They look stylish, classic and durable that can be carried to all occasions! Do you also love your leather bags like we do ours own? Some people are not aware that caring for leather bags is extremely important, if they want to enjoy the pleasure of having them for long with no loss of sheen! We did our research and found out some tips, suggestion, do’s and don’ts for you to help out with preserving your most-treasured property i.e. leather bags!
Before we make a note of what’s to be done or what’s not, let’s understand the fabric first.
[Also Read: Cross Body Leather Bags]
|Leather is made of animal hide, which is generally sourced from cattle and then tanned to make it flexible or durable. To colour leather, an aniline-dye is used, which gets saturated into pigments on the skin while retaining the natural grain. Full grain leather is considered to be of the highest quality. |
The leather is tanned using a traditional method and it’s the quality is defined by the variations in colour and texture.
Why it’s important to care for leather bags regularly?
The leather has tendency to acquire a patina (oxidation over a longer period of time), which may result in leather darkening due to the oils from your skin and direct sunlight. Hence, it becomes required to keep the leather bag away from prolonged intense sunlight, heat and humidity. It is the care with which you use and look after your bag that preserves its beauty.
How to store?
After you have made your expensive leather bags purchase, the storage is another factor that you must consider!
It is advisable not to ever keep your purse in a sealed plastic bag or container. Leather is made of a living hide, hence it is important for it to let breathe! Keep some ventilation open to avoid the growth of mildew. One of the best storage is a dust cover or an old pillowcase as these will prevent your bag to smother.
You must also fill the bag with butter paper or bubble wrap because it will maintain the shape of your bag. Some people stuff their bags with newspapers but it is never a good idea, as leather may not retain its original shape after expansion, which generally happens in case of using newspapers.
[Also Read: Branded Leather Bag Patterns]
Put the packets of silica gel inside the bag to prevent it from dampening. Also, at least once in every two weeks, keep your leather bag outside to let some air pass in to prevent any growth of mold.
In case your bag has a chain handle, put it inside the bag to avoid any scratch on the outside leather during the storage period. You can also use bubble wrap to cover the metal part of your leather bag.
|White leather bags naturally gets yellow and darken with age. |
Keeping the metal such as brass snaps or stainless steel eyelets of your leather bag in the good condition is also important. After all, nobody likes tarnished metal with a shiny leather bag. You can clean it with Mr. Clean’s magic erasers. Never ever use oil on a leather bag, as it may drip and cause blemishes.
If ever water spills on your bag, absorb as much water as possible with the use of microfiber hand towel and always let it dry normally. Speed drying may cause change in chemical structure of leather. So the room temperature works best.
|Things you need to keep your leather bag in a best condition – Leather cleaner, Leather conditioner, Bubble wrap, Tissue paper, Soft cotton cloth, Dust bag & Pillow case. |
These are some of the tips for primary care of your leather bag. In the next post, we will explain how to clean the stains on your leather bag at home.
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1 comment
Wonderful blog!! Thank you fashionlady for such useful tips. Always I buy a new leather tote or bag, it turns into a mess in a month. But with your help, I think it will breathe more!! Loved it keep writing.