A beautiful designer leather handbag can be a symbol of timeless elegance. However, with regular use, it’s easy for your leather handbag to become stained or scuffed. To keep your handbag looking its best, it's important to know how to clean and store it with the care it deserves. In this article, we’ll give you some valuable tips on how to look after your leather bag so that it can keep you company for years to come. 

Maintaining your designer leather handbag

Leather is, of course, a high quality, durable material, however, it is still susceptible to staining, drying, stretching or cracking if it isn’t maintained correctly. To safeguard your beloved designer pieces, it is crucial to tend to them with the utmost care. Maintaining and cleaning a leather handbag can be a delicate process, but it is necessary to keep leather clean to preserve its condition.

Leather Care Tips

-Clean your bag as needed with a soft cloth. 

At the first sign of dirt, promptly wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth, a gentle cleansing wipe, or a cleaner specifically formulated for leather surfaces. Ensure that you’re following the correct cleaning method and that your hands are clean before you handle your bag, as leather can easily absorb oils.

-Use a handbag liner or organiser.

Invest in a handbag liner to serve as a support for the structure of your handbag, maintaining its shape while preserving the interior and lining of your bag. Additionally, a liner or organiser can also help you to keep your belongings in place and accessible. 

-Empty your bag as often as possible.

Depending on your daily routine, your bag may endure some stress. To maintain its silhouette and give your bag a moment to breathe, remove all items and stuff it with acid-free tissue or packing paper to prevent shaping and warping.

-Avoid overstuffing your bag.

Repeatedly filling your handbag to its maximum capacity can cause the leather to crack, the stitches to loosen, and your bag to lose its gorgeous shape and prestigious feel. To ensure your handbag maintains its impeccable form and appearance, it is important to avoid overstuffing it and to use it with care.

-Rotate your handbag usage.

Just as people wear the same watch or necklace day after day, you probably have a preferred handbag that you reach for time and time again. However, it is wise to alternate between your favourite handbags. Even the most exquisitely crafted and durable handbag will eventually show signs of wear and tear with constant use. You could consider investing in a handbag reserved for weekend use in addition to your weekday handbag.

-Leave your handbag at home on rainy days.

Where possible, avoid wearing your leather bag on a rainy day. Leather possesses a degree of natural water resistance, however, being porous, it is not entirely waterproof. While brief exposure to light rain may not cause damage, prolonged exposure and heavy rainfall will inevitably cause harm.

-Address water stains immediately. 

It is essential to address water stains promptly to prevent permanent marking and maintain a clean leather bag. Using a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution, gently rub the affected area. Ensure the cloth is only slightly damp, as excessive moisture can worsen the stain. Gently wipe the spot with a dry cloth and allow the bag to fully dry. To maintain the natural texture and integrity of the leather, nourish it with a premium leather conditioner.

Storage Tips for Leather Bags

-Store your leather handbag in a dust bag.

Designer handbags are often accompanied by a dust bag—a sometimes underestimated  yet crucial component. Designed to safeguard your handbag from dust particles, prevent scratches, and avoid discolouration, this little additional detail serves as an essential measure to preserve the impeccable condition of your luxury leather bag.

-Store your bags on a shelf, taking care to leave space in between them.

While a handbag hook may save space, it is not the best option for preserving your bags’ longevity. Instead, store your bags in a cupboard or on a shelf, standing upright.

When you own multiple handbags, it is recommended that you allow space between them. Prolonged storage in close proximity may result in colour transfer, but this can be avoided by utilising dust bags to store each handbag.

-Fill your bag with stuffing.

Storing your bag with stuffing is a simple yet effective way to ensure that your bag maintains its integrity. Use the stuffing that came with the bag, or if you acquired your handbag pre-owned, you may also use acid-free tissue paper or packing paper to preserve its shape. This is particularly beneficial for soft leather handbags.

-Avoid storing your leather bag under direct sunlight or in areas with low humidity.

Prolonged exposure of your handbag to direct sunlight and/or low humidity can cause discoloration. Similarly, it is best to avoid artificial sources of heat, as these can also cause leather to dry out and crack. The ideal place to store your handbag is in a cool, dark location.