Phone Cases

At The Personal Print we strive to provide our patrons with the best quality leather goods available and if you’re the proud owner of a genuine leather products, we want to help you make it last as long as possible.

Whilst leather is an extremely durable and resistant material it is also susceptible to intense wear and tear and will age faster than any other small leather goods. We are constantly using our phones inevitably causing harm to the edges and corners when accidentally dropping it. Often we are unaware of the dirt and humidity transferring to our phone cases from our hands, the pockets of our trousers, jackets or bags as well as the random collection of hard surfaces we place our phones on. Damage to the texture and colour of the leather can also be caused with frequent exposure to hand lotions and sanitizers. However, some simple upkeep of your leather case will keep it looking brand new.

1. Essential Cleaning

Regularly handled leather will build up dirt, dust, grease and grime over time, luckily cleaning your phone case is a quick and easy process. Every few weeks, or whenever you notice stains appear you should give your phone case a wipe down with a barely-damp, clean cloth.

Soaps should be avoided as they can leave harmful residue, however they may be used in moderation if something stronger than water is necessary to remove any stains. We recommend that you use a very mild soap or clothes detergent. Ensure that the soap is watered down to minimise any damage; mixing one part soap and eight parts water in a spray bottle.

Make sure to apply the mixture onto a microfiber cloth and not directly on the case and gently clean the case in circular motions. This will ensure you’re not stretching the leather. Allow your leather phone case to air dry naturally or dab it softly with a dry microfiber cloth. Do not apply heat and keep it out of direct sunlight.

2. Conditioning

If maintained incorrectly, leather can dry out over time which can result in shrinkage or, in extreme circumstances, cracking. Conditioning your genuine leather phone case every three to four months is essential to compel your genuine leather phone case to last as long as possible. Leather conditioner is advised however beeswax or mink oil can sometimes produce better results.

3. Avoid Moisture

All leather products should be kept away from liquids. Do not place your genuine leather phone case on any wet surfaces, moisture ages leather at a much faster rate. Leather absorbs moisture which often prompts the leather to lose its natural oils causing the leather to lose its elasticity. For this reason there are a multitude of waterproofing waxes and sprays available as a preventative measure. Waterproofing products are affordable and essential for those living in a wet climate.

4. Storage

Despite the fact that leather is durable it’s always good to know how to properly store your products whenever you’re not using them. If you plan on storing your items for long periods of time we recommend wrapping them in a soft cloth such as The Personal Print dust bags. Avoid placing your products in an airtight container, keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat.

General Information

The best way to keep your customised leather product in great condition is to treat it right. While you don’t need to handle it like glass it’s always a good idea to know how to properly care for it. Leather is a naturally absorbent material and tends to soak up most substances it comes into contact with, including oils. Therefore it’s important to keep your hands clean while using your leather product as the oils produced by your skin can darken the leather and leave stains on the material.

General Protection

For added layers of protection, purchasing leather cream or wax is a good investment. Natural creams and wax are preferable as they enrich the leather and create a stronger deterrent against dirt and moisture. Additionally, the added layer of protection also helps against superficial abrasions and lacerations.

Always use a dedicated leather care product and make sure to follow the instructions stated by the manufacturers for any specific product you choose to use.

Waterproofing

Moisture is often the cause of damage for most leather products, attempting not to use your leather items in rainy or snowy climates would be the best preventative measure against this. Getting the leather wet can lead to loss of shape. If you do get your leather product wet, make sure to deal with it immediately by using a towel or cloth and dabbing it dry. Allow the leather to air dry afterwards, do not attempt to use a hair dryer or clothes dryer.

If moisture is unavoidable or you simply don’t want to take the risk, there are a number of waterproofing sprays available for purchase. While the most effective tool against moisture, most waterproofing sprays do need time to bond with the leather. Make sure to give your product time to dry and a quick check before using it. Organic waterproofing sprays are the best to use when dealing with natural leathers and offer greater protection for leathers which are lighter in colour.

Conditioning

Conditioning your leather product once every few months is highly recommended. Like all leather goods, our products also need some leather cream or oil to bring back some of its lustre. Leaving your leather product vulnerable to natural aging is always a gamble, while leather ages beautifully, if not properly maintained it could also lead to cracking or shrinkage. Conditioning your leather goods will not only prevent that but also keep your product looking as good as the day you purchased it.

Long Term Storage

As much as we love our accessories, we don’t always have a need for them. Properly storing away your leather products is a relatively quick and easy process. Keep your items in their dust covers, these can be your personal ones or the covers TPP provide you with. If you are not in possession of any dust bags, a thin blanket could work as a good replacement.

Items such as our TPP bags and cases can lose their shape if packed away in a cramped space. Preventing this is as easy as filling them with something like paper or bubble wrap. Try not to use newspaper as the ink can easily rub off onto the inside. The best place to store your valuables is in the back of your closet and away from direct sunlight.

Step by Step Cleaning Process

1. Begin by emptying the contents of your product. If you are cleaning your bag, travel or cosmetic cases we recommend you vacuum the inside of it to effectively rid it of any dirt or residue build-up. Make sure to use a soft brush attachment to avoid any harsh treatment.
2. Then dust your leather product by using a dry microfiber cloth.
3. Once complete, start cleaning the leather by applying a small amount of water to a microfiber cloth. Make sure the cloth you use is clean and damp, do not use too much as an excess amount of water will damage the leather. When cleaning, press the damp cloth softly over the leathers surface, rubbing too harshly could remove the colouring.
4. The last step is to dry your leather product, the best way to dry it is to dab any remaining moisture with a dry microfiber cloth before turning your bag inside out (if possible) and waiting for it to dry. Avoid leaving all leather products in direct sunlight for long periods of time.