Leather Sporran Care and Tips: How to Prevent Damage and Extend Its Life

Scottish outfits have been worn for centuries and sporrans are their parts since day one. What is a sporran? It is a bag that Scots hang on front as a symbol of tradition today but it had been a practical item in the past as plaid kilts did not have pockets then. To respect a conventional part, it is essential to keep it shiny and clean, that’s where the need of leather sporran care comes crucial and in this article we will discuss some important tips. So, without lingering on, let’s begin our article.

Leather Sporran Care and Tips

Several types of sporrans are worn today as they have different embellishments and structure. Some may have fur on them while others come with original animal hair. But we will highlight caring tips for leather sporrans only that have either of them and only leather with metal is used.

Regular Cleaning to Remove Dirt and Dust

Let’s begin leather sporran care with removing dust and dirt. It slowly settles on them, especially after outdoor wear. In fact, dust needs an excuse to get on sporran and impact bags when stored. So, before and after every use, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away the dust. Be gentle meanwhile to prevent scratches.

Using the Right Leather Cleaning Products

Cleaning leather only with water is not a good idea at all and you need cleaning products to care for it properly. Markets are filled with a variety of products from cheaper to high quality; choose the right one according to leather type and apply a small amount of cleaner with a soft cloth and gently rub it in.

Conditioning Leather to Prevent Dryness and Cracks

Leather has natural wetness that can become dry over time, especially in dry weather. This natural oil is primarily meant to keep it shiny. If your leather sporran becomes dry, make sure to choose a good leather conditioner as it keeps the material soft and flexible. Condition the sporran after a duration of every two months as it also prevents the cracks.

Proper Drying Methods After Moisture Exposure

Leather sporrans are not washable, so keep them away from water. Still, they have chances to become wet from rain or spills, so drying them properly is the only option to maintain their shape and longevity. When drying, rely on natural room temperature rather than using any gadget or direct sunlight. If you note any kind of moisture, blot with a soft cloth and let the temperature do the rest.

Safe Storage Practices for Leather Sporrans

The leather sporran can also host the moisture if you do not value the safe storage practices. To prevent debris and moisture and maintain the shape, no idea is better than storing it in a cool, dry place when not in use. Plastic is a strong reason for moisture; that’s why a fabric dust bag works best. Above all, store it in a breathable space to prevent mold.

Handling Chains, Straps, and Metal Parts Carefully

Do not forget other materials while maintaining the leather part of your sporran. A sporran always comes with a metal chain and clasps that need proper cleaning as well. Moreover, they can scratch leather if handled roughly. They should be placed an inch or more away from leather to minimize the chances of scratches on leather. Careful handling protects both the leather and the hardware from unnecessary damage.

Avoiding Overloading the Sporran

Everyone knows the basic reason to make sporrans an important part of the Scottish outfits. They were meant to carry essentials in the past, and still they do the same, but the addition of pockets to the kilts lowers their burden. You also should treat them nicely and avoid overloading the sporran so the stitches may not break, and the leather should be protected as well.

Common Leather Sporran Care Mistakes to Avoid

Undoubtedly, caring for leather products, whether they are shoes, kilts, or sporrans, is essential. But you have to be careful about some mistakes often made by beginners to enhance their longevity, and some of them are given below.

• Maintain the sporran when it is required, and do not over-clean it, as the continuous use of products can damage the surface.
• Using household chemicals is also a major mistake that affects material as well.
• Leather shows the signs of damage, and users often ignore them, assuming minor issues. After a while, they declare sporrans to be useless.
• Poor storage is the biggest problem, as many fold or do not value its shape, which results in cracks. Do not follow them, and ensure proper storage in a breathable bag.

How Often Should You Care for Your Leather Sporran?

Leather is a stronger material but needs proper care, while a majority underestimates it. On the other hand, many people who are conscious about their products clean them often. Both should correct themselves and know the time to maintain them. First of all, you should check for the signs of damage; if you note any, approach an expert as a priority.
The next thing is to know when to condition them. Look for the symptoms of dryness and condition it. Otherwise, conditioning leather sporrans after a couple of months is a good idea. As far as the repairing is concerned, do it as a priority without wasting a while.

Buy Long-Lasting Leather Sporrans at Utility Kilt UK

All leather sporrans are not the same, as every brand uses different types of materials in their construction, while craftsmanship is also essential. That’s why you must approach a store with a good reputation for making accessories like sporrans, kilts, and more. Utility Kilt UK is a reliable name in the online market with a 100% satisfaction level. As a well-reputed brand, we offer a variety of quality sporrans at affordable prices. Some of our products are given below: