Bag Care Tips: How to care for your leather bags
As we mentioned above, the market is seeing increased levels of awareness and customers gravitating towards quality products; in the fashion industry, this includes handcrafted real leather accessories. What many people don't realise is that—unlike synthetic materials—you need to take care of your leather goods to keep them looking their best. So we have put together a few tips and tricks to help you protect and care for your leather bags.
5 tips to keep your leather bag looking good as new
1. Protect the leather with a waterproof spray
Leather's number one enemy is water, or any liquid that can stain your bag beyond repair. We therefore recommend using a waterproof spray to protect the material, being sure to repeat the process according to the instructions. As water is so damaging to leather, we also recommend carrying a cloth to dry your leather goods if you are caught in a sudden downpour. NB Dab, don't rub, to avoid ruining the leather.
2. Stay out of the sun
UV rays are harmful to our faces, our bodies, and even our accessories. Direct sunlight can damage leather by causing discolouration, and you should therefore try and keep your bag in the shade instead of leaving it in the sun for hours.
3. Always store leather bags in a case
The best brands provide adequate packaging, complete with a dust bag for you to store your bag while you are not using it; this seemingly trivial gesture is actually one of the best ways to protect your leather bags.
4. Read the instructions and follow expert advice
When you purchase a valuable leather accessory, do not overlook the importance of maintenance and always follow the seller's advice, as each type of leather requires specific care.
5. Let the leather breathe
Earlier we recommended storing your bag so that it doesn't collect dust, but it is also important for the leather to breathe; if it is sealed in an airless environment, the leather could dry out and crack, as maintaining contact with the air keeps the leather soft and smooth.
How to clean your leather bag
If, in spite of your best efforts, your favourite leather bag gets stained, don't panic! We have a few remedies to restore your accessory to its original glory. Your first option is to contact a professional or the seller, who be able to tell you how to fix it or where to go to have it cleaned.
Alternatively, if you prefer to take matters into your own hands, you can clean your bag once a week with a slightly damp cloth and a little neutral soap, taking care to follow the folds of the leather.
If your bag comes into contact with ink, you should tackle the stain immediately: use a gentle targeted product to remove the ink stain and then let the treated area dry naturally. However, if the stains are already dry and old, it is better to call in the professionals to save your bag.
In the event that you get an oily stain on your bag, do not try to rinse it out with water, as this will make it worse. To avoid further staining, avoid using your bag if you have just applied moisturiser or other oily products, as they can leave marks on your precious accessory.