Leather handbags are stylish accessories that can enhance any wardrobe. Keeping them in excellent condition can be difficult, however, because leather needs special care. To keep leather looking its absolute best, read below for tips on how to protect your investment and care for your brand-new bag.
Properly Store Your Bag
When you first purchase a new handbag, you may notice that it comes with paper stuffed inside each compartment. Soft leather bags can lose their shape, especially if they are not used for long periods of time. You should keep this paper and place it back inside your handbag each time you store it.
If you plan to store your bag for weeks at a time, you should wrap all metal fasteners, zippers, chains and buckles with tissue paper. This will ensure that the metal pieces do not leave impressions or dents in the leather fabric while stored.
Keep It Safe From Dust
Use a cover to protect your leather bag from dust and dirt. If you store it in a closet or drawer with other accessories, a cover can also protect it from scratches. Leather is an organic material that can attract mildew, so it should never be stored in plastic. Your bag will require cleaning less frequently if placed in a cotton or flannel dust cover. Covers come in several shapes and sizes, but zippered pouches work best, and they are often available in fashionable colors and patterns with labels for easy identification.
Clean With Care
For simple dirt or dust, you can clean your leather bag with a lightly damp microfiber cloth. You should use plain water and gently wipe the material with, not against, the grain. Tough stains such as ink or lipstick may set into the fabric and prove difficult to remove, so taking your bag to a professional dry cleaning service that specializes in designer garment care is best.
Protect Your Bag
Your handbag is too stylish to stay hidden away in a dark closet; eventually, you will want to take it out for a night on the town. The best way to care for your bag is to prevent damage from occurring. For example, you can protect the delicate leather on the bottom of your purse by never placing it down on a restaurant table, counter or floor. If you are prone to setting your bag down, consider purchasing a style that has metal feet. Additionally, you should use a purse organizer insert if you will be carrying a variety of makeup essentials, perfume or wallet items. Lastly, try to keep leather out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause color fading and long-term damage.
A leather handbag is an investment worth protecting. With a little effort and these simple tips, you can ensure that both the inside and outside of your bag will stay clean, fresh and beautiful for years to come.
