Binder Maintenance

Our binders do a lot for our plans. They keep our planning pages in order, our planning style flexible, carry important cards and information, take on the hard bumps, and survive those rough and dirty surfaces we often place them on. Franklin binders are made to stand the test of time, but do require a bit of maintenance to prolong the beauty and quality of your most utilized and trusted system. Here are a few simple things you can do to ensure your binder continues to look and feel like new.

• Once a month, check to see if your binder’s rings are coming loose. If they are, you can tighten the screws on the spine with a 2mm allen wrench/hex key. If the screws seem to get loose often, put a drop of Loctite threadlocker or glue on them. To take care of the binding itself, use the tabs at the top and bottom when opening your binder instead of pulling the rings apart. They should have a nice tight snap to them. Push the rings together to close them. 
• Don’t overload your binder, which could put extra pressure on the rings. We recommend only adding the monthly calendar pages and two or three months worth of planning pages at a time, depending on your ring size, planner format, and what forms and tabs you use. To see an example of how to set up your binder, check out a great video here.
• Clean and condition your leather binder at least 2-3 times a year. Over time, your binder will accumulate stains, whether from its environment or simply from handling it. The leather may also begin to dry out, depending on the climate where you live. We recommend using Chamberlain’s Leather Milk to clean, condition, and protect your leather binder. When using the Leather Milk, a little goes a long way. Apply Leather Cleaner No.2 in thin, even layers across the entire surface of your leather item. This will reduce the risk of over-conditioning and ensure that any change in color is uniform. Next, apply Leather Conditioner No.1 into your leather and rub it in gently. Allow the leather to fully soak it in and wait for it to dry. In general, you will know it’s time to re-apply if the surface of your leather begins to look chalky or feels dry to the touch. Finish with Water Protectant No. 3 to condition and protect the leather from weather or accidental spills.
• Simulated leather binders wipe clean easily with alcohol-free baby wipes. Cloth sections respond well to small quantities of fabric or upholstery cleaner. Test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous spot before moving on to the rest of your binder. Keep cotton swabs and lint-free cloths handy to clean around stitching and other fine details.

For more information on leather care products, check out Chamberlain’s FAQ Page. For more information on binders, check out our FAQ page. If you have additional questions, contact our customer service representatives at 1.800.654.1776 and we’ll be happy to help you!