How to Care for Leather Paddles and Chain Impressions Paddles

Quick answer

Clean leather paddles with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, dry them completely away from heat, then condition only the leather. For chain impressions paddles, dry the metal chain links immediately and store the paddle flat or hanging so the chain does not press creases into the leather.

Step-by-step leather and chain paddle care

1. Wipe the leather with a barely damp cloth: Mix a drop of mild soap in water, wring the cloth until it is nearly dry, and wipe the leather surface in one direction. Common mistake: a wet cloth that leaves visible moisture on the leather. The cloth should feel damp, not wet, before it touches the paddle.
2. Clean around chains and cutouts with a soft brush: Use a soft-bristled brush or a dry corner of cloth to lift residue from under chain links and inside heart cutouts. Common mistake: pressing hard and bending the chain or stretching the cutout edges. Work gently at edges, where stitching and cutouts are most vulnerable.
3. Dry the metal chain immediately: Pat the chain links dry with a towel right after wiping, then let the paddle air-dry fully. Common mistake: letting the paddle sit with moisture trapped under the chain. Dry the chain before you set the paddle down.
4. Air-dry away from heat and sunlight: Lay the paddle flat on a dry towel in a well-ventilated spot and let it dry completely. Common mistake: drying on a radiator or in direct sun, which can stiffen and crack leather. If the leather still feels cool or damp, it is not dry yet.
5. Condition genuine leather sparingly: Apply a small amount of leather conditioner with a soft cloth, let it absorb, and buff off excess. Common mistake: over-conditioning, which leaves a sticky film that attracts dust. Condition only genuine leather, not faux leather or chain surfaces.
6. Store flat or hanging, not folded: Keep the paddle in a dust bag or a dry drawer, flat or hanging, with nothing heavy pressing on the chain side. Common mistake: folding the paddle or stacking it under other gear, which creases the leather and bends links. Check stored paddles occasionally for stiffness, rust spots, or new creases.

Product notes for this routine

• Peaches 'n CreaMe Chain Impressions Paddle: The Peaches 'n CreaMe Chain Impressions Paddle uses soft faux leather with sealed edges and one side of crisscrossed rose gold chains. Faux leather and sealed edges tolerate a quick damp wipe, but the chain side needs immediate drying so links do not hold moisture against the surface.

  

• Leather "Hearts" Impressions Paddle: The Leather "Hearts" Impressions Paddle is hand-stitched from genuine leather and has three heart cutouts that stamp a red pattern on skin. Genuine leather benefits from occasional conditioning, and the cutouts need a soft brush or cloth pass so residue does not build up inside the heart shapes.