Cleaning and caring for leather mobile phone and tablet cases

Which leather do I have? The quick test

Two simple tests can be used to determine the material:

Water-drop test (for smooth leather): Rub in a drop of water in an inconspicuous area. If it soaks in and darkens the leather, it is aniline leather (open-pore). If it beads up, it is pigmented smooth leather (surface-dyed).

Smooth leather

Aniline leather

Fingernail test (for greased leather): Draw a line on the leather with your fingernail without applying much pressure. If it can be removed again by rubbing, it is greased leather (pull-up leather). If you have a greased-leather bag, this is the right guide

Recognisable by appearance: Suede leather has a velvety, velour-like surface and is visually clearly distinct from smooth leather.

Pigmented smooth leather

Smooth leather is easy to care for and resistant. For everyday cleaning, it is sufficient to wipe it regularly with a soft, slightly damp cloth. For noticeable soiling, use Colourlock Leather Cleaner mild. Do not work too wet or rub too hard. For stubborn dirt in the grain, use the Leather Cleaning Brush to help.
Protect the leather after cleaning with Leather Shield (link to the product). It prevents rapid resoiling and reduces abrasion at the edges.

Aniline leather (open-pore smooth leather)

Aniline leather is high-quality and has a warm feel, but is very sensitive. Carefully blot fresh stains from the inside out with kitchen paper; never rub. In everyday use, occasional wiping with a slightly damp cloth is sufficient. For noticeable soiling, use Aniline & Nubuck Cleaner to help. Always clean the entire surface from seam to seam so that the appearance remains even. Allow it to dry by itself after cleaning. A slight residual patina will usually remain; this is a normal effect of this leather, not a defect.

For care, apply Aniline Cream every 3 to 6 months. It protects against stains and keeps the leather supple.

Greased leather / pull-up leather

Greased leather is robust and has a characteristic vintage patina. Polish out light scratches and signs of wear with a dry cloth. The wax rubs in and the marks usually disappear. For stronger marks, use Leather Cleaner mild. Apply the cleaner to a viscose cloth and clean from seam to seam. Take care not to work too wet or rub too hard.

For care, use Colourlock Elephant Leather Preserver. Dark areas can be lightened again by gently sanding with the Colourlock Sanding Pad. Then match them again with the leather grease (Elephant).

Suede leather (velours, nubuck, suede)

Suede leather is velvety and warm, but sensitive to moisture and mechanical stress. In everyday use, brush it with a soft brush. Absorb fresh stains by pressing gently with a household cloth. Here too, never rub, otherwise the nap changes permanently. Use Aniline & Nubuck Cleaner for thorough cleaning. Dried stains can be worked out with the Nubuck Eraser Block. Roughen slightly greasy areas again with the Sanding Pad.

For protection, occasionally treat with waterproofing for leather and textiles.

Artificial leather

Artificial leather is hard-wearing and easy to care for. Clean it with Viscose Cloths or a sponge and Artificial Leather Cleaner. Use the brush for dirt in the grain.

Care for it once or twice a year with Colourlock Artificial Leather Protector. It protects the surface against abrasion and soiling.

Basic rules for handling mobile-phone and tablet cases

• Do not permanently bend, sharply crease or scratch cases.
• Even if the device itself is water-repellent, the case should not be completely soaked. Distortion and stains can result.
• Remove soiling promptly before it soaks in.
• On light-coloured surfaces, check with a light, slightly damp cloth whether cleaning is necessary.
• Always test first in a concealed area.
• If unsure, ask us rather than using the wrong product.