Spending money on a high-quality leather bag is a worthwhile investment. Leather bags are versatile pieces that suit the wardrobe and is timeless. With the right care, it will maintain its quality and shape, making it a beautiful patina.
In this article, you’ll find essential tips on properly taking care of a leather bag and preserving its beauty. Continue reading to learn more.
How to Take Good Care of a Leather Bag Properly
Always Use a Clean Cloth and Hands
Leather is a natural material and is cleaned differently, but one needs to be careful. Using a clean cloth and hand during the cleaning process is essential. When applying a cleaning solution, just put the right amount to prevent wrinkles and soggy leather.
Use a damp and soft cloth with clean hands to wipe the surface. Cleaning an authentic leather-made bag needs a conservative approach. It is best to use a dry cloth gently and apply more cleaners if necessary.
Immediately Remove the Stains
Remove the dirt immediately to prevent the stain or mark from penetrating the material. Once the stain is set permanently, cleaning the bag will take more work.
Stains from foods are easy to remove using crushed white chalk powder. Sprinkle the powder on the stain and let it sit for 24 hours. Simple dust off the chalk and restore the leather appearance.
Proper Storage and Stuffing
Newbie leather bag owners usually ask questions about how to store their bags. Proper storage makes it easier to prevent damage and keeps the bag’s quality finish.
Here are some helpful steps for proper storage:
- Do not use plastic bags
- Use dust bags when storing handbags
- Do not store leather in direct sunlight
- Keep the leather away from heat sources
Stuffing leather bags with bubble wrap helps keep and restore their original shapes. When storing inside the original boxes, put silica gel to prevent dampness. Air the bags every 15 days to prevent mold from growing.
Apply Proper Conditioning
Proper bag conditioning is an effective way to moisturize it and prevent dryness. Although leather is durable, it can still wrinkle and flake over time. To keep its original look, use a soft cloth with conditioner and wipe the bag with care.
Below are a few of the most popular leather conditioners:
- Cole Haan
- Leather Honey
- Paul’s Pail All-Natural Beeswax
- Chamberlain’s Leather Milk Healing Balm
Using quality leather conditioners is also helpful in preserving the original look and feel. When choosing from the available brands, it must be formulated for leather goods and follow the application instructions.
Embrace the Deformity
From the viewpoints of some bag experts, embracing the deformity or imperfections of leather is essential. Like buying quality leather goods at https://teddysinclair.com/, they offer the best products with ageless beauty. Teddy Sinclar has top-notch handbags and travel bags that can last longer.
It is essential to learn that a well-loved bag remains beautiful and useful over time.
Choose a Cleaner Made for Leather Only
Materials used for making bags differ, and leather bag owners must be aware of this. Because of this, they need a cleaner made for leather only. To prevent over-treatment and for sufficient use, apply the cleaner 1-2 times a year.
A formulated protective spray is another useful option to prevent stains in leather bags. Before spraying the whole bag, test the spray in an unnoticeable area and see the actual effect.
Avoid cleaning products that contain the following:
- Alcohol
- Turpentine
- Other mineral spirits
These ingredients will easily dry the leather and cause discoloration.
Treat the Scratches
Avoidance is the best way to treat leather bag scratches. Paying extra attention when putting the bag on the floor or counter is important to avoid scratches. It is also best to keep it away from different sharp objects.
Some of the effective DIY solutions include:
- Vaseline
- Saddle soap
- Boot polish
If there are noticeable small scratches, rubbing them gently with the fingers can help. The natural oil on your fingers helps eliminate them. For larger scratches, apply a little amount of natural oil. Let it soak in for 3-5 minutes, and wipe the excess with a clean, soft cloth.
Use a Handbag Liner
Use a handbag liner to protect the inner part of a leather bag from spills. It can help better, especially when changing the bag frequently. Besides protecting a beautiful leathery bag, it provides additional packets for storage.
A handbag liner makes it easier to change or swap out bags instantly.
Keep the Bag Out of the Light
Leather bag experts know that letting bags sit in the light longer can easily cause damage. To prevent discoloration, storing it somewhere with no direct sunlight is best. The place must also have low humidity to avoid mold from developing. Mold can easily damage the original appearance of your leather bag.
Consider Everyday Care
Taking care of your leather-made bag properly begins with everyday care. There are a few easy steps to avoid unnecessary wear and tear to extend your bag’s life. When owning a bag made of genuine leather, it is important to:
- Avoid overstretching, even if it is a skin
- Avoid overfilling to keep its original silhouette
- Wipe the dust weekly using a soft and clean cloth
- Bring an umbrella to protect it from rain or direct sunlight
- Be careful when wearing embellished clothes to avoid scrapes
Conclusion
People who live in predominantly hot countries must maintain their leather bags properly. These humid places can easily wear out the bags faster, and awareness is crucial. Taking care of authentic leather goods is a bit stressful because these are quality investments. But thanks to the tips above, you won’t have any trouble keeping your leather bag in good condition.It is best to ensure that a leather bag will last over time as a special collection piece. Most leather bags are simple gifts that require proper maintenance.
