Empty the bag after every session, wipe it with a soft dry cloth, clean marks with a barely damp cloth, let it dry naturally away from heat, and store it in a dust bag out of direct sunlight. Avoid soaking, detergents, hairdryers and hot cars.
This guide covers the routine, what to do when a bag gets wet, and the mistakes that shorten a leather bag's life. It also explains how we finish The Padelsmith Bag and why that makes it easy to look after. Always follow the care instructions from the maker, because finishes differ.
After every session
Most leather damage in a padel bag comes from what is left inside it. Damp towels, shoes and wet kit left in a closed bag are the main cause of odour and marks.
- Empty the bag completely.
- Wipe the outside with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and court dirt.
- Leave the zips open for a while so the inside can air.
A pigmented, embossed-grain finish wipes clean with a soft cloth
Cleaning marks
- Dust first with a soft, dry cloth or a soft brush.
- For a light mark, wipe gently with a cloth slightly dampened with clean water, then dry straight away with another soft cloth.
- Work in small areas and avoid rubbing hard.
- If you use any cleaning product, test it on a small hidden area first.
Do not soak the leather, and avoid detergents, solvents and household cleaners.
Gentle, dry-cloth care is how we finish the leather in the workshop too
If it gets wet
Blot with a soft, absorbent cloth. Let the bag dry at room temperature, away from radiators, hairdryers and direct sun. Stuff it loosely with paper or a towel to help it keep its shape. Do not rub the leather while it is wet, and do not apply heat.
Dealing with smells
Air the bag in a well-ventilated space with the zips open. A bag that is emptied and aired after every session rarely needs more. Avoid spraying products directly onto the leather.
Storage
Keep it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and heat. Use a cotton dust bag if you have one, and avoid plastic, which traps moisture. Do not store it squashed under other items, which can mark the surface. Each piece in our collection ships in its own cotton dust bag for exactly this reason.
The Padelsmith Bag and The Padelsmith Cover, each supplied with a cotton dust bag
What to avoid
- Leaving the bag in a hot car, which stresses leather and is not good for your racket either
- Soaking or machine washing
- Hairdryers, radiators and direct heat
- Detergents, bleach, solvents and household cleaners
- Packing sharp or wet items against the leather
Do you need leather conditioner?
Often not. Finished, pigmented leather has a protective surface coat and generally does not need regular conditioning, and over-conditioning smooth leather can leave a greasy residue. If the maker advises a conditioner, test it on a hidden spot first, apply a very thin layer and buff it off. If the maker advises against it, follow the maker. For our own leather, we recommend dusting, a barely damp cloth, and no chemical products.
A debossed logo is pressed into the leather, so there is no print to wear off
Scuffs and scratches
Light scuffs on finished leather often fade with gentle wiping using a clean, dry cloth. For deeper scratches or colour loss, ask a leather repair specialist rather than trying a home fix. Not sure what finish your bag has? Our guide to real leather versus faux leather padel bags explains the common types.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash a leather bag?
No. Do not machine wash or soak it. Dust it, wipe marks with a barely damp cloth and dry it naturally.
How often should I clean a leather bag?
Wipe it down after sessions where it has picked up dirt, and give it a gentle damp clean when it needs one. Empty and air it every time.
Can a leather bag go in the rain?
Light rain is fine if you blot it and let it dry slowly at room temperature. Avoid soaking, and never dry it with heat.
Does sweat damage leather?
Salt from sweat can mark and stiffen leather over time, so wipe any area that touches your back or hands, such as straps and the back panel.
How do I look after The Padelsmith Bag?
Store it in its dust bag away from direct sunlight and heat, dust it regularly with a soft dry cloth, wipe marks with a cloth slightly dampened with warm or distilled water, and let it dry at room temperature if it gets wet. See the Padelsmith Bag, £220, launching Monday 2 November.
Written by Souhaib Benmaou
Founder & Director, Padelsmith Ltd. London-based, Padelsmith designs premium padel rackets and accessories in Britain, handcrafted in Andalucía. Souhaib writes about racket construction, materials, and the craft behind serious play.