Apart from being cautious when using bags, another crucial aspect is knowing how to care for leather bags and the correct cleaning methods. This is essential to prolong the lifespan of your bags and prevent color fading and wear and tear.
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Store in a Well-Ventilated Area Leather bags, whether genuine or faux, dislike moisture as it can lead to mold growth, which often stems from water and liquids during usage. Therefore, proper storage is essential. Avoid storing them in tight spaces and opt for well-ventilated areas. Some light exposure is acceptable, but prolonged exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided.
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Avoid Stacking Them Too Tightly Stacking bags too tightly can cause chemical reactions from residual chemicals used in leather processing, such as dyes, waterproofing agents, or specific chemicals for that type of leather. Bags that often stick together, such as glazed leather bags, are prone to this issue. Hence, it’s advisable to store them with adequate spacing or separately in fabric bags, which may be provided by the store upon purchase.
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Clean Stains Immediately Upon Detection Despite best efforts, it’s challenging to avoid stains completely during usage. Therefore, prompt cleaning is crucial to prevent deep-seated stains. Some stains may require specialized techniques, which are often trade secrets of leather spa shops, such as oil stain removal or color touch-ups for faded areas.
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Clean Only with Soft Cloth or Brush Genuine leather, like human skin, requires gentle cleaning to maintain its integrity. Hence, soft cloth or brushes with soft bristles should be used. Harsh cleaning tools can scratch the leather surface, regardless of its durability and protective coatings.
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Dry Completely Before Storage Leather bags of all types dislike water. While they may not be completely waterproof, prolonged exposure to water should be avoided. This is because leather, like human skin, has layers that can absorb water, causing structural changes and potential deformation. If the bag gets wet, gently pat it dry with a soft cloth or tissue and then air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
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Use Cleaning Chemicals Sparingly Some chemicals are suitable for genuine leather but not for all types. Improper use of chemicals can cause discoloration or damage to the leather. Therefore, if necessary, it’s essential to read and understand the chemicals used and their suitability for the specific type of leather. Consulting the store selling the chemicals is advisable.
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Maintain the Bag’s Shape with Paper For certain types of bags like handbags, shoulder bags, or backpacks, maintaining their shape when not in use is crucial. This can be easily achieved by stuffing them with paper. The paper should be soft enough to avoid causing pressure marks on the bag.
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Store Unused Bags Properly When not in use for an extended period, it’s essential to store bags properly to prevent dust accumulation and color fading from sunlight exposure. Therefore, storing them in fabric bags or dust bags provided by the store is recommended.
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Seek Professional Care When Necessary Finally, if budget permits, entrusting bags to professional leather spa shops is highly recommended. These shops have the expertise and knowledge in repairing, maintaining, and cleaning leather bags correctly.
In summary, choosing genuine leather bags is a step in the right direction for durability, but proper care and cleaning methods are equally essential. Following the simple methods outlined in this article can help you maintain your leather bags’ condition and prolong their lifespan significantly.
