioner and buff to a warm, like-new sheen.
5. Scratches and scuffs are inevitable & add character
For many, these kinds of marks can add to the overall feel of their leather journal. If you would rather avoid these kinds of marks, then it’s important to try to keep the leather away from sharp metal edges. You may also want to avoid carrying or storing it near the wire bindings of a spiral notebook. If you do get scratches, you can use boot or shoe polish to rub out most of the evidence of the scratch then buff it with a soft brush.