Staying chic and fashionable isn’t always about appearance, especially if you are someone who loves to wear or use accessories made of high-quality fabric like leather. Leather bags are an iconic piece of accessory to have in your wardrobe. It also requires proper care and maintenance to preserve its quality for a long period.
Who would want to don a leather bag with scratches or visible damages?
From choosing the appropriate type of cleaner and protective oils to knowing how to use, carry, and store it properly, this blog will briefly discuss helpful tips to maintaining your favorite boho leather bag’s quality like a pro:
Choose the right cleaning product
The best cleaning products for leather are non-abrasive and do not cause discoloration or fading. They are gentle on the material while effectively removing stains and conditions the bag with a protective layer against scratching and UV radiation. Some over-the-counter cleaners come with a microfiber towel that you can use to wipe the product all over your bag. The more expensive variants of leather cleaner provide added features such as a repellent against dust accumulation and rust.
Expand your knowledge with different types of leather
There are different kinds of leather, and knowing how to determine one from the other allows you to discriminate better between harmful chemicals and elements for your bag from those that are safe. Top-grain leather is thinner and is more prone to dents and scratches. Full-grain leather is more high-quality, and it is known for exhibiting the natural texture of leather. Chrome-tanned leather is known to have high resistance against water exposure, while vegetable-tanned variants are less resilient and when submerged in water, tend to shrink and lose its vibrancy.
Avoid filling your bag to the brim
Leather may be quite sturdy, but it is not ideal for carrying baggy objects or items. Too much weight on your leather bag can strain it or leave big and small tears on the fabric. The same thing holds for large sizes of leather purses and bags. If you must bring or carry several items with you to your destination, use a canvas bag instead.
Condition your bag regularly
Conditioning leather fabrics are key to keeping it moisturized and preventing cracks from appearing in the long run. Leather conditioners often come in oil form. When applying conditioner, use a soft cloth or microfiber towel and gently dab all over the surface of your bag. Leave the oil or conditioner on for 7-10 minutes before wiping or drying off in a well-ventilated room.
Be mindful of how you store it
Aside from storing your leather bags in a cool, dry place with proper air supply and circulation, it would be ideal if you keep your bag along with the silica gel included in the box or the package. The silica gel helps prevent moulds from building up. More structured bags must be stored with butter paper to keep the bag from wilting or losing its original form. Put out your bags once a week or twice a month and let it get more ventilation. Doing so will remove any moisture that may have built upon the surfaces or inner lining of your bag.
Your leather bags add a cool edge to your daily outfits. Thus, you need to return the favor by applying the correct maintenance and care for it.