New iPhone 5S Leather Cases: Protect against rapid dirt and/or smudges?

I don't own one (have taken a close look at them while in the apple Store) so i don't know what the care recomendation are. Leatehr conditions and even something like Scotch Guard can, however alter the texture and possible the fit. Taking into account the fit, and how important that fit is to the case's function - I personally wouldn't take that route.

I also purchased the 5S and brown leather case. I was curious how they were holding up too. I can tell you, from other forums, I've seen pics of what you seem to be describing along the edges. Not very encouraging. Whether it was from wear or dye, from being inside (denim) pockets, I can't be certain. I'm not confident about preventing that from happening, but Lexol cleaner and conditioner was highly recommended to me to care for a few old, expensive, leather bound Bibles. Locally, I found it at automotive stores and Wal-Mart. Good luck!

I have the brown leather case and I have had it for 3-4 days and I am already seeing wear. I was warned by the Apple rep in Chicago when I bought it and I said oh well I will get it and protect it. I am going to buy a new protecter called "Never Wet" and see if that helps..If not I think I will get a cream and make it look worn like a Pottery Barn couch. LOL

For what it’s worth, I ended up putting mink oil on mine. Looking at it now, I may be able to see some wear? Hard to tell... and, truthfully, I’m still a bit overly protective of it. I just wanted to follow up, because it has made the grip superb. Yes, it changed the texture, but (in my humble opinion) it feels more comfortable in my hand.

I have had the yellow leather case for over 2 weeks now, and it has held up great. I am a female, so my main concern was makeup on the rim, but with a damp cloth or baby wipe, it comes off very easily without showing any sign of wear... The feel and size of the case is great! I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Leather isn't plastic, it's a natural product and will show wear, cracks and dirt. Learn to love the unique wear patterns you get with leather. If you want something that doesn't wear and cleans easily, get a vinyl case. You can put it in the dishwasher.

Unforntunately Apple does not provide 'care and training' instructions for maintaining the cleanliness of its fine leather cases. This works:

BEFORE using the leather case (out of the box) use washed/clean hands and apply a generous coat of TLC (Tender Leather Care) LEATHER LOTION by Wilson Leather. [Note: 8oz bottle/states: 'Preserves and cleanas all smooth finished leather). Use your clean fingertips to massage the milky LTC lotion evenly onto the smooth surfaces of the leather. Don't worry about wiping up the extra uneven solution; just re-spread and even-out with yo0ur fingers. Tested in dry winter heated air (lower humidity) this will likely occur within 5 minutes. Do not apply the TLC lotion to the suade/rough inside surfaces of the case. I have not tried this but obviously the asssumed chemistry/enriching emolunts/light oils of the formla might leak from the inside case to the electronics (I just would not go there). Your done after first well-saturated application! Touchups every few days with wiping-down the smooth leather with a fine cotton cloth saturated with TLC LOTION maintains the clean/pure quality of the leather without further dirt or stain penetration and does not change the color of the bright color (tested on what I call 'Verizon Red' color Apple case).

Note-1: If your case has already been 'dirt damaged' the TLC LOTION will not remove the saturated dirt. You're SOL. Excepting if you give the Apple store manager the option of replacing your leather case with new one (upon purchase verification) you can start with simple 'salvation solution' above.

Note-2: Works equally well on the rich color-matched Apple iPad cases as well, if also applied BEFORE use.

Hopefully Apple will do there own testing and recommendations for cleanly maintaining these great richly colored leather cases in the future by boxing instructions and posting on-line. Until then, TLC LOTION on a virgin-clean leather case (first treated before use) works extreemly well Note that TLC is also is oderless and seems to be of a very fine grade/high quality (compared to several other leather conditions which I've tested (which smell of lanolin and are 'gooey'.

Enjoy your beautiful Apple leather case!

Best Regards,

Butchmeister.