Fashion comes and goes, particularly with how trends are often seasonal. Notwithstanding this fact is how there are certain fashion items which are tried and tested. Those are timeless items you should consider as investment fashion pieces in your wardrobe. One of those is a leather bag.
Because leather is quality material, the decision to purchase leather bags also means you’re ready for the responsibility that comes along with it. Leather bags, particularly top-quality designer ones, are meant to last, but it also needs additional TLC than other faux items.
By taking good care of your leather goods, you can uphold their value as well as keep them well-maintained and beautiful so your leather bags can continue to be some of your most prized possessions. This article explains how.
Learn How To Condition Your Leather Bag
A part of cleaning your leather bag that’s neglected by many is conditioning it. Think of the conditioner as a moisturizer for your bag. Without it, your leather bag may lose its shine faster than it was meant to. Conditioning your leather bag can help to waterproof it also, an advantage that comes in handy if you happen to use your leather bag during the rainy season.
Moreover, applying conditioner to your bag is also a good way to prevent the leather from wrinkling and flaking. Just be sure you’re applying the conditioner the right way by using a soft cloth and rubbing it gently through the entire bag. You can do this once or twice a year, depending on the humidity or dryness of your climate.
Keep Your Hands Clean When Using Your Bag
Caring for your leather bag begins with how you use it. It’s an expensive bag, so you’d want to be more cautious about handling it than you would an ordinary canvas bag.
To start, you have to be aware that leather absorbs oils and other natural substances whenever you touch it. So, it’s important to make sure that your hands are clean when you’re using your leather bag. The oil coming from your skin can darken the bag over time, causing unsightly spots. Likewise, oil can attract more dirt, which will also leave your bag looking dirtier than it actually is.
Pack A Cosmetics Pouch In Your Bag
If you bring makeup with you every day, then you’ll want to keep it safe and separate from the rest of your bag. In fact, you shouldn’t even put your makeup right away on your bag as it can stain your leather bag’s inner lining.
While it’s more convenient to place those loose items in the smaller compartments of your bag, remember that they’re prone to spillage. The last thing you want is to have your leather’s lining all stained up with lipstick, for example.
Unlike fabric bags, you can’t just put the leather bag in the washing machine, even if the lining may be made of some form of canvas. Moreover, spending a few bucks on buying makeup or a cosmetic pouch is still better than spending hundreds of dollars later on to have a professional clean your leather bag.
Learn The Proper Way To Store Leather
Yes, there’s such thing as a proper way to store leather bags. Getting a grip on what the proper way is would be one of the easiest ways to prevent damage to your leather bag. You can also maintain your leather’s high-quality finish when you’re able to follow the basic rules of storage.
Some of those standards include:
- Store leather away from direct sunlight as doing so will only cause the leather to fade;
- Store leather away from any artificial sources of heat as they can also make the leather crack and dry up;
- Store all your leather bags in the dust bag they came with to prevent scratches;
- Avoid using plastic bags to store your leather bag as that’ll only prevent good ventilation and circulation of the area to make your bag ‘breathe.’
Study How To Clean A Leather Bag
Now that you have a leather bag (or perhaps even a few more) in your collection, you then have to study well how to clean it. It’s your responsibility as the owner to be able to take good care of your bag.
Here are insights on how you can clean one:
- Empty all the pockets and shake the bag so you can remove even the smallest items like crumbs, which may be inside;
- Clean the inner lining of the bag with a lint roller, or vacuum it using the fabric brush attachment;
- To start cleaning the outer leather itself, mix a solution of dish soap with warm water, dip the cloth into the solution, and then wipe the surfaces;
- Use another clean but damp cloth to remove the soap;
- Dry the bag.
Remove Stains Immediately
Despite all your earnest efforts to be careful with using and handling your leather bag, there may still be instances when your bag may be stained. When this happens, make it a point to remove those stains immediately. The longer the stain stays on the fabric or material, the harder it’ll be to remove it.
Don’t Overstuff Your Bag
If you’re the type who brings your entire home with you wherever you go, then you may want to learn to undo this habit when you start using a leather bag. Or, if you have no choice but to bring so many things, at least be more mindful about not overstuffing the leather bag. You can put all other heavier and bulkier items on a canvas tote, for instance.
You’re supposed to be gentle with your leather bag so you can preserve its lovely contours. Otherwise, if you consistently overstuff your bag, over time, you’re going to notice it losing its shape.
Conclusion
Buying a high-quality leather bag may be an investment, but it’s truly worth it. The leather bags you have in your hands today are products of skilled craftsmanship, truly making it one that you should have in your closet for years to come, if not for a lifetime. With the care tips above, you don’t have to be afraid about owning leather bags. It’s a fashion must-have that’ll have its place in your wardrobe now that you know how to shower it with love.