Tips for Taking Care of Leather Belts
As the most durable, high-quality, and aesthetically appealing belt materials on the market, leather belts are in a league of their own. However, their impressive properties often compel people to disregard maintenance. They assume that leather belts will stand the test of time on their own, no matter how poorly they’re maintained.
Well, there’s some truth to this. Leather belts are durable and strong enough to retain their aesthetic appeal with little maintenance. However, maintenance is still required to some extent. If you sideline it altogether, your belts will fail to last as long as you want them to.
Fortunately, taking care of leather belts is easier than you may think. We’ve created a brief guide to help you get started!
1. Ensure Proper Hanging
Looping or rolling up leather belts may sound tempting because of how convenient it is. When you return home from a long day at work, you may not like the thought of using a clothes hanger to hang your belt. It’s easier to simply loop or roll it up and set it aside in your drawer. However, this can affect your leather belt in the long run. Your belt will develop creases and lose its shape.
By properly hanging it using a clothes/belt hanger, you’ll manage to retain its finishing and shape. This maintenance tip is extremely important for belts of all weights and widths. No matter how skinny and lightweight your belt may be, avoid looping or rolling it. You’ll end up doing a lot of damage in the long run.
2. Avoid Getting Your Belt Wet or Moist
Leather hates moisture and/or wetness. If any moisture sinks into your belt, it’ll stain the leather. In case of spillage, rain, or extreme humidity, we suggest blotting your belt with a paper towel or regular towel. Make sure you give it ample time to air dry. Avoid using a hair dryer to speed things up; the heat will cause the leather to become weak and dry.
3. Ensure Proper Cleaning
Your leather belt needs to be properly cleaned on a regular or—at the very least—on a seasonal basis. As dirt, debris, dust, and bacteria accumulate on the belt, ensuring thorough removal is imperative. Remember, water isn’t a leather belt’s best friend.
Err on the side of caution by using a microfiber towel to gently clean your belt. You can also wipe it down using a lukewarm washcloth. However, make sure you use very little water to avoid damaging the leather. A few drops of water will be enough to remove the dirt and grime. Make sure you properly air dry your belt right after.
Ready to put these tips into practice? At Belt Up Online, we stock 100% genuine leather belts in your favorite designs, colors, and textures. Whether you’re looking to buy casual jeans belts, men’s dress belts, women’s belts, or automatic buckle belts, we’ll help you find something that checks off all the boxes.
We also stock leather purses/wallets and bamboo socks. Check out our sizing chart for more information.