How To Care for Your Leather Bags

Good-quality leather bags like ours can keep their shape for years if you care for them properly. Proper care prevents the leather from drying out and cracking, and it protects it from excessive moisture that can cause the skin to swell or mildew. 

When you buy a leather bag from us, we want you to enjoy it for years as you do today. therefore, we have created a guide on the 3 main parts of caring for your leather bags which are Conditioning, Cleaning, and Storing. This guide will provide you with tips to ensure your investment will last and you'll have a soft, reliable leather handbag for years to come.

THINGS YOU WILL NEED:

  • Leather cleaner
  • Leather conditioner
  • Bubble wrap
  • Dust bag or pillowcase
  • Tissue paper
  • Soft cotton cloth
  • Suede brush
  • White chalk powder

1. CONDITIONING: 

Regular condition your leather bags will protect them from drying out and crack. So It is always a good idea to condition your leather bags before using them. And depending on the dryness and humidity in your climate, apply conditioner at least twice a year, up to once a month or so, to keep your leather bag soft. 

SUPPLIES: 

  • Leather conditioner
  • Soft, clean cloth

APPLICATION: 

To condition your leather bag, apply a leather conditioner to a soft clean cloth and gently rub over the entire bag. We recommend using an all-natural leather cream conditioner or oil. Please make sure you hold the bag with a clean hand while conditioning and cleaning it. 

Be sure to test your conditioning product in a dark spot before applying on the whole surface, as some products can darken the color of your leather 

2. CLEANING: 

Even with proper care, your handbag will get dirty with regular use. Cleaning and conditioning your bag can prevent permanent damage

SUPPLIES:

  • Soft, dry or slightly dry cloth 
  • Suede brush
  • White chalk powder
  • Leather cleaner

APPLICATION: 

Leather bags are susceptible to absorbing grease and oils so please make sure you’re cleaning your leather with a clean hand. 

Do a quick cleaning every other day, briskly wiping the surface of your leather bag with a damp white cotton cloth. Do not use too much water, because leather takes time to dry.

once or twice a year, based on how often you use your leather bag, do a thorough cleaning using a cleaner made specifically made for leather. Rub the leather cleaner into the bag in a circular motion and wipe off with a slightly damp cloth to avoid clogging the pores of the leather. 

Note: Please Never use any cleaning product that contains mineral oil, alcohol, ammonia, or bleach-based cleaners or one that is not designed for leather. These kinds of cleaners can damage the surface of your leather bag. 

REMOVING STRAINS:

If you notice that your handbag has a stain from food or blood or other small marks, make sure to treat the spot as soon as you can. Many stains can be removed using chalk powder and clean cloth. Grind ordinary white chalk into a powder and apply the powder to the spot. Allow the powder to sit on the mark overnight, and then dust it off with a clean clothe.

SUEDE PRODUCTS: 

If stains occur, use a soft pencil eraser, fine grade sandpaper, or a suede brush to clean stains from your purse. Rub at the stain gently with the eraser until the stain clears. Once it clears, rub-down the purse with a clean towel or brush. Do not use a leather conditioner on suede products. 

3. STORING: 

SUPPLIES: 

  • Bubble wrap
  • Dust bag or pillowcase
  • Tissue paper

APPLICATION:

Stuff your unused leather handbags with bubble wrap or parchment paper to restore and hold its shape. (DO not use newspaper as it will smear)

Store your leather purse in a dust bag or natural-fabric pillowcase. You can wrap the chrome or metallic parts — a chain handle, for example — in clean, acid-free tissue paper. If your bag has metal buckles, tags, or chains, be sure to wrap those pieces in tissue paper.  This will keep the metal from pressing against the leather and leaving a mark. 

Don’t store your bag right after you clean it or while it is wet, allow it to get air dry then store it.  If you’re storing your leather bag long-term, store it where it can breathe, ease open the buckles and straps so impressions are released, or air it every two weeks. This will prevent mold growth, rubbing, or permanent creases in unwanted areas.

4. CAUTION AND TIPS 

  •  Store your cosmetics inside a pouch and use a small pencil case for pen and other writing implements that could leak. Also, keeping all pens and anything that leaks give additional protection for the leather. 
  • Avoid getting beauty products in your bag. Hairspray, gel, and other hair products are damaging to leather, so be sure your bag is not nearby when you're refreshing your hairstyle. Also, keep your handbag far away from the chair at the salon. Also make sure to cape your other beauty products like lotion, perfume, and spray deodorant or store them in a separate pouch. 
  • Never allow water to soak into your bag. If the bag gets wet, do not use a hairdryer on it. Instead, absorb as much water as possible with a thick microfiber hand towel and allow the bag to air dry. Then, condition it again and store it.
  • Don’t over stuff your leather handbags as routinely over stuffing your leather bag can permanently alter its shape. 
  • Do not use cleaning products that contain alcohol, as these will dry out and possibly discolor your leather purse or bag. 
  • Heavy exposure to the elements will age the leather dramatically. So adjust your leather care and cleaning habits accordingly. 

Note: Our Leather bag care recommendation and guide apply whether you are working with a leather handbag, leather purse, leather backpack, leather wallet, leather belt, or leather jacket. However, different leathers have different behaviors so make sure to test any product you will use on the hidden spot before applying on the whole surface.