What Is Ostrich Leather and How Do I Protect It?

Origin of Ostrich Leather

Ostrich leather is one of the most recognized and popular exotic skins used to make some of the most expensive fashion items.

It has been used in a variety of items since its introduction to South Africa during the 1850s, including trendy hats, elegant boots, auto leather, and even sports footwear.

As ostrich leather has small raised bumps on its surface, it gives it a unique look. Its natural print has become so popular that other cow skins with this pattern are in high demand, including ostrich embossed leather.

Compared to other leathers, ostrich leather is pretty rare and tends to be very expensive and desirable. As such, it has often been used to make iconic or luxury items, including the Hermes Birkin handbag.

Characteristics of Ostrich Leather

Apart from the abnormally soft and flexible hide, ostrich leather is one of the strongest and sturdiest leathers in the world. Ostrich leather also has natural oils that provide natural resistance to stiffness and cracking.

Ostrich leather is very easy to clean and maintain. Unlike many other exotic types of leather, you will not need to spend hours on maintaining this naturally beautiful leather.

Moreover, the leather will improve over the years if treated with care; hence, it is used for products exposed to harsh conditions, such as boots. Some essential characteristics of ostrich leather include:

• High flexibility

• Easy maintenance

• One of the strongest and sturdiest leathers

• Resistant to elements

• Resistant to stiffness and cracking

• Naturally filled with natural oils

How Do You Protect Ostrich Leather?

You must remember that while it is significantly resistant to the elements compared to other exotic leathers, it is still affected by the elements. As such, it is important to follow recommended cleaning and maintenance processes of leather care to protect it.

Since the tanning process for ostrich leather tends to result in transparent finishes, prolonged sunlight exposure will make your leather fade over time. Moreover, heat can make your ostrich leather item dry out fast.

To protect it, you need to place your items in a cool dry place as long as you are not using them and cover them with a dust bag or clean box to protect them from the dust. It's also important to avoid situations where your items get wet or get contaminated with liquids.

Your ostrich leather items should be wiped with a slightly damp cloth immediately if they get wet. Blotting your ostrich leather items with a damp cloth is only necessary if they become stained. 

Additional Leather Care Measures

At some point, you need to provide the royal treatment for your ostrich leather product which should ideally be done every other week. It is critical to remember that you should not use any solvents or soaps for the leather but rather opt for a good leather conditioner.

You may need to wipe off dust and dirt from your leather before cleaning it, depending on how it was used. For instance, if you have black ostrich print embossed cowhide leather boots, you will have to clean off dried mud, which could make cleaning a difficult task.

We always advise that you test your conditioner and cleaner on an inconspicuous area before using them on your leather product. If you do not notice any discoloration, you can then proceed to clean the entire item.

Once you have wiped the leather surface with the cleaner or conditioner with a dry cloth, let it dry indoors in an area where the leather item will not be exposed to heat or direct sunlight.

Can Ostrich Leather Get Wet?

While exotic leather, particularly ostrich leather, has water-resistant qualities, ostrich leather will get wet if exposed to too much water.

The natural follicles on ostrich skin have an actual hole in them, and exposing your leather to water will darken over time. The reason for this is that the water will get into the leather making the item lose its natural suppleness, flexibility, and sheen.

Ostrich leather care involves keeping your leather items completely dry and away from moisture.

How Long Does Ostrich Leather Last?

There are many reasons people love ostrich leather, including its flexibility, softness, luxury, and durability, among many other advantages.

Compared to other exotic leather products, your ostrich leather can withstand callous conditions. When carefully taken care of and maintained, it can last for years.

With just a brush, leather conditioner, and leather cleaner. your ostrich leather item will stay looking beautiful and new even after years of extensive use.

How Do You Clean Ostrich Leather at Home?

While ostrich leather is an expensive exotic leather, you do not have to pay thousands of dollars to get it cleaned. With just a few essentials, you can clean your leather products at home and always keep them looking spick and span.

Here Is How to Do It:

• You should avoid exposing your leather to water, but If you get your ostrich leather wet or spill something on it, you will need to remove as much moisture as possible using a soft cloth before cleaning it.

• If your leather item gets a stain, blot it out using a damp cloth and clean the rest with another damp cloth to ensure that the entire item dries out evenly. You also need to ensure that you take care of stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in.

• If a grease or oil stain sets in, you should get some talcum powder, sprinkle it over the stain, and wait about an hour for it to absorb the oil. Once the oil or grease stain is absorbed, gently brush off the powder from the leather with a soft cloth (do not use a paper product for this), and your item will be as good as new.

• Keep your leather items covered in a dust bag or a clean box to prevent dust settlement. For most ostrich finishes, all you need is to clean your items with a damp cloth, wipe off any excess leather cleaner from the entire surface and then store them in a cool place away from direct heat and sunlight.

Ostrich Leather Care

Ostrich leather is an exotic leather that is one of the most popular leathers out there. With significant strength, durability, resistance to the elements, and easy maintenance, among many other attributes, it is one of the better leathers you can buy.

However, the nature of ostrich leather with its pores means that it is not water resistant. Nonetheless, with proper care and maintenance, ostrich leather items can last years while maintaining their suppleness, durability, and original shine even after years of use. 

Looking for vibrant ostrich leather products? Say no more and browse through our ostrich leather collection which includes our white ostrich print on embossed cowhide leather.