How to Care for Leather Cabinet Hardware

Whether you’re considering leather cabinet knobs or leather drawer pulls to update your home, this premium material brings undeniable warmth and sophistication wherever it’s placed. To keep your leather cabinet hardware looking luxurious for years to come, follow along for our top care tips.

Lazzara Cabinet Pull Cognac Leather in Brushed Gold

Leather Hardware General Care & Tips

Just like leather watch bands, handbags, or shoes, your leather cabinet hardware has lovely nuances, with a few preventative measures essential to maximizing its lifespan.

First, consider the environment in which you’d install hardware of this material. If it may come into contact with sharp objects like knives, use extra caution, as these could puncture the leather.

Additionally, the elements can impact its look over time. Be sure to avoid placing in direct sunlight or in humid environments, as these conditions could cause the leather to fade or crack.

Try to use clean, dry hands when handling to keep your leather hardware looking its best—and when it does encounter liquid, always dry your leather hardware immediately. Never use heat to speed up the drying process, as this will dry out the leather.

As a natural material, you can expect your leather hardware to develop a patina over time from regular use. While loved for this lived-in look, if you want your leather to maintain its pristine look, you may want to consider an alternative cabinet hardware material.

Tip: If leather hardware isn’t a functional option for all your cabinetry, reserve this luxe option for upper cabinets (away from children, sharp objects, etc.).

Lazzara Round Cabinet Knob Brown Leather in Satin Nickel

Cleaning Leather Cabinet Hardware

Luckily, keeping leather hardware clean is simple—just be intentional with what products and materials you use, opting for high-quality cleaning products and avoiding any harsh chemicals or rough materials.

Everyday Cleaning

A quick, regular clean will not only remove dust or dirt from your leather hardware, but also ensure a clean, hygienic environment. While there are plenty of specialized cleaners for leather maintenance, we recommend keeping everyday, surface-level cleaning simple: you just need a dry and lightly damp soft cloth.

Note: Lightly damp is key, as you want to avoid clogging the pores of the leather. Never immerse in water.

Lazzara Appliance Pull Black Leather in Polished Nickel

STEP 1

Wipe the surface with a dry microfiber cloth or soft washcloth to remove dirt and dust.

STEP 2

Using a damp cloth, gently wipe in a circular motion, focusing directly on any problem areas.

STEP 3

Thoroughly dry using a dry, soft cloth.

How to care for leather hardware - remove dirt with a dry cloth, wipe in circular motion with a damp cloth, and then dry

Deep Cleaning & Stain Removal

If stains occur on your leather hardware or a deeper clean is due, introduce soap and warm water to the general cleaning process (see above), carefully blotting the target area(s) as needed.

If you’re dealing with an oil or grease stain, use a combination of warm water and baking soda.

Specialized leather cleaners may also offer greater cleaning power if household items can’t get the job done, but should only be used every few months.*

How to deep clean leather hardware - use warm water and baking soda to remove oil stains from leather hardware

Conditioning & Protecting Leather Hardware

Conditioning leather hardware helps maintain its soft, smooth texture and prevent cracks and other types of cosmetic damage. As your leather hardware starts to dry over time, applying a leather conditioner can revive and protect it.*

Among the variety of leather conditioners on the market, search for those made with high-quality ingredients and free of chemicals—making sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Note: Always clean your leather first before applying any conditioners or protectants and clean off any excess product using a dry cloth.

Closeup of Lazzara Cabinet Pull Black Leather in Brushed Gold

Repairing Leather Hardware

Accidents happen. If your leather hardware gets scratched or scuffed, there are a few promising options for repairing it.

For minor scratches or scuffs, they can be spot buffed with a gentle cream, conditioner, or polish designed specifically for leather.* For deeper cuts, specialty color restoring balms and leather fillers are available—though be sure to follow their respective instructions carefully.*

*Disclaimer: Applying any products that alter the state of the leather (chemicals, conditioners, etc.) are not covered under warranty of our leather hardware.

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