Leather Belt Care

Caring for Your Leather Belts: A Complete Guide

Leather belts are more than just accessories; they’re investments that, with proper care, can last for years. If you’ve purchased a high-quality belt, such as those crafted from buffalo leather by Buffalo Belt Works, giving it the attention it deserves will help maintain its beauty and durability. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to care for your leather belts.

1. Clean Regularly

Dirt and grime can accumulate on your belt over time. To clean it:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away surface dust.
• For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth with a small amount of leather cleaner. Avoid using water excessively, as leather is sensitive to moisture.
• Always follow up by wiping the belt dry with a clean cloth.
• Leather cleaner - We use Leather Honey leather cleaner.  Leather honey is an all-natural leather cleaner that cleans and restores all types of leathers. 
• We advise ALWAYS testing a small section of the leather with the cleaner before adding it to the entire belt, areas such as the tongue of the leather on the back side of the top of the belt where the buckle is, or underneath the belt loop. 

2. Condition the Leather

Leather can dry out and crack if it loses its natural oils. Conditioning helps keep it supple and moisturized:

• Apply a small amount of leather conditioner using a soft cloth.
• Rub it in gently, focusing on areas that look dry or worn.
• Let the conditioner absorb for a few hours or overnight, then buff with a clean cloth for a smooth finish.
• Leather conditioner - The conditioner of choice for Buffalo Belt Works is Bick 4.  It's perfect for all leather types and does not include any wax.  Bick 4 will also NOT darken your leather. 
• We advise ALWAYS testing a small section of the leather with the conditioner before adding it to the entire belt, areas such as the tongue of the leather on the back side of the top of the belt where the buckle is, or underneath the belt loop. 
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3. Avoid Excessive Moisture

While buffalo leather from Buffalo Belt Works is naturally durable and resistant to wear, excessive moisture can still cause damage:

• If your belt gets wet, pat it dry immediately with a clean towel.
• Allow it to air dry completely away from direct heat sources, which can cause the leather to become brittle.

4. Store Properly

Proper storage helps maintain the belt’s shape and appearance:

• Store your belts flat or hang them on a belt hanger.
• Avoid folding or rolling belts tightly, as this can create creases.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and drying.

5. Rotate Your Belts

Wearing the same belt every day can cause it to wear out faster. Rotating between a few belts gives each one time to rest and helps them last longer.  While you may not need as many belts as our owners and staff have, we recommend a minimum of 5-7 belts in your wardrobe. 

6. Handle with Care

When fastening or unfastening your belt, handle it gently to avoid stretching or deforming the leather. Be mindful of how you thread the belt through loops to prevent unnecessary wear.

7. Wear the Proper SIze

Not wearing the proper size is one of the biggest stressers on any leather belt. The biggest issue comes when a belt is too small. Wearing a belt that is too affects the longevity, appearance, and durability. This can cause distortion of the fitting holes, stress any stitching on the belt, cause stretching or cracking of the leather, or failure of the belt buckle.  Use our Buffalo Belt Works sizing guide to choose your best size. 

8. Polish Metal Buckles

Don’t forget about the buckle! A dull or tarnished buckle can detract from your belt’s appearance:

• Use a soft cloth to polish the buckle.
• For stubborn tarnish, use a metal polish suitable for the buckle’s material.

Final Thoughts

With proper care, your leather belt from Buffalo Belt Works can remain a reliable and stylish part of your wardrobe for years to come. At Buffalo Belt Works, we pride ourselves on crafting belts that combine durability with timeless elegance. Treat them well, and they’ll reward you with exceptional performance and style.

Explore our collection of handcrafted buffalo leather belts and find your next long-lasting accessory today!