Care

 

Your Alf pieces are designed to transition through all stages of life, and with the right care, will age beautifully. Here is our guide to keeping your pieces in their best condition.

LEATHER
Our luxe leather bags and accessories are crafted from premium full-grain pebbled leather. When cared for correctly, leather is a durable material that ages beautifully.

The exterior of your Alf bag has been waterproof treated, so you can wipe away dust and dirt with a damp cloth. The interior lining can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth or baby wipe. 

Always use specialised leather products to protect and spot clean your bags and leather accessories. We recommend spraying/treating your piece with a leather protector/waterproofer at the beginning of each season to ensure the leather stays in premium condition.

If your Alf does come into contact with liquids, swiftly wipe off the excess water with a cloth and allow to air dry naturally. Never use heat to dry leather.

VEGAN LEATHER
We recommend caring and treating for your vegan leather in the same way you would a genuine leather piece, as listed above. Where possible we suggest avoiding contact with rough and abrasive surfaces. Waterproof or regularly Scotchgard™ to make cleaning easier.

NYLON
Nylon is a resilient fabric, however like any material it does require occasional care.

To clean your nylon after a spill, first blot up excess liquid with a clean, dry white cloth. Soak the stain with a white cloth saturated in a solution of warm water, a drop of dishwashing detergent (not laundry detergent) and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse the stained area with warm water and allow to air dry completely.

SUEDE
Due to the naturally delicate nature of suede leather, this piece may soften and develop subtle variations with use, enhancing its unique character. Over time, areas of frequent contact may appear smoother or develop a slightly raised texture - this is a natural effect of the suede’s fibres shifting with wear.

Avoid exposure to water, as moisture can cause staining. Use a suede brush to gently remove dirt, debris or minor scratches. For deeper scratches, a suede eraser may assist. For stains, try a suede eraser or a specialised suede cleaner, always testing in an inconspicuous area first. Protect your suede by applying a suede protector spray regularly. Note, a suede protectant can change the texture of raised fibres which may alter the look or feel. Alternatively, visit a trusted professional leather cleaner to assist.

We suggest storing your suede in your Alf the Label dust bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Filling it with tissue paper will also help maintain its shape.

Please note that suede dye may transfer onto lighter fabrics and surfaces, so take care when wearing and handling.

ZIPS
Should your zips feel stiff when your Alf bag or pouch is brand new, rub a beeswax candle or some lead pencil along the zipper to help it glide with ease.

Ensure you only zip and unzip your bag when the zipper is flat and straight. Excessive pulling or tugging on the zip may cause the zip head to bend and the zip teeth misalign, as will overfilling your bag or pouch.

Just like all zips, we recommend having your zip serviced occasionally to ensure the teeth are still in good condition. In the unlikely event that your zipper jams, the teeth bend or the zip may becomes loose, your local cobbler should be able to assist in repairing or realigning.

SCRATCHES
While leather is tough and durable, it's also a natural material, and abrasions or deep scratches will be visible. Treat scratches on your bag as you would on leather shoes. You can use a colour-matched shoe polish or wax to minimize their appearance.

A leather conditioner, like Zorbel, can revitalise surface scratches and dry or dull leather. Always test any product in an inconspicuous area first and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Just like our skin, leather is unique. You may notice minor bumps or wrinkles on the surface of your bag. These wrinkles will soften and likely increase over time with natural wear.