Care Tips for Leather Bags

Bags are a wise investment, is the belief of many women who love collecting designer bags. This is true because bags are less tied to trends than shoes or clothes, and they keep their value over time. That is if you take good care of them!

So how do you take care of your classic, expensive, and stylish bags? Look no further. These handbag care tips will help ensure your investment will last and that your bags stay beautiful all year long.

Cleaning Your Leather Bag

These are the simple steps you can make in cleaning your investment bags to keep them clean at home and in shape. One important thing to remember in cleaning your leather bags is don't use ammonia or bleach-based cleaner because they can damage the surface.

1. Empty all the pockets and shake your purse upside down to remove all the dust and debris. Turn the lining inside out and clean. If the lining cannot be pulled out, use a vacuum with a fabric, brush attachment.
2. Mix warm water and dish soap solution, dip a soft cloth, and wring out the excess water.
3. Start cleaning by wiping the exterior surface of the bag. Wipe the stained area until the stain is removed. Keep your stroking motions in line with the leather's grain to protect the leather.
4. Use a second clean damp cloth to wipe off the soap.
5. Dry with a clean cloth and leave it to dry for about 30 minutes. Don't speed up the process of drying by using hairdryers. These will damage the leather. If you are in a hurry, set your bag in front of a fan. The cool air will be less damaging to the bag than hot air.
6. Apply some protection cream in the bag once it is dry. The protection cream will help keep the leather soft and supple. Use soft cloths to apply the cream and rub the cream on using circular motions.
7. If you have a light-colored leather bag, repeat the protection cream process several times to ensure your bag is protected.
8. If you're not cleaning the whole bag, focus on the main areas like the handles; give it a quick wipe and cream to keep them looking new.

 

Removing Stains On Leather Bags

Most designer bags are made from lightly treated leather for their luxurious feel. This means that they are very absorbent. As bags are used, they are prone to contact with common liquids like water, drinks, and perfume leaks. If you accidentally stain your leather bag, follow these steps to remove or reduce stains from your bag.

• Food Stains: To remove food stains, crush white chalk and let it sit on the stain overnight. Brush off the chalk with a clean cloth in the morning.
• Oil Stains: Put cornstarch on the oil stain as soon as you see the stain. Rub the cornstarch to create heat from the friction. This will help absorb the oil. Immediately brush off with a clean cloth after rubbing it in.
• Ink Stains: Use a white eraser to erase the fresh stain immediately. Don't apply too much pressure so the color will not come off. If the ink is already set, you must bring your bag to a professional cleaner.
• Water Stains: Blot the water stain with a clean, dry cloth and let it dry naturally.
• Other Liquid Stains: 

1. Start removing the stain by blotting the stained area as soon as you see them with a dry cloth or tissue.
2. Once the excess liquid is removed, blot the stained area with a damp cloth or tissue using warm water. Start at the outside of the stain and work inwards, stopping the stain from spreading. 
3. Dab the stained area with a clean, dry cloth or tissue to absorb leftover liquid. Don't rub the stain because this will spread the stain.
4. Let the bag dry. Do not apply heat because this can set the stain.

 

Removing Odors From Leather Bags

Bacteria cause odors. To remove the bacteria, cleaning your bag inside and outside is essential.

1. Check the lining and exterior of your leather bag to ensure that your cleaning products are suitable for the materials used in your bag.
2. Thoroughly clean the lining.
3. Clean all the pockets to clear out the bacteria that cause the smell.
4. Clean the handles and areas where oils may have been absorbed, as they can also cause odors. Once your bag is thoroughly cleaned, finish with protection cream for leathers.

Storing Your Leather Bags

It is essential to use your bags properly when you're not using them. Our blog, "Ways to protect and store your designer bags, will guide you on properly storing your bags to keep them in excellent condition all the time.

Daily Care Tips

• Avoid handling your leather bag with dirty hands or with lotions or creams.
• Don't store your bag by looping the handles over a doorknob or wardrobe door because this will misshape your bag and damage the handle's leather.
• Don't put your bag on the floor when dining in a restaurant. The best option is to hang it on the table using a collapsible purse hanger or bag hook. You can use an extra chair if you don't have a purse hanger.
• Store your bag with care. Keep it out of the sunshine and store it in a cool, dry place where the bags can breathe. This will prevent the leather from drying out. Stuff your bag with a purse pillow to keep its shape, and be sure to use the dust bag that came with it.
• Prevent the metalware and embellishments from getting damaged by molding tissue paper around the metalware. This will prevent scrapes and scratches on the metalware and embellishments.
• Prevent wear and tear by rotating which bag you use regularly. 
• Never apply direct heat to any wet leather because this will cause cracking and shrinking.
• Use purse organizers to store and organize the items inside your bag. Purse organizers will protect the handbag lining from spills and will keep your bag organized. If you don't have a purse organizer, you can use pouches to organize and store the items inside your bag.
• Use protection creams or leather bag moisturizers that prevent leather from getting dry. 
• Never use baby wipes, vinegar, or other home remedies to clean or remove stains from your bag. Many of these products contain chemicals and substances that may cause damage to the color of your bag.
• Don't leave your bag in direct sunlight because sunlight can cause the color to fade and dry the leather.
• Be careful with leather because it is difficult to repair damaged leather.