Good leather gear should last for years, and with a little care it gets better with age – softer, more comfortable, with a richer colour. Skip the care and leather dries out, cracks or holds on to sweat and bacteria. Here's a simple routine that keeps your harnesses, cuffs, hoods and sleepsacks in top shape.
After every use: clean
- Wipe it down. Use a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water. Never soak leather or put it in a washing machine.
- Use a gentle cleaner for sweat and body fluids. A few drops of mild, pH-neutral soap (saddle soap or a leather cleaner) on a damp cloth. Work in small circles, then wipe off with a clean damp cloth.
- Sanitise contact areas. For gear that touches skin closely (hoods, mittens, jockstraps, cuff linings), use a leather-safe toy cleaner. Avoid alcohol and bleach – they strip the leather's oils and cause cracking.
- Clean the inside too. Linings, padding and the inside of hoods collect the most sweat.
Drying
- Let gear air-dry naturally at room temperature, laid flat or hung.
- Keep it away from radiators, hair dryers and direct sun – fast heat makes leather stiff and brittle.
- Undo all buckles and zips so air can circulate.
Every 2–3 months: condition
Conditioning puts back the oils that keep leather supple. Use a quality leather conditioner or balm:
- Make sure the leather is clean and fully dry.
- Apply a small amount with a soft cloth in circular motions.
- Leave it to absorb for 20–30 minutes.
- Buff off the excess with a clean cloth.
Condition more often if you use your gear a lot, live somewhere dry, or the leather starts to feel stiff. Always test a new product on a hidden area first.
Buckles, rings and zips
- Wipe metal hardware dry after cleaning to prevent tarnish.
- Check stitching, rivets and D-rings before every session – especially on suspension cuffs and swings that take body weight.
- A drop of zip wax or graphite keeps zips running smoothly.
Spotted a loose stitch or damaged hardware? Stop using the item and contact us – every piece has a 1-year warranty on stitching and hardware.
Storage
- Store gear in a breathable cotton bag or box – never sealed plastic, which traps moisture and causes mould.
- Keep it somewhere cool, dry and out of sunlight.
- Hang harnesses and garments; lay hoods and mittens flat or stuff them lightly with tissue to keep their shape.
- Don't store damp leather – let it dry completely first.
Quick fixes
- Stiff leather: condition, then wear or flex it gently – body heat softens it.
- White marks (salt or sweat): wipe with a cloth dampened with a little water and white vinegar (1:1), let dry, then condition.
- Mould spots: wipe with diluted white vinegar outdoors, dry fully, then condition.
- Odour: air it out and sprinkle a little baking soda inside overnight, then brush it off.
Frequently asked questions
Can I share leather gear with partners?
Clean and sanitise between partners. For items in close contact with skin, such as hoods and jockstraps, many people keep their own.
Is it OK to get leather wet?
A damp wipe is fine. Avoid soaking; if gear gets drenched, blot it, let it dry slowly at room temperature, then condition.
How long will full-grain leather last?
With regular cleaning and conditioning, full-grain cowhide gear can last many years.
Looking to add to your collection? See our handcrafted bondage gear.
