this post was submitted on 09 Sep 2026
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I usually just buy a leather wallet at some store and it starts to get grungy after a year or so. Any recommendations? Thanks.

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[–] billionsandbillions@piefed.social 3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (2 children)

What does grungy mean to you? Is it patina on full grain leather? Is it the thinnest leather stitched by a machine that as started to fray and tear? Is it paint starting to rub off?

Better quality wallets are saddle stitched by hand using full grain veg-tan leather or other leathers from reputable tanneries. The edges are usually burnished and not painted. They will patina nicely but will have to be cleaned and oiled at least once a year.

[–] blackbrook@mander.xyz 4 points 1 week ago

Was going to ask this too. My leather wallet has lasted for years. It has some marks from being in my pocket with keys all the time, but that's about it. It's in a front pocket, so maybe that gets less wear than in a back pocket. Also it's a Slimmy, a minimalist wallet that doesn't fold. If you have a George Costanza bursting-at-the-seams wallet that could factor in.

[–] Simulation6@sopuli.xyz 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I have never cleaned a wallet, and keep it my front pocket. Things start to stick together and have a smell.

It doesn't need go be a very thorough cleaning unless its very dirty.

Simply water and leather soap. Then some conditioner after.