If you’re a lover of “the finer things in life,” you might have curated a lovely leather handbag collection. These things spell luxury as not only do they look elegant and well-crafted but also because they are made of durable material. That is one of the reasons why people “invest” in these leather handbags despite the large number on its price tag.
But owning one is not only expensive but also considered high-maintenance. You have to make sure you devote time and effort to properly care for it, and maintain the appearance of your handbag. You do not want the hard-earned money you spent buying it to go to waste, and you want to keep the bags in perfect condition for as long as you can.
So, how do you preserve the appearance of your leather handbag? Below are some things you may want to remember in caring for them:
Get skin-deep
Before starting to clean or making any modifications to your bag, make sure you know its material correctly, like the type of leather used for the particular purse. There are different types of leather used in handbags: cowhide, lambskin, patch leather, to name a few. Then there’s also the issue on grains – whether it’s vegetable-tanned, full-grained, or top grained. Some materials are more sensitive than others (prone to scratches and oil marks) and might affect how you maintain or clean your handbag.
Bag the habit of cleaning it
Ideally, once a week or at least after you use and put it back to storage, wipe your leather bag with a soft, dry cloth. This will avoid having any dirt buildup on the material. The general rule is never to get your leather bag wet but still check with the brand if it’s okay to use a slightly damp cloth to clean the material. Make sure your hands are also clean when you wipe, as some materials can easily absorb oil and grease.
Arm yourself with the proper tools
Give your handbag a more thorough cleaning at least twice a year, using a cloth and a recommended leather cleaner. Avoid using vinegar, toothpaste, or other household products to clean your bag with, as they might do more harm than good. Some designer brands even have their cleaning line and sell leather cleaners and conditioners. Therefore, check with their website if they have a recommended product. It is also good practice to read the product information and the proper way of cleaning it.
Proper storage is key
As with any other thing that is of great value, it is essential to practice the appropriate storage of your leather bags when it is not being used. Before you put it away, stuff it with soft cloth inside (or some even recommend bag pillows) to maintain its shape. Please give it a quick wipe with a clean and dry cloth before you put it inside its dust bag. Make sure you store it in a clean place, in-room temperature, and not put it in direct sunlight as it might bring about discolouration of the leather.
The cost of leather bags is not cheap, not to mention the upkeep that comes with it. With the proper information about caring for your handbag, you can preserve its beautiful craftsmanship and enjoy this luxury item that you’ve invested in for as long as you possibly can.
