How to Care for Your Leather Bags
What would our wardrobes be without our leather bags?
We love our leather bags! We all have one, two, or three (or more!) of them in our closets, adding chic style, versatility, and practicality to our daily outfits. Leather bags may be an investment, but it pays off in the long run—if we take proper care of them.
From day-to-day care to proper cleaning and conditioning to storage tips, there are lots of things you can do to extend the life of your leather bags and maximize your investment.
Do you want to learn how to care for your favorite leather bags so you can enjoy them for years to come? Read on to find out all you need to know about caring for your leather bags!
Day-to-Day Care
The best way to take care of your leather goods is by following a few daily leather bag maintenance tips. These simple recommendations can add years to the life of your bags.
Handle Your Bag With Clean Hands
Leather is an absorbent material so anything you have on your hands may seep into it. Whether it's oil, dirt, or make-up, the residue left behind may lead to darkened leather and stains, and make the leather look worn and dingy.
Take special care when using hand lotions or hand sanitizers as those may contain oils or alcohol that lead to leather stains.
Keep Beauty Products Away From It
An unintentional brush-up between your leather bag and your foundation or lipstick could create a major leather-cleaning problem! Make-up may come off of your face with an easy wipe, but because of the absorbent nature of leather, taking it off of a leather bag won't be so easy.
Store your make-up in a separate cosmetic bag, and when applying it, try to keep your leather bag at a distance.
The same warning applies to hair products such as hair spray, gel, hair dyes, deodorant sprays, lotions, and anti-bacterial gel. If any of these products come in contact with the leather of your bag, this may lead to damage that will be difficult to fix.
Don't Overstuff Your Bag
We love shoving a bunch of items in our bags, don't we?
This is definitely a habit we should break! As tempting as it is, overstuffing your leather bag regularly may lead to warping. Try to limit yourself to the essentials in order to preserve your bag. Or better yet, if you need more space in your bag, get a bigger bag!
Keep it dry
Leather and water don't mix. Moisture can seep into the leather of your handbag and may warp it or affect the texture.
If you can, avoid using your leather bag on snowy or rainy days. If you do get caught in an unpredictable rainshower, blot the leather dry with a towel as soon as you are able to. Let the bag air dry after that—do not use other heat sources on it!
Avoid Scratches
Leather scratches can take away from the beauty of your bag. You should take care to avoid contact with sharp surfaces, chunky bracelets, rings, or other potential scratch risks when you are out of the house.
Use a Purse Hook
When you are out and about, don't toss your leather bag on the ground! All of the potential hazards lurk there—oils, grease, dirt, water, rough flooring, sharp objects. Carry and use your purse hook as part of your daily purse care. One caveat—a leather bag should not hang for days on end, but a handbag hook is perfect for a few hours now and again.
How to Clean Your Leather Handbag
If you love your leather bag, you use your leather bag—a lot.
Wear and tear and dirt come with usage, so if you want to prevent long-term damage, cleaning and conditioning your leather is an important step to bag care.
Treat Stains Right Away
If your leather purse or bag comes in contact with something that stains it or marks it up, it's a good idea to treat it as soon as you can. It's important to match the cleaning method to the stain that needs to be removed. For the best results visit a cobbler or dry cleaner in your area that specializes in the cleaning of leather.
Use a Leather Cleaner
Another sure-fire of getting stains out of leather is to use a dedicated leather care product or leather soap. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
Use a Leather Conditioner
Prevent your leather bags from drying and cracking over time by occasionally moisturizing or conditioning your bags. Once a year is great, but this depends on how often you use the bag and the conditions it is exposed to. Always do a test patch on a small, discreet part of the leather bag before applying it all over.
Consider a Protective Spray
If your bag is exposed to water or the elements frequently, you may want to consider a protective spray. This spray is applied to prevent any water from seeping into the leather. Some of these products may change the color or texture of your leather bag, so it's important to test them first.
How to Store Leather Bags and Purses
Proper storage can extend your leather bag's life. Put it away with great care, and it will be taken out in good condition and ready to use and enjoy when you need it. Here are some tips on how to store your leather bags:
- Store away from sunlight to prevent fading
- Make sure they are completely dry
- Cover them in dust bags
- Keep away from direct heat sources
- Do not use plastic bags, only breathable fabric bags or white pillowcases
- Stuff it with white tissue paper or bubble wrap to maintain its shape
- Wrap buckles, chains, clasps, and zippers in tissue to avoid imprinting
- Stand it straight up to avoid leather strain and avoid hanging it up
Love Your Leather Bag for Years
Follow our tips for the proper care, cleaning, and storage of your beloved leather bags you will keep them beautiful and in use for a long time!
Whether you are looking for new leather bags or any other kind of bag, Jandy's is the place for the widest variety of fashionable and functional bags for every occasion. Check out our online store for all of the latest styles and trends in bags, totes, wallets, and more!