Product Care

MAINTENANCE

• Spencer & Rutherford handbags, wallets and accessories are designed with glamour, beauty and individualism in mind. Due to the eclectic mix of fabrics, prints, and leathers each piece will vary slightly, this is what makes our bags so unique!
• To maintain the quality of your Spencer & Rutherford piece and to keep her in good condition be sure to follow these steps:
• All leathers and fabrics must be kept away from grease products to prevent stains and discolouration.
• Keep your handbag or wallet away from water (rain, puddles, spills) and damp conditions to prevent damage. Leather, faux-leather and fabric may discolour and colour may migrate. Spraying with Water & Stain Protector will offer some resistance, but will not make your bag waterproof. Also, metal hardware (zips, pulls and brand plates) may mark or rust.
• Avoid leaving your handbag or wallet for long periods in sunlight as the fabrics and leathers may fade.
• Take care with jewellery near woven or delicate fabrics and lace, as they may pull.
• Do not use perfumes, hand creams, deodorant sprays or household cleaners near your handbag or wallet as these will damage the materials.
• Keep your Spencer & Rutherford handbag in its protective dust bag (or a fabric pillow slip) when it is not in use. To keep her shape make sure she is stuffed with clean paper or tissue and keep her upright.
• Spencer & Rutherford offer a six month warranty on all products from date of retail purchase which covers our craftsmanship, but does not cover general wear and tear, or damage resulting from carelessness. Please see WARRANTY + REPAIRS for further information.

• Protect your handbag or luggage item, from objects and surfaces that may scratch or mark the finish.
• Avoid overstuffing your handbag or wallet as this may cause stretching of the bag and handles and/or deformations in the material.
• Avoid contact with liquids and grease.
• Be aware that hand cream and sunscreen can leave marks on leather and fabrics, and in some cases may cause deterioration.
• Consider keeping makeup in a separate small pouch and make sure your makeup is clean before putting it in your bag.
• Don't put uncapped pens or pencils inside your bag.
• Most embellishments are attached by hand. Please take care when wearing our handbags or wallets, as beads and stones may break or fall off if the bag or wallet is handled recklessly or dropped.

LEATHER
Spencer & Rutherford uses leather worked by craftsmen and finished by hand. Flaws and imperfections like creases, shading and colour irregularities are considered to be natural features of the leather. The leathers we use, are designed to naturally age and may fade and soften over time.

CARE TIPS:

• Our leather bags are treated before they become yours, but to prevent any unwanted soiling, and to keep your bag in pristine condition we recommend using a Water & Stain Protector before first wear. It will help to repel water and minimise stains.
• Remember to cover any embellishments such as metal and beading when spraying a protector.
• Spraying with a protector will help to prevent light colour leathers absorbing unstable dye stuffs from your clothing such as denim, but this is not guaranteed by Spencer & Rutherford.
• Leather Conditioner will help to nourish and beautify your leather handbag, keeping the leather supple and clean. Leather conditioner is for occasional use only. An important note to remember is make sure you NEVER condition metallic, suede, pearlised, embossed or patent leathers!
• Always spot test first to ensure the product you are using is suitable and will not cause discolouration or damage. Read product instructions carefully to ensure correct use.
• Always take care when wearing light coloured bags with dark colour clothing or dark coloured bags with light coloured clothing as the darker colour may migrate.
• We do not recommend using a self-shining treatment on your leather handbag.
• Spencer & Rutherford handbags are not designed for heavy duty use.

FAUX-LEATHER/VEGAN LEATHER
Faux-Leather is a fabric that looks like leather but is man made from synthetic materials. Also known as vegan leather, man-made leather, vinyl or PU (polyurethane), it offers an environmentally friendly and economical alternative to traditional leather. It is versatile and its durable coating is easy to clean and care for. However, unfortunately like any other artificial product it comes with a shelf life, depending on its wear and storage. Overtime faux-leather may deteriorate.

CARE TIPS:

• To keep your faux-leather product clean, wipe down with a clean slightly damp cloth.
• A Leather Conditioner will help to clean and polish faux-leather. Always spot test on the base first.
• Never use household cleaners on faux-leather as they are often abrasive and can cause colour loss and remove the surface.
• Careless or reckless use can cause scuffing and tearing.
• Avoid overstuffing your handbag or wallet as this may cause stretching of the item and/or deformations in the material.
• Avoid harsh temperatures or damp conditions as this will shorten the life of any faux-leather product.

FABRICS
Spencer & Rutherford uses fabrics sourced from all over the world. Most of our fabrics are upholstery fabrics and are therefore stronger and more durable. Most have been treated with a fabric protector to ensure their longevity. Sometimes we use more delicate fabrics, such as silk and lace in our bags and these must be handled with care.

CARE TIPS:

• Spencer & Rutherford recommends using a Water & Stain Protector before first wear, which helps to repel water and minimise stains. This product offers water resistance, but does not make your bag waterproof!
• Always spot test first to ensure the product you are using is suitable and will not cause discolouration or damage. Read product instructions carefully to ensure correct use.
• Some fabrics we use are delicate. Take care with jewellery near woven or delicate fabrics and lace, as they may pull.

• All items can be wiped down with a clean, damp (not wet) cloth to remove most marks and dirt spots.
• Most leather can be cleaned, but it is important to find the correct cleaner for your leather item. Spencer & Rutherford do not sell any leather cleaning products so please visit your local shoe repairer to find the most suitable product.
• Always spot test your cleaning product first to ensure the product you are using is suitable and will not cause discolouration or damage. Read product instructions carefully to ensure correct use.
• Remember to cover any embellishments such as metal fittings and beading when spraying the Water & Stain Protector, using the Leather Conditioner or a cleaning product.
• For professional cleaning, we recommend finding a company that specialises in the repair and restoration of designer bags. They will clean and restore your beloved leather bags to brand new condition. 

STORAGE

HANDBAGS

• Keep your bag in a dust bag. Our Limited Edition handbags come with their own Spencer & Rutherford protective dust bag. Your handbag or wallet should always be stored in this when it is not in use. This allows the bag to breathe, and keeps it clean and away from dust. If your bag has not come with its own dust bag, it can be stored in any fabric bag or pillowslip.
• Store your bag with some tissue paper stuffing inside to help it keep its correct shape.
• Make sure your handbag is clean and dry before it is packed away.
• Add a desiccant pouch (our bags usually already have one of these in the inside pocket when purchased) or a small amount of clean kitty-litter in a paper bag, inside your bag to absorb moisture.
• Stand your bag upright if possible.
• Never store any leather items in plastic as they cannot breathe.
• Store in a cool dry place away from heat and away from other leather or faux-leather items.

TIPS + TRICKS