Product Care
For all Blair Ritchey products, always spot treat. Never submerge in water, dry clean, or place in washing machine. Doing so will ruin product.
We only use the finest leather and material to make our bags. Majority of the bags are made with full grain leather. Full grain leather is the most durable since the grain is still intact. You will see all of its natural markings and blemishes, adding character and making each piece unique. Over time the leather will have a beautiful patina furthering the specialness of your bag.
Leather
To best care for your Blair Ritchey leather goods, be sure to avoid exposing it to water and moisture. Never submerge any leather product in water. The best recommendation for cleaning and caring for your leather goods is to take them to a trusted cobbler or cleaner specializing in leather. If you need to clean your leather product, use a damp cloth and gently blot the spot. Do not scrub. Let it dry. Multiple attempts may be needed.
Protecting
Only recommended for Black Gator, Chestnut, Honey, and Loden leathers. If you desire to waterproof your Blair Ritchey leather good, use an all-natural protectant. Follow provided directions on the product, and always test on a small spot before applying to the entire bag.
Conditioning
Only recommended for Black Gator, Chestnut, Honey, and Loden leathers. Personally, I prefer my leather bags untreated to allow the age and use to add character to the leather over time. However, if you wish to keep your bag conditioned, use an all-natural leather salve. We use Chamberlain’s Leather Milk (Leather Care Liniment) for conditioning our handbags. Follow provided directions on the product, and always test on a small spot before applying to the entire bag.
Please Note
Natural undyed leather is a “naked” leather, which is untreated. Its natural beauty and texture darken and change over time as the leather is exposed to sunlight and handling. Marks on the leather are part of the “naked” leather and will fade over time as the leather darkens and ages. this leather is used in our Motel Keyrings and Leather Label Slip Pockets, and Origami Envelopes.
Hair On Hide
There may be initial shedding along the edges where the hide was cut, but this won't last long and will stop with use.
Spills should be treated immediately while the liquid is pooled on the surface of the hair. Spills left to sit on the hide will eventually be absorbed into the leather and may not be able to be removed. Small spills and light soiling can be treated with a mild, non-alkaline soapy solution (eg. shampoo and water), wiping in the direction of the hair. Avoid soaking the hide. Heavy stains should be soaked up immediately with a towel and sponge, scrape any solid matter off the hide, don’t scrub.
Canvas
To clean any Blair Ritchey canvas bag, first remove any solid matter and use a damp cloth to gently blot the area. A small amount of mild soap with water may be used. Apply pressure with each blot. Do not scrub. Best to use a cloth that is not too "nubby" (like terry cloth), this will create pilling. Let dry. Multiple attempts may be needed.
If you desire to protect your canvas bag with a stain guard, use one that is non-flammable. Follow provided directions on product, and always test on a small spot before applying to entire bag (like TriNova Stain Guard).
Interior Lining & Zipper
Both the RipStop and Cotton Poplin are stain repellant.
To clean either type of lining, first remove any solid matter and use a damp cloth to gently blot the area. A small amount of mild soap with water may be used. Apply pressure with each blot. Do not scrub. Best to use a cloth that is not too "nubby" (like terry cloth), this will create pilling. Let dry. Multiple attempts may be needed.
For your zipper to function best, always use the zipper pull to open and close your bag. Grabbing onto the pom pom or wristlet to open and close your bag may cause it to get caught and not function smoothly.