1. Protect the Material
Stay away from rain and heat sources (for example, on a refrigerator). They’re bad. Like really bad: it can leave permanent damage on delicate leather. Buy a universal protective purse cover and keep it in your bag. Your bag will thank you.
2. Regular maintenance
Avoid handling your handbags after applying hand lotion or if your hands are less than clean. Once in a while, empty them out, turn them upside down, gently shake them to remove dust, etc. Occasionally wipe down the exterior with an alcohol-free baby wipe unless otherwise indicated.
3. Remove stains immediately
If you accidentally stain your luxury bag's interior or exterior, it’s important to take care of it immediately. Most stains can be removed using the appropriate leather cleaner and a clean cloth. If you’re trying to remove an ink stain, then special ink removing products for leather are also available. Be sure to follow all the instructions carefully and then leave the bag to air dry entirely before using it again. Sometimes, stains are noticed right away or are particularly stubborn. We understand how devastating it must be to find an old stain on your bag that refuses to be removed. In this case, we’d recommend taking your bag to a professional as soon as possible.
4. Protect the interior
We recommend using plastic baggies or plasticized cosmetic pouches to store products like cosmetics, pens (don’t even think about throwing a click pen in your bag!), hand sanitizer, and other liquids. Don’t let these items roll around free in your handbag as they can stain the material. Lipstick is nearly impossible to remove from fabric!
5. Use care products, and use the right ones.
Once in a while, gently rub the leather with leather cream or balm with a clean white cloth, followed by a dry cotton cloth to buff. Tenderly by URAD is a good cream, as is Tarrago Leather Care Balm. Most shoe repair shops carry leather creams. Use a suede brush to clean and revive the suede. Better still, we advise protecting your bag before an accident happens. Companies like Scotchguard make special protectant spray products for fabric and also for suede and nubuck. Always make sure that you read the instructions carefully to ensure that the product is suitable for the material. You can do a patch test on a tiny portion of the material first to ensure there is no discoloration.
6. Organize your bag
Organizing your bag is not to be forgotten if you want to keep the inside as fresh as possible. You really don’t want that lipgloss getting a permanent mark on the lining, do you? Little pouches are great for keeping things in place and providing some extra protection, and there are also great bag organizers you can buy. Try something sleek and ergonomic that can slip easily into your bag.
7. Store them properly
Ideally, bags should be stored upright, in their dust bags, or in a cotton pillowcase (never in plastic or a non-breathable bag, as moisture will build up). Don’t pile bags on top of one another. Ensure that the bag is stuffed to maintain its shape; use soft, dry materials like acid-free tissue paper, scarves, or other fabric. Unclip and roll up any long straps and store these inside the bag. While you might be inclined to sling your bag over a doorknob or hook, resist the urge. Please don’t hang your handbag by the handle as it may distort the leather. We recommend standing it upright on a shelf instead. Always store them out of direct sunlight to prevent any discoloration and with low humidity to avoid mold.
8. Don’t forget about the hardware.
Some designer bags are retrofitted with hardware, from bag clasps and shoulder chain straps to decorative metals. You may use a microfiber cloth to wipe them clean. You can use a makeup brush with soft bristles for hardware with tiny nooks and crannies. Avoid using cleaning materials that can cause surface scratches on your bag’s hardware.
9. Don’t clean your designer bags too much.
Do not risk the urge to clean your designer bags often. Sometimes, too much care can cause damage. Only clean your handbag when you need to refresh its look to avoid wearing the surface out more quickly.
You can also use conditioning products like waterproof spray or conditioner spray to keep certain stains away from penetrating the bag’s surface.
10. Rotate Your Bags
As with any of your most-loved garments, rotating your designer bag for others in your collection will aid in its longevity. Please keep it in a healthy accessories rotation to curtail its overuse.
11. Seek professional help
You know when your bag should go to rehab! Don't be afraid to seek a professional for stains, rips and tears, broken zippers, or pulls.
12. Don't be afraid to use it.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to use your bag; tiny scratches and stains are bound to happen. Remember that imperfections are memories: just proof that the bag is loved and the money was well spent. Hopefully, with these easy steps, you will be able to love your favorite purchases for even longer and mitigate the wear and tear of everyday life.
