PRODUCT CARE

Bonheur products are crafted from living materials such as full-grain leather, waxed canvas, natural cotton and metal hardware. With proper care, your piece will only grow more beautiful over the years; neglected, it can suffer permanent damage. Please follow the guide below for your specific item.

General principles

  • Keep away from direct heat, sunlight, alcohol (perfume, deodorant), oil and abrasive cleaners.
  • Avoid prolonged contact with colour-transferring fabrics such as raw denim or dark linings.
  • Always store the product in the dust bag provided when not in use.
  • Do not machine wash, dry clean, or tumble dry.
  • If your item gets wet, let it air-dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

Leather Bags

  • Dust weekly with a soft, dry cloth, paying attention to creases and stitching.
  • Wipe stains gently in circular motions with a slightly damp (not wet) cloth; never scrub.
  • Once a month, apply a thin layer of a high-quality colourless leather cream; wait 10 minutes, then buff with a soft cloth.
  • For water resistance, spray a leather-specific protector from 20 cm distance in light coats and let it dry fully before use.
  • If caught in the rain, pat dry with a soft cloth; never use tissue or paper towels.
  • Store the bag upright, stuffed with soft paper or fabric to preserve its shape; do not hang.
  • Rotate between bags rather than using the same one every day; leather lasts longer when allowed to rest and breathe.

Waxed Canvas Bags

  • Waxed canvas is exceptionally durable; the creases and patina that develop over time are part of its character.
  • Brush off dust with a soft, dry brush; remove dirt with a cloth dampened in lukewarm (not hot) water.
  • Do not use soap, detergent or chemical cleaners — they strip the wax coating.
  • When the wax finish dulls, re-wax with a canvas-specific wax dressing in a thin, even layer and let it cure at room temperature.
  • After rain, shake off excess water and dry in the shade; never use a radiator or hairdryer.
  • Store in a breathable dust bag in a cool, dry place.

Card Holders & Small Leather Goods

  • Do not carry alongside keys, coins or sharp objects — they will scratch the leather.
  • Avoid overstuffing; card slots will stretch and lose their shape over time.
  • Wipe the surface weekly with a dry cloth; nourish monthly with a light leather cream.
  • Prolonged pocket wear may darken the edges — this is a natural patina, not a defect.

Hats

  • Brush off dust with a soft brush, moving from the brim toward the crown.
  • Spot-clean surface marks with a slightly damp cloth; never soak.
  • Clean the inner sweatband monthly with a damp cloth and a touch of mild soap; dry in the shade.
  • Store stuffed with soft paper to keep its shape; never place anything heavy on top.
  • If it gets wet, reshape and let it air-dry at room temperature.

Sneakers

  • Brush off dust with a soft brush after every wear.
  • Wipe leather parts with a slightly damp cloth; use a specialised cleaner for canvas or suede sections.
  • Scrub the outsole grooves with a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water.
  • After cleaning, stuff with a dry towel to absorb moisture; never place near direct sunlight or a radiator.
  • Use shoe trees or crumpled paper to retain the shape; store in the original box.
  • Avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row — rested shoes last significantly longer.

Straps (Bag & Accessory)

  • Wipe leather straps with a damp cloth and nourish monthly with a leather cream.
  • Never exceed the strap's recommended load — overloading stresses the stitching and hardware.
  • Polish metal buckles and rings with a soft, dry cloth; avoid abrasive metal polish.
  • Store straps flat — leaving them folded for long periods leaves permanent creases.

Scarves & Foulards

  • Take silk and wool scarves only to a trusted dry cleaner.
  • If stained, try to deliver to the cleaner within 24 hours.
  • Spray perfume and alcohol-based products onto your skin before putting on the scarf; alcohol causes spots and fading.
  • Store flat between sheets of acid-free paper rather than folded.
  • Keep in a dry, dark place away from direct sunlight and humidity.

General Storage Tips

  • Store products in a cool (18–22 °C / 64–72 °F), dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Never store in plastic bags or airtight containers — moisture leads to mildew.
  • Stuff bags with soft paper or fabric to preserve their structure.
  • Rotate the products you use so each piece can rest — rotation extends the life of every item.
  • Before long-term storage, clean the product and make sure it is completely dry.
  • Twice a year, treat all your leather goods with a nourishing cream.

Natural materials breathing, slight colour variation and patina developing over time are not flaws — they are part of Bonheur's handcrafted character.