Bag care and cleaning
With the right care, your DRAKENSBERG bag can keep its natural beauty through many adventures. Find practical advice on cleaning leather and cotton canvas, refreshing weather protection and caring for your bag over time.
The essentials
Your DRAKENSBERG bag is ready to use and rarely needs intensive care or cleaning. Our leather bags are treated with quality oils and waxes to help keep the leather supple. The waxed canvas in the Heritage collection is already water-repellent.
When your bag needs attention, these three areas will guide you:
WEATHER PROTECTION
CLEANING
CARE
Weather protection
Protecting your bag with spray
A water-repellent treatment helps protect your bag from moisture and dirt while preserving its natural appearance.
One option is the colourless IMPRÄGNOL protective spray, suitable for leather and cotton.
Use the spray outdoors in a sheltered spot. Apply it evenly from around 30 cm to a clean, dry bag. Avoid soaking the material and allow it to dry thoroughly. A second light coat can provide extra protection for frequently used areas such as edges.
Heritage bags made from waxed canvas do not need an additional spray treatment.
Protecting cotton canvas with wax
Colourless protective wax helps cotton canvas repel rain and resist wear.
We recommend Dr. Gee’s protective wax, made with natural ingredients.
- Rub the wax evenly onto the fabric.
- Warm it with a hairdryer so it can soak into the cotton. Repeat if needed for extra protection, using less wax on areas exposed to less wear to preserve breathability.
Heritage bags are already waxed. If necessary, gentle warmth can redistribute the existing wax coating. Rewaxing is generally not needed for at least five years; the condition of the fabric is what matters.
Cleaning
Cleaning cotton canvas
1. Remove loose dirt
Gently brush the fabric with a soft shoe brush. Shake out the dust or carefully remove it with a vacuum cleaner.
2. Remove lint and hair
Use a lint roller on the canvas. Keep adhesive rollers away from leather surfaces to protect the patina.
3. Treat stains
First try gently dabbing the stain with sparkling water and a clean cloth. If needed, mix a little mild hand soap with water and carefully treat it again. Avoid harsh cleaners that can lift the fabric’s colour.
Our canvas and leather travel bags must never be machine-washed.
Cleaning leather
1. Remove loose dirt
Gently brush the leather with a soft shoe brush. Shake out the dust or carefully vacuum it away, taking care not to scratch the surface.
2. Remove lint and hair
Use a non-adhesive lint brush. Adhesive rollers can damage the leather’s patina.
3. Treat stains
Start with a clean, slightly damp cloth and gently wipe the stain without soaking the leather. For stubborn marks, use a little mild hand soap in lukewarm water or a leather cleaner such as KERALUX Gentle Cleaner.
Apply the cleaning solution with a soft cloth and work carefully. Avoid harsh products that may dry out the leather or affect its colour. After cleaning, a little leather balm can help restore suppleness if needed.
More care tips
Caring for leather
Leather is a natural material that can dry out over time. For everyday care, wipe your bag with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and light dirt. Store it away from extreme cold and direct sunlight.
Condition the leather only when it feels dry, brittle or less supple. Depending on use and conditions, this may take several years. Choose a leather care product with natural oils, such as Dr. Gee’s leather balm. Apply a small amount evenly with a soft cloth, let it absorb and buff with a clean cloth.
Leather balm may improve resistance to moisture, but it can also darken the leather. For water-repellent protection, we recommend a colourless protective spray.
Avoid over-conditioning: frequent treatment can soften the leather too much and affect the bag’s shape. Around once every two years is generally enough, but always let the condition of the leather guide you.