Care Instructions

Care Instructions

Your Sparrow Handmade piece is built to last. With the right care, it will develop a beautiful patina and serve you for ages. Below you'll find care guidance by material, followed by links to product-specific care notes.

Waxed Canvas

Waxed canvas is a densely woven cotton fabric saturated with paraffin or beeswax. It is naturally water-resistant, rugged, and develops a weathered character over time.

  • Spot-clean only — wipe the outer canvas with a damp cloth. Use mild detergent sparingly on stubborn spots; avoid soaking.
  • Do not iron — heat from an iron will melt the wax coating and alter the fabric's appearance and water resistance.
  • Moisture caution — waxed canvas repels light rain well, but prolonged immersion will eventually saturate the fabric. Allow to air-dry away from direct heat.
  • Heat restoration — to smooth out creases or restore the canvas to a newer appearance, use a hair dryer on high heat held approximately 4 inches (10 cm) from the surface and move it in gentle, sweeping motions until the lines disappear. This re-distributes the wax evenly.
  • Patina — folds, creases, and use marks are a natural and desirable feature of waxed canvas, not a defect. Embrace the weathered look, or use the hair dryer technique above to soften it.

Full-Grain Leather

Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather — strong, dense, and entirely natural because the grain has not been altered during tanning. It grows richer with age and use.

  • Smooth leather — cleaning — wipe with a clean, slightly damp cloth. Avoid soaking or harsh detergents.
  • Nubuck leather — cleaning — nubuck has a brushed, velvety surface. Brush lightly with a soft dry cloth or a dedicated nubuck brush; avoid water and liquid cleaners, which can darken or stain the nap.
  • Conditioning — apply a small amount of leather conditioner or our Leather Balm (Sweet Almond Oil, Cocoa Butter, Beeswax) with your hands or a soft cloth, rubbing in gently. Condition annually — or whenever the leather feels dry — to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking.
  • Moisture caution — if leather gets wet, blot (don't rub) and allow to air-dry at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight. Condition after drying.
  • Heat caution — prolonged exposure to direct heat or sunlight will dry out and fade leather. Store away from radiators and windows.

Cotton, Linen & Fabric Linings

  • Spot-clean the interior lining with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Blot gently — do not scrub vigorously.
  • Lay flat to dry — hanging a wet bag can distort its shape.
  • Canvas outer panels treated with OdiCoat waterproofing can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

General Tips

  • Store your bag in a cool, dry place - a dust bag or pillowcase works well.
  • Avoid over-packing, which stresses seams and hardware.
  • Metal hardware can be wiped with a dry cloth to maintain its finish.
  • Natural variations in leather grain and canvas texture are not defects - they are what makes each Sparrow piece unique.

Product-Specific Care Notes

Each product page includes specific care instructions for that item under the product details. Here are quick links to some of our most popular pieces:

Questions?

If you're unsure about caring for your specific piece, get in touch - we're happy to help.