How To Care For Your Handbag
How To Care For Your Handbag
The 3 Golden Rules
Bagsamoré has been working with our friends at Modsie.com.au to put together a perfect care routine for your new purchase. Modsie, is an Australian second-hand luxury marketplace specialising in all things designer including handbags.
It is important to look after your investment and to get the most out of it, so here is Bagsamoré’s top three tips on how to care for your ‘new to you’ designer handbag.
Purchasing your dream designer handbag is exciting but can be overwhelming when it comes to care. Don’t let the fear of dye transfer, or over use put you off using your bag altogether. By following these three simple rules you can keep your designer handbag looking its best for longer.
Stuff your bag when it’s not in use
This may seem obvious to some, but even the most unlikely of bags benefit from being stuffed when not in use.
For example this Patent Lady Dior:
This bag stands tall from new and is made from what can considered hard wearing leather, but don’t be fooled, from new this leather can seem stiff and rigid, but over time the natural fibres will become softer and loosen. This will eventually cause the handbag to slouch and lose its shape.
Leather softening is an inevitable process that cannot be 100% prevented, however stuffing the bag while it is not in use, will help to prolong the life of the leather maintaining its shape.
Other bags that tend lose their shape over time are:
Mulberry Bayswater, Hermés Kelly, Hermés Birkin, Givenchy Antigona and Chanel Quilted Flaps.
2. Store in a dust cover
Wardrobe displays are everywhere we look! The fascination of looking inside these beautiful closets and getting a sneak peek at enviable handbag collections is a fast growing trend. While these wardrobes may look pretty, they could be causing long term damaging effects to our handbags.
When you purchase a designer handbag it will always come in its own dust cover. This is very important! Do not throw it away. Not only do these dust covers help to maintain the value of your item but they also play an important part in its appearance too.
When storing your handbag away in your wardrobe you should always make sure it is in its dust cover. This protects the bag from gathering dust and dirt on the surface, but more importantly, it protects it from sunlight damage.
Here in Australia the sun is so strong and even through the windows its rays can affect your handbags. The UV can cause the colour to fade and the leather to dry out. This may not be something you see happening instantly, but gradually over time the effect of the sun will be apparent. This can be especially evident on patent leathers, the colours will fade or discolour relatively quickly if exposed to sunlight on a regular basis.
3. Regularly clean and protect your bag
It may be one of the last things on your mind when you purchase a bag but knowing how to clean and protect your item is so important.
PROTECT
You shouldn’t have to be afraid to wear your new white leather bag with your favourite pair of jeans. Did you know that by protecting your bag before use can help to prevent problems such as dye transfer, liquid staining and any other emergency spillages. By protecting your bag before you begin to wear it, you can carry it with confidence. A protected bag is also easier to clean and maintain, helping to prolong the life of the leather. Some protection treatments also help to prevent problems such as UV damage.
Waterproofing sprays are ideal for items made from suede and fabric, but should not be used on any other type of leather. The silicones in waterproofing sprays eventually dry out the leather, creating an impenetrable layer on the surface. Leather needs moisture to stay soft and supple.
CLEAN
Depending on usage, you will need to deep clean your bag once or twice a year and regularly wipe over your bag every other week. This is to eliminate any dirt build up on the surface. Why is this important? When dirt is left to sit on the surface for too long, the abrasion will begin to wear away the delicate finish. The finish is an invisible layer on the surface which is there to protect the leather underneath. If this layer is compromised your bag will become more susceptible to staining and cause long term damage to its colour and texture.
What Not to Clean Your Bag With At Home
Solvents
Baby wipes
Saddle Soap
Alcohol
Acetone
These are all things that can damage the finish.
The best cleaners to use at home are water based, with no waxes or oils.
Take a look at our full product rang of cleaners, conditioners and protectors for the perfect products to care for your bag at home:
Check out our Instagram page for tips tricks and tutorials on how to care for you bag!
bagsamore.com.au