Product Care

Our Leather

We only use high-quality hides that emphasize the natural properties of leather. The materials for each of our bags are carefully selected and are characterized by a warm and soft touch as well as its durability. Every item is unique and slight variations in colour and texture may occur. Natural features of the leather as well as slight irregularities, such as scars or mosquito bites, might remain visible on the surface. Since leather is a living material that changes over time, your bag will develop a custom patina.

The longevity of our products is our mission, which is why it is particularly important to us that you can wear and enjoy your INA KENT bags for many years. As with numerous other materials, leather has to be cleaned and cared for from time to time. With regular care, your INA KENT bag becomes a loyal companion.

General instructions for use and care

In general, leather is sensitive to oil and grease, chemical solvents, and extreme weather conditions. Your INA KENT bag should therefore be protected from contact with oily substances, heat sources, humidity, rain, cold and sunlight. Excessive exposure to such weather conditions can lead to colour changes, and damages, such as premature wear and tear. Please also avoid contact with sharp objects, rough surfaces and materials that can transfer colour pigments. If the feel or appearance of your item is damaged by external conditions, we recommend that you consult a leather specialist. 

Leather Care
For the maintenance of all leathers, we recommend the products of Colourlock. Before wearing your INA KENT bag for the first time, we advise you to use Colourlock Shine Milk on all smooth leather products. If used on a regular basis, it helps to protect the surface against stains and scratches as well as colour fading. Please take note of the manufacturer's instructions.

Please do not use conventional leather sprays or leather cleaners to care for your INA KENT bag as they can cause damage to the surface. If you are unsure whether you can use a product that you have already purchased for maintenance, please contact our customer service.

We would like to point out that only an impregnation carried out from the beginning can protect your bag from external environmental influences. Stains that have already been drawn in, can usually only be removed by a leather specialist. Hence prevention is key. If the leather is nevertheless damaged, we ask you to consult a leather specialist.

Product Care

Cleaning
Some surfaces are more sensitive than others. In general, however, your bag will last the longest if you keep it dry and clean. To clean your bag from time to time, wipe your bag gently with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth. Do not apply too much pressure to avoid scratches or stains. If your bag comes into contact with liquid or moisture, make sure to remove the liquid as soon as possible with a cotton cloth, to prevent the leather from absorbing the liquid and stains occurring.

Storage
When you’re not using your INA KENT bag, we recommend storing it in the dust bag supplied. This prevents accidental damage to the surface or overexposure to light sources. To keep the shape of the bag while in storage, fill the bag with tissue paper. In addition, close the zippers and wrap the straps in tissue paper so that no marks can be left on the bag. Make sure that no heavy objects are placed on the bag.

Detailed care instructions

There are different surfaces and types of leathers in our product range, where product care and handling may vary. Therefore, please note our specific instructions for use and care of each leather type.

Rosewood / Chestnut

Aniline leather has a minimal pigmentation, semi-aniline leather a very delicate pigmentation. Natural scars, such as mosquito bites or slight scratches, may remain on the surface. Only high-quality hides are suitable for aniline finishing.

Before using your bag for the first time, wipe it with a clean, dry cotton cloth to remove any remaining dust particles on the bag. Then treat your bag with Colourlock Shine Milk. Apply a small amount to a clean sponge, viscose or microfiber cloth and rub the product gently into the leather. Make sure that you distribute the product evenly. Depending on the amount of care product applied, the leather of the bag will temporarily darken. Wait 20–30 minutes for the bag to dry and slowly return to its original colour. Repeat this process from time to time.

  • Please do not use leather grease or wax for aniline or semi-aniline leather, as it can clog the pores and cause the leather to darken or heighten irregularities.
  • Do not use conventional waterproofing sprays, as they contain alcohol or other chemical solvents that might damage the surface.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, since it may cause colour fading on the surface.
  • Avoid contact with water and other liquids, as they can cause stains.
  • Avoid contact with sharp objects and rough surfaces.
  • Avoid contact with any material that could transfer colour pigments.
  • Do not use soaps or chemical solvents for cleaning. In case of light stains, clean the bag gently with a damp cloth. If the stain remains, please contact a leather specialist.

Quartz antique / Denim

Our antique leather is made out of smooth leather with a distinct patina. After the dyeing process, this high-quality leather is treated with waxes and oils, which ensure its exceptional soft feel. With use, this leather quickly develops a more matt, irregular surface that allows the actual leather colour to emerge. Over time the leather acquires the desired vintage effect.

Waxes and oils protect it from slight signs of use and its colourfast quality prevents fading. Nevertheless, you should protect the leather from environmental conditions and dehydration by cleaning it regularly.

Before using your bag for the first time, wipe it with a clean, dry cotton cloth to remove any remaining dust particles on the bag. Then treat your bag with Colourlock Shine Milk. Apply a small amount to a clean sponge, viscose or microfiber cloth and rub the product gently into the leather. Make sure that you distribute the product evenly. Depending on the amount of care product applied, the leather of the bag will temporarily darken. Wait 20–30 minutes for the bag to dry and repeat this process from time to time.

  • Do not use leather grease or wax as well as conventional waterproofing sprays, as they contain alcohol or other chemical solvents that might damage the surface.
  • Avoid contact with any material that could transfer colour pigments.
  • Avoid contact with sharp objects and rough surfaces.
  • Avoid contact with water and other liquids, as they can cause stains.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, since it may cause colour fading on the surface.
  • Clean your Antique leather bag with a soft and damp microfiber or cotton cloth. Do not apply too much pressure to avoid scratches or stains. Do not use soaps or chemical solvents for cleaning. If your bag is heavily stained, please contact a leather specialist.

Crackled / Snakey / Reptile / Python / Rainbow / Two-tone / Metallic

A multi-stage process is used for our foiled and / or embossed leathers. One or more wafer-thin film(s) is / are applied onto the leather using heat and pressure. Depending on the product, the leather is treated with a laser, embossing or a roller, so that the desired crackled, reptile, honeycomb or holographic effect is created. This procedure changes the natural grain of the natural hide.

The foil applied onto the leather already offers a certain protection against external influences such as moisture and fading. Nevertheless, you should protect your bag from environmental conditions and dehydration as much as possible. With time and use, this leather develops a matte and powdery surface. Clean your bag regularly with a damp microfiber or cotton cloth and wipe it dry. Apply a small amount of Colourlock Shine Milk onto clean sponge, viscose or microfiber cloth and rub the product gently into the leather. Make sure that you distribute the product evenly. Wait 20–30 minutes for the bag to dry and repeat this process from time to time.

  • Do not use leather grease or wax as well as conventional waterproofing sprays, as they contain alcohol or other chemical solvents that might damage the surface.
  • Avoid contact with any material that could transfer colour pigments.
  • Avoid contact with sharp objects and rough surfaces.
  • Avoid contact with water and other liquids, as they can cause stains.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, since it may cause colour fading on the surface.
  • Do not use soaps or chemical solvents for cleaning. In case of light stains, clean the bag gently with a damp cloth. If the stain remains, please contact a leather specialist.

Silky silvery almond / Silky mud gold

Our sprayed metallic leather bags are made of scarcely treated sauvage leather on which a sprayed metallic coating is applied. The sprayed metallic coating provides some protection against external influences such as moisture and fading. However, you can apply a professional leather care product before using your bag.

Before using your bag for the first time, wipe it with a clean, dry cotton cloth to remove any remaining dust particles on the bag. Then treat your bag with Colourlock Shine Milk. Apply a small amount to a clean sponge, viscose or microfiber cloth and rub the product gently into the leather. Make sure that you distribute the product evenly. Depending on the amount of care product applied, the leather of the bag will temporarily darken. Wait 20–30 minutes for the bag to dry and repeat this process from time to time.

  • Do not use leather grease or wax as well as conventional waterproofing sprays, as they contain alcohol or other chemical solvents that might damage the surface.
  • Avoid contact with sharp objects and rough surfaces.
  • Avoid contact with water and other liquids, as they can cause stains.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, since it may cause colour fading on the surface.
  • Avoid contact with any material that could transfer colour pigments.
  • Clean your sprayed metallic leather bag with a soft and damp microfiber or cotton cloth. Do not apply too much pressure to avoid scratches or stains. Do not use soaps or chemical solvents for cleaning. If your bag is heavily stained, please contact a leather specialist.

Pure black / Walnut / Black

Softshine & pure are highly-pigmented smooth leather types. While the grain pattern is largely covered when it comes to softshine leather, resulting in a very uniform surface, the characteristic surface structure remains visible in pure leather. The pigment layer provides light protection.

Before using your bag for the first time, wipe it with a clean, dry cotton cloth to remove any remaining dust particles on the bag. Then treat your bag with Colourlock Shine Milk. Apply a small amount to a clean sponge, viscose or microfiber cloth and rub the product gently into the leather. Make sure that you distribute the product evenly. Depending on the amount of care product applied, the leather of the bag will temporarily darken. Wait 20–30 minutes for the bag to dry and repeat this process from time to time.

  • Please do not use leather grease or wax for aniline or semi-aniline leather, as it can clog the pores and cause the leather to darken or heighten irregularities.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, since it may cause colour fading on the surface.
  • Avoid contact with water and other liquids, as they can cause stains. 
  • Avoid contact with sharp objects and rough surfaces.
  • Avoid contact with any material that could transfer colour pigments.
  • Do not use soaps or chemical solvents for cleaning. In case of light stains, clean the bag gently with a damp cloth. If the stain remains, please contact a leather specialist.
  • Do not use conventional waterproofing sprays, as they contain alcohol or other chemical solvents that might damage the surface.

Patent black

During the production of our patent leather, the natural surface of the leather is covered with a high-gloss, mirror-smooth film.

Patent leather is protected from moisture and drying out, its colourfast quality prevents fading and has a slight impregnation effect. Nevertheless, you should protect the leather from environmental conditions and dehydration by cleaning it regularly as patent leather is amongst the most sensitive types of smooth leather. Special care is not required.

  • Avoid contact with sharp objects and rough surfaces.
  • Avoid contact with water and other liquids, as they can cause stains.
  • Do not use leather grease or wax as well as conventional waterproofing sprays, as they contain alcohol or other chemical solvents that might damage the surface.
  • Wipe your patent leather bag from time to time with a soft, damp microfiber or cotton cloth. Do not use too much pressure to avoid scratches or stains. Do not use soaps or chemical solvents for cleaning. Clean by a leather specialist only.

Vegan black

Desserto leather is a sustainable vegan leather derived from organic USDA certified Nopal cactus that is backed on recycled cotton. This smooth vegan leather aims to offer a plant-based alternative, without the usage of chemicals, phthalates, and PVC. 

The homogeneous colouring of the material is achieved through organic GOTS-certified pigments and non-toxic chemicals such as bio-polyurethane. The organic pigment layer provides light protection. Our cactus leather has a smooth texture, soft touch, and sturdy performance. 

Cactus-based leather is highly organic, partially biodegradable, and exceptionally supple. However, a few precautions need to be observed. Desserto leather has similar characteristics to smooth cow leather and therefore also requires regular moisture to remain elastic and not become brittle.

In order to enjoy your bag for a long time, we recommend treating it with a professional vegan leather care product before the first use and from time to time. We'd like to recommend using this particular care kit.

  • Please do not use leather grease, oils, or wax for cactus leather, as it can clog the pores and may render it incapable to be cleaned. 
  • Avoid solvents such as alcohol, acetone, silicones, soda, or detergent cleaners, as these cause permanent damage to the material. Please use water-based detergents instead.
  • Do not use harsh chemical solvents since they may dry out the plant-based leather. 
  • Do not use conventional waterproofing sprays, as they contain alcohol or other chemical solvents that might damage the surface.
  • Avoid excessive sun and light exposure, since it may cause colour fading on the surface.
  • Avoid contact with sharp objects and rough surfaces.
  • Avoid contact with any material that could transfer colour pigments.
  • In case of light stains, clean the bag gently with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution. 
     

Eco honeycomb / Eco croc / Eco antique metallic

A multi-stage process is used for our foiled and / or embossed leathers. One or more wafer-thin film(s) is / are applied onto the leather using heat and pressure. Depending on the product, the leather is treated with a laser, embossing or a roller, so that the desired crackled, reptile or honeycomb effect is created. This procedure changes the natural grain of the natural hide.

For our honeycomb, crocodile and eco antique metallic leather, we only use leather from vegetable tanning.

The foil applied onto the leather already offers a certain protection against external influences such as moisture and fading. Nevertheless, you should protect your bag from environmental conditions and dehydration as much as possible. With time and use, this leather develops a matte and powdery surface. Clean your bag regularly with a damp microfiber or cotton cloth and wipe it dry. Apply a small amount of Colourlock Shine Milk onto clean sponge, viscose or microfiber cloth and rub the product gently into the leather. Make sure that you distribute the product evenly. Wait 20–30 minutes for the bag to dry and repeat this process from time to time.

  • Do not use leather grease or wax as well as conventional waterproofing sprays, as they contain alcohol or other chemical solvents that might damage the surface.
  • Avoid contact with any material that could transfer colour pigments.
  • Avoid contact with sharp objects and rough surfaces.
  • Avoid contact with water and other liquids, as they can cause stains.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, since it may cause colour fading on the surface.
  • Do not use soaps or chemical solvents for cleaning. In case of light stains, clean the bag gently with a damp cloth. If the stain remains, please contact a leather specialist

Eco buffalo / Eco base black

Our eco buffalo and eco base leathers are skin friendly and vegetable tanned. Please note that our products made of eco base leather may show slight colour irregularities (lighter and darker spots), since leather does not always absorb vegetable dyes evenly.

With time and use, the leather develops a natural patina, which protects the leather from external environmental conditions. Slight scratches can be rubbed out with your fingers.

Before using your bag for the first time, wipe it with a clean, dry cotton cloth to remove any remaining dust particles on the bag. Then treat your bag with Colourlock Shine Milk. Apply a small amount to a clean sponge, viscose or microfiber cloth and rub the product gently into the leather. Make sure that you distribute the product evenly. Depending on the amount of care product applied, the leather of the bag will temporarily darken. Wait 20–30 minutes for the bag to dry and repeat this process from time to time.

  • Please do not use leather grease or wax for Eco Base leather, as it can clog the pores and cause the leather to darken or heighten irregularities.
  • Do not use conventional waterproofing sprays, as they contain alcohol or other chemical solvents that might damage the surface.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, since it may cause colour fading on the surface.
  • Avoid contact with water and other liquids, as they can cause stains.
  • Avoid contact with sharp objects and rough surfaces.
  • Avoid contact with any material that could transfer colour pigments.
  • Do not use soaps or chemical solvents for cleaning. In case of light stains, clean the bag gently with a damp cloth. If the stain remains, please contact a leather specialist.
  • Please note that dark shades may release a little pigment during use and thus discolor light-colored garments. These discolorations can be washed out with soapy water as a pre-treatment before the normal wash cycle.

Eco vachetta black / Eco vachetta brown / Eco vachetta dark grey

All of our strap leathers are skin-friendly and vegetable-tanned. We use so-called vacchetta leather or a combination of vacchetta and soft pocket leather. Vacchetta is a special form of vegetable-tanned cowhide leather that keeps its natural feel. It softens over time and acquires a natural patina. With time and use, the leather develops a natural patina, which protects the leather from external environmental conditions. No special care is required. To ensure maximum comfort when carried, the edges of all of our shoulder straps are dyed.

  • Please note that dark shades may release a little pigment during use and thus discolour light-coloured garments. These discolorations can be washed out with soapy water as a pre-treatment before the normal wash cycle.