About General Leather Care

How should I store leather products?

Leather can warp or develop mold if exposed to direct sunlight or stored in hot, humid, or poorly ventilated areas.
When not in use, we recommend keeping the product in a cool, well-ventilated space.
During the rainy season, store it with a dehumidifier—but be careful to prevent direct contact with the leather.

Can I use leather care products on ST.SHELTER items?

Yes, you can. ST.SHELTER uses full-grain vegetable-tanned leather, which responds well to proper care products by maintaining moisture and enhancing its natural sheen.
However, their use is optional and should depend on the condition of the leather.

What kind of leather care products should I use?

Use only products specifically labeled for vegetable-tanned leather.
Avoid those with strong fragrances, heavy pigments, silicones, or synthetic waxes.

How should I use a leather conditioner?

All leather used by ST.SHELTER is full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather—crafted to age naturally with time and touch.
We believe that frequent use is the best form of care, so we generally do not recommend applying conditioners early on.

You may consider using a small amount of conditioner in the following situations:

  • The surface feels dry after 2–3 months of use

  • The item has been exposed to heat or moisture

  • After cleaning a stained area with a leather cleaner

⚠️ Note: Applying conditioner to new leather may cause an unintended shine or deepen the color too quickly, resulting in forced aging.
Please avoid using it in the early stages. Wait at least 2–3 months and apply only when dryness becomes noticeable.

How to apply leather conditioner:

  1. Gently remove any dust from the surface.

  2. Apply a very small amount of conditioner to the included sponge or a leather-care brush.

  3. Spread evenly over the leather without rubbing too hard—let it absorb naturally.

  4. Allow to air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated place for about 24 hours.

  5. Once dry, wipe the surface with a soft cloth to remove any residue.

  6. Repeat only when the surface feels dry again.

Overuse may upset the natural balance of the leather.

What should I do if scratches appear during use?

ST.SHELTER uses full-grain aniline vegetable-tanned leather, which allows light scratches to fade with natural oils and use.
In most cases, you can gently rub the area with clean hands or a soft cloth to reduce the scratch.

Light scratches will naturally blend into the surface over time as the leather ages.
For deeper scratches that expose the grain layer, you can apply a generous amount of vegetable leather conditioner, let it sit for about a day, and then gently wipe it down with a soft dry cloth.

What should I do if the leather gets wet?

If the leather gets wet, blot it gently with a dry cloth immediately.
Let it air-dry in a shaded area away from direct sunlight.
Do not use a hair dryer or heater, as high heat can cause shrinkage or cracking.

What should I do if ink gets on the leather?

Ink stains can quickly soak into leather, so immediate action is essential:

  1. Gently blot the ink with a dry cloth or soft paper—do not rub, as this may cause smearing.

  2. If the ink hasn’t deeply penetrated, use a cotton swab or cloth lightly dampened with a leather-specific cleaner.

  3. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of conditioner made for vegetable-tanned leather to the entire surface.

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