LEATHER BAG CARE 101

Leather bags are classy and durable. But they last longer if you take proper care of them. To preserve its qualities, we advise you to take special care of your bag as incorrect methods of cleaning or maintenance can lead to permanent damage of the bag.

Below are some tips, guides and precautions for proper maintenance of your bag:

• If your leather bag gets dirty, clean it. Make sure your hands are clean as any residue can easily transfer to the leather. Wipe the bag with a damp cloth to remove dirt or dust sitting on the surface of the bag and there after wipe it with a dry cloth.
• Apply a thin layer or film of good leather conditioner and leave it for roughly 30 minutes, then use a dry cloth to wipe off the excess. (We recommend conditioning at least every few months or once or twice a year depending on the type of leather the bag is made of.
• Conditioning of the bag opens up the pores of the leather and restores its shine by adding a layer of protection which prevents it from being dry and mostly maintains its look and luster. You would want to choose a cream with natural waxes as they act as a barrier against dirt and moisture.
• For Smooth grained leathers, clean with a damp cloth and once the leather is dry, you can use a soft cloth to polish it in circular strokes with use of a high quality leather cream or conditioner.
• For Patent leathers, clean with a soft damp cloth and then later on wipe with a clean dry cloth. Store your patent leather bag away from other leather bags to avoid color migration and discoloration.

STAINS AND SCRATCHES

Water stains

For instances such as water stains from the rain or spillage of drinks, the bag might get soggy and could lead to damage of the bag in the long run. Use a soft dry towel to blot away any moisture then allow the bag to dry in a room temperature environment. It is important you blot the moisture by only dabbing it instead of using a wiping motion which would only push the water deeper into the leather.

Ink stains

These can be really stubborn but once you are aware of the right method or leather cleaner to use, they can be quite easy to get rid of.  To remove it, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a small area of the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. This is to spot test to see if there would be any discolorations. Once you approve that the alcohol is safe for use, apply it onto a small piece of cotton wool and wipe the stain in a circular motion until it disappears.Once dry, apply some leather conditioner over the area to restore its moisture and shine.

Scratches

If the bag gets a scratch, you would want to use leather oil by rubbing it in a circular motion as it will help lessen the intensity of the appearance of the mark created. Leather conditioner can enhance the bag with a good level of oil and wax and will prevent further harsh scratches.

Here are some of the precautions you would want to take for proper maintenance:

• Remember to take care of stains immediately after they happen as this will prevent a chance of letting them soak into material even more. Keep pens or beauty products in separate pouches to avoid permanent stains and damage.
• Keep your bag out of the sunshine and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent it from drying out and cracking. If stored in a moist place, you may find the bag developing mold and we would not want that, would we? Store it in a protective pouch or you could improvise by using a pillow cover to enable it to breathe as moisture would create mold. You could throw in a pouch or two of silica gel if available.
• Avoid over stuffing your bag with heavy items as they could stretch out the leather. Purchase a bag large enough for your needs and avoid overfilling it to make it last longer.

When choosing what bag to buy, make sure to ask and consider what leather type it is and we as Qali Bags Kenya are here to offer that service to our best. Proper leather care will keep your bag looking great for years and assist in providing a smooth patina as the bag ages. Leather always looks great with time! Leave a comment below if you have any additional tips