Keep your set looking sharp
Corduroy and solid brass both get better with age, as long as you treat them right. Here's how, in a few easy habits.
follow the ribs
The corduroy
Soft, thick and ribbed. Treat the ribs gently and they'll stay plump for years.
Let the mud dry, then brush
Wet mud smears into the ribs. Once it's dry, it brushes right off with a soft brush, following the direction of the ribs.
Spot clean first
A sponge or a soft toothbrush, lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap. Dab along the ribs rather than scrubbing across them.
Rinse it all out
Soap left in the fabric can irritate your dog's skin. Rinse with clean water until nothing foams any more.
Dry flat, in the shade
Lay it on a clean towel, away from radiators and direct sun. Once it's dry, a quick brush lifts the ribs back up.
patina = character
The solid brass
Real brass, never plated. It doesn't wear out, it gains character.
Wipe it after wet walks
Rain, puddles, a swim: dry the buckles and rivets with a soft cloth. It keeps them bright and stops marks on the fabric.
Let the patina happen
Solid brass darkens gently over time. That's its patina: it changes the look, never the strength.
Want the shine back?
Mix lemon juice and baking soda into a paste, rub it on the metal with a soft cloth, then rinse and dry. Keep it on the brass, off the corduroy.
Go easy on polish
A shop-bought brass polish works too: a tiny amount, in a ventilated room, rinsed off thoroughly. Your dog's nose is far more sensitive than yours.
Keep them away from
Four things your set would rather never meet.
The tumble dryer
Heat flattens the ribs for good. Air drying only.
Bleach and softener
They fade the colour and leave residue right against your dog's fur.
Radiators and full sun
Fast drying stiffens corduroy. Patience and a shady spot do a better job.
Harsh chemicals
Anything with a strong smell stays on the collar, and on your dog's nose.
Care, answered
The questions that come up after the first rainy week.
Can it go in the washing machine?
Hand washing is the safe bet: the collar and the leash have a reinforced core and brass rivets, and a drum is rough on both. Spot cleaning covers most muddy walks anyway.
The corduroy looks flat in places. Can I fix it?
Usually, yes. Steam it lightly (never iron it flat), then brush in the direction of the ribs, or tease the pile back up with your fingers.
Why is the brass getting darker?
Because it's solid brass, never plated. It reacts with air and water and develops its own patina. Keep it if you like the vintage look, or bring the shine back with a lemon and baking soda paste.
Can the brass mark the beige corduroy?
It can, when the metal stays damp against light fabric. Dry the hardware after rainy walks and it won't have the chance.
How do I clean inside the fanny pack?
The lining is waterproof: empty out the treat crumbs and wipe it with a damp cloth.
Made to last, made to match
Small batches of rescued corduroy and solid brass, ready for years of walks.
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