How to Look After Your Winklmayr Exotic Leather Handbags & Accessories

You've treated yourself to something truly special. Every Winklmayr piece is handcrafted by highly skilled artisans under the watchful eye of third-generation Austrian master craftsman Hanspeter Winklmayr — using the finest exotic leathers including ostrich, crocodile, and more. These aren't just bags. They're heirlooms in the making.

So once you've got one in your hands, the last thing you want is to accidentally ruin it with the wrong cleaning product or a bad storage habit. Think of this as your no-fuss guide to keeping your Winklmayr pieces looking absolutely brilliant for years — and decades — to come.

Know Your Leather (It's Not One Size Fits All)

Winklmayr works with a carefully curated selection of exotic leathers — and before you reach for the nearest cloth, it's worth knowing exactly what you're working with. Each skin has its own personality, and its own quirks.

Everyday Handling: The Basics Matter More Than You Think

Here's a little secret — most damage to exotic leather doesn't happen in storage. It happens during everyday use, through completely avoidable habits. The good news is a few small changes make a massive difference.

• Wash your hands before handling. Natural oils, hand cream, and perfume are amongst the biggest culprits for staining and discolouration. A quick rinse goes a long way.
• Don't overstuff your bag. We know, we know — but cramming in everything including the kitchen sink stretches the leather and can cause scales or tiles to separate and crack. Be ruthless with what you carry.
• Mind where you put it down. Even resting your bag on a rough or textured surface can cause micro-scratches over time. Give it a soft landing wherever possible.
• Never put it on the floor. Beyond the scuffs, floors are full of moisture, dust, and all manner of things you don't want near your beautiful bag.
• 

Cleaning: Keep It Gentle, Keep It Regular

A little routine cleaning goes a long way — it stops dirt from building up and turning into a much bigger job later on. Think of it as a quick pamper session for your bag every few uses.

For Day-to-Day Cleaning

A soft, dry, lint-free cloth is your best friend. Gently wipe the surface in the direction of the scales or grain — never against it. For light marks, a barely damp cloth using distilled water (not tap water, which can leave mineral deposits) works a treat, but follow up immediately with a dry cloth to make sure no moisture lingers.

For a Deeper Clean

Use a cleaner specifically formulated for exotic leathers. Please, please, please do not reach for household sprays, baby wipes, alcohol-based products, or anything designed for regular smooth leather — these can strip, stain, or dry out the skin. Always apply product to the cloth first, never directly onto the leather, and work in small sections.

Conditioning: Give Your Leather a Drink

Exotic leathers can dry out over time — especially in centrally heated homes or air-conditioned offices (sound familiar?). A regular conditioning routine keeps everything supple, prevents cracking, and honestly makes the leather look even better.

Apply a thin layer of a specialist exotic leather conditioner using a soft cloth, working gently in circular motions. Let it absorb fully — usually around 15 to 30 minutes — then buff lightly with a clean cloth. For most pieces, every three to four months is plenty. If you're somewhere particularly warm and dry, you might want to top up a bit more often.

If your piece has a glazed or lacquered finish (very common on crocodile), make sure your conditioner is suitable for coated leathers. Heavy oils can cause cloudiness on lacquered surfaces, which is not the glow-up you were hoping for.

Protecting From the Elements

Water & Rain

We hate to break it to you, but most exotic leathers are not waterproof — not even close. Water can cause staining, scale lifting, and real structural damage. If your bag does get caught in a downpour, don't panic. Blot — never rub — with a clean dry cloth, and let it dry naturally at room temperature away from any heat source or direct sunlight. And step away from the hairdryer. We mean it.

Sunlight & Heat

Exotic leather and strong sunlight are not friends. Prolonged exposure fades the colour and dries out the skin — not a great combination. Never leave your bag baking on a car seat, propped next to a radiator, or forgotten in a hot car. Treat it like you'd treat yourself on a hot day: keep it cool and out of the direct sun.

Humidity

High humidity is an invitation for mould and mildew — and that's a nightmare to deal with. If you live somewhere humid or are storing pieces long-term, pop a few silica gel sachets in the dust bag to keep moisture at bay. Simple and effective.

Storage: Where Your Bag Lives When You're Not Using It

Proper storage is honestly one of the most overlooked parts of leather care — but it makes a huge difference, especially for pieces you rotate rather than carry every day.

• Always use the dust bag. Store your piece in its original dust bag or a breathable cotton bag. Never plastic — it traps moisture and is basically a mould welcome mat.
• Stuff it. Loosely fill the interior with acid-free tissue paper to help it hold its shape. Avoid newspaper, which transfers ink. (Yes, really. Ask us how we know.)
• Store it upright. Where possible, stand handbags upright rather than on their sides — slouching over time can distort the base and shape.
• Keep it cool, dry, and dark. A wardrobe shelf is ideal. Avoid loft spaces, basements, or anywhere prone to damp or temperature swings.
• Give each piece a bit of breathing room. Don't stack exotic leather pieces on top of each other — the pressure and friction can damage the surface. They deserve their own space.
• 

When to Call in the Professionals

Even the most diligent home care routine has its limits, and there's absolutely no shame in knowing when to hand things over to an expert. For deep staining, significant scratches, colour fading, or any structural damage, seek out a specialist in exotic leather restoration rather than having a go at it yourself. DIY fixes on exotic leather have a habit of turning a manageable problem into an expensive one.

It's also worth treating your most treasured pieces to a professional clean and condition once a year — think of it as an MOT for your Winklmayr bag. A little investment in maintenance goes a very long way.

And of course, if you ever have questions specifically about your Winklmayr piece, you can always reach out to us directly via the contact page — Hanspeter and the team know these pieces inside out (quite literally) and are always happy to advise.