Handbag Care & Maintenance

When you buy designer bags, you will think that you need to preserve these investment items. It's common that you want to retain their beauty so that the bag will last years to come. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your gorgeous bags in mint condition.



1. Protect the Material

Want to shield your new bag from spills and dirt? If yes, then, applying leather-protecting products is the answer. The product must be able to repel water and oil from ruining the material. See the instruction on how the routine works best for your bag material. Use the products regularly on heavily used bags. It is advisable to test a small patch on the bag first just to make sure that the protectant product suits the material and doesn’t cause unwanted discoloration.


 

2. Store Them Properly

Always keep your bag in its original dust bag and fill it with stuffing like newspaper, clothing or anything that could maintain its shape. Putting the bag in its dust bag would protect the bag from sunlight exposure, dust and moisture. The silica gel can do the work to control moisture and ensure that the bag doesn’t get damp. Do not “trap” your bag in vacuum packed storage like plastic or vinyl bag, which traps more moisture inside. Let the air breeze in once every 2 weeks to halt the growth of mold. Another trick is that to rotate your bag usage. Daily use will definitely wear your bag out. Do not hang your bag. This will cause unwanted wear and tear on the handles because of bearing weight. Unclip any removable straps for long term storage. Always put your bag upright position on proper shelf to avoid unwanted stretch and distortion. 




3. Remove Stains the Right Way

The first step to do is to know what type of stain you’re dealing with, as that will determine the removal method. Some removal techniques are:

• Food stains: Crush white chalk and let it sit on the stain overnight. Brush off with a clean cloth in the morning.
• Oil stains: Put cornstarch on the stain immediately, rubbing it in to create heat from friction, which will help the oil absorb. Brush the powder off with a clean cloth after you’ve rubbed it in—don’t let it sit on the stain.
• Ink stains: If the stain is fresh, use a white eraser to immediately erase the spot, without applying too much pressure so that the color doesn’t come off. If the ink is already set, you’ll need a professional help. An eraser also works for dirt stains.
• Water stains: Blot water stains, let them dry naturally, and bring your bag to a professional for removal.
• Odor removal: Keep a plastic bag filled with baking soda inside your handbag. Zip the handbag or place it in a larger bag that seals if it doesn’t zip. Keep the baking soda in the bag for one or two days to absorb the odor. Alternatively, place a couple of dryer sheets in the bag for a few days.




If you have the wear and tear that are beyond your skill set,  always opt for professional cleaning services instead for the solutions or other care recommendations. And, for daily routine, practice giving your bag a brisk sweep with a soft dry cloth or brush to revive your bag. You may also use leather moisturizer regularly for supple leather material. 



4. Protect the Lining
Use pouches to store cosmetics and liquids, which will protect the handbag lining from spills and keep you organized to boot. Avoid click pens at all cost, opting for pens with caps instead. Better yet, put those in your pouch too, in case of dreaded ink leaks.



5. Keep Metal Hardware Shiny

Avoid putting inside your bag any steel based items like jewelry, zippers, coins or safety pins that could scratch your bag’s metal hardware. If tarnished, get a cleaning products that could rejuvenate the tarnished and grimy hardware.