As a part of our commitment to circular fashion, we want to share with you the essential tips on properly caring for specific types of handbags. Whether you own a luxurious leather tote or a stylish jacquard crossbody, maintaining different materials will keep your bags looking great for years. So, let's talk about do's and don'ts when it comes to the most popular materials used in the production of handbags: leather, patent leather, coated canvas, jacquard & suede.
Jacquard Handbags
Jacquard fabric is all about sophistication and details, with intricate patterns woven right into the material instead of being printed on top. Some of COACH and Dooney & Burke's vintage bags are handcrafted with this type of fabric.
Do's:
✓ Use a soft brush or lint roller regularly to remove dust and dirt from your bag. Dust/ dirt + moisture = stains; therefore, you must keep any dust or dirt particles far away from your bag.
✓ Spot-clean stains immediately using a mild detergent, soft cotton fabric, and water. Time is of the essence. The longer you wait to clean the fabric, the less likely you will be able to remove it.
✓ Store the bag in a dustbag to prevent fabric snags and color fading.
Don'ts:
☓ To prevent color fading, avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Keep your bag in the shade outdoors, while a dustbag is a good indoor storage solution.
☓ Never use rough scrubs or stiff brushes to clean the fabric, as they can damage the weave.
☓ Do not use harsh chemicals or bleach - they will damage your bag. In case of stubborn stains, consult the Handbag Spa for more tips on how to get rid of difficult staining.
Leather Handbags
Genuine leather is a strong, flexible, and durable material; however, to keep it that way, regular conditioning is needed to prevent drying or cracking. Although the fashion industry has developed many sustainable alternatives to genuine leather, it remains the most sought-after option for women looking for timeless accessories.
Do's:
✓ Wipe with a soft, damp cloth for daily maintenance. Getting rid of dust or dirt particles protects the bag from unnecessary staining.
✓ Apply a leather conditioner every few months to keep it supple.
✓ Store it in a cool, dry place with tissue paper inside to maintain its shape. Ensure that your bag stands on a flat surface and is not squeezed between other objects to prevent shape deformation.
Don'ts:
☓ Avoid prolonged exposure to water. Leather absorbs moisture and can stain. Water stains are tough to remove, and prolonged exposure can damage leather.
☓ Do not use baby wipes, alcohol, or harsh cleaners, as they strip natural oils. Once the natural oils are out, the leather starts to crack.
☓ Keep away from direct heat sources like radiators, which can cause cracking. Genuine leather flourishes in dry and cool areas away from natural sunlight.
Coated Canvas Handbags
Coated canvas became a popular alternative to leather due to its durability and water resistance. Although it is considered a low-maintenance fabric, gentle care is still required. Some of the most sought-after handbags, like the Louis Vuitton Never Full tote, are handcrafted with coated canvas; therefore, knowing how to care for the bag could come in handy.
Do's:
✓ Use a soft-bristled brush to remove surface dirt. Surprisingly, using a regular cloth to remove the dirt or dust might not be as effective as cleaning the surface with a brush.
✓ For routine cleaning, wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. No special detergent or chemicals are needed.
✓ Store upright to prevent bending or warping.
Don'ts:
☓ Do not use abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the coated surface. One scratch could easily create a domino effect and affect a large bag area.
☓ Avoid overstuffing the bag, which can cause permanent creasing. Although coated canvas is quite a durable fabric, handbags made of this material cannot carry the weight of a genuine leather handbag.
☓ Avoid dark denim or other fabrics that can transfer dye. Be careful when carrying your bag around!
Suede Handbags
Suede is a luxurious type of leather made from the underside of animal skin. Unfortunately, this soft and fuzzy fabric is very susceptible to stains and water. Therefore, products made of suede, including suede handbags, should be used and maintained with special caution.
Do's:
✓ Use a suede brush to lift dirt and restore texture. Just like with jacquard, a tiny particle of dust can turn into a stain if exposed to moisture. Regular brushing is a necessity to avoid staining.
✓ Apply a suede protector spray to prevent stains.
✓ Stuff with tissue paper when storing to maintain shape. Suede bags quickly lose their shape if left without adequate stuffers.
Don'ts:
☓ Do not expose the bag to water. Moisture ruins the suede, making this fuzzy, soft fabric rough and stiff.
☓ Avoid contact with oils, lotions, or perfumes - suede does not take them well.
☓ Never rub stains with water; use a suede eraser instead.
Patent Leather Handbags
Patent leather has a glossy finish that can be prone to fingerprints and scuffs. Although it is a fun fabric that creates eye-catching handbag pieces, it demands regular care.
Do's:
✓ Wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges. You may be surprised at how difficult it is to avoid smudges while cleaning with a regular cloth.
✓ Use a bit of petroleum jelly or specialized cleaner to remove scuffs.
✓ Store in a dust bag to avoid surface scratches.
Don'ts:
☓ Avoid prolonged contact with dark-colored items that can transfer dye. In many cases, removing dye from patent leather is impossible.
☓ Do not stack heavy objects on top of patent leather bags. Doing so can damage the surface of the patent leather and cause it to crack.
☓ Avoid direct heat, which can cause the glossy finish to crack.
Few Final Tips for All Handbags
✓ Rotate your handbags to prevent excessive wear on your favorite piece.
✓ Store bags upright in a dust bag with silica gel packs to prevent moisture damage.
☓ Avoid hanging bags on hooks for long periods, as it can distort straps.
This mini-guide will help you keep your handbags in top condition and extend their lifespan. Whether you're carrying a pre-loved treasure from PURSU or a brand-new designer piece, treating your bags well will ensure they stay stylish and functional for years to come for you and, hopefully, others.
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