Learn from the experts how to take care of your bag. The Handbag Spa’s directors have more than 30 years combined experience in handbag care, specifically within the leather industry.
The internet is full of myths and mis-information about the correct way to care for your handbag, ranging from odd to damn right crazy! You’ll see everything from vinegar and milk to window cleaner and baby wipes, all of which can be very detrimental to the finish on your handbag.
Regardless of whether your handbag is leather of fabric, it is of the utmost importance that you know and understand the type of fabric/leather it is. By knowing what type of leather/fabric you have will determine the product you use to keep it hydrated and protected. Naked/unfinished/Aniline leathers are very porous and need extra care.
We have collated a list of tips and guidance to help you keep your bags in tip-top condition.
1) Know and understand the fabric / leather your bag is made from.
2) Immediately apply a stain guard to your bag from new, to maximise protection.
3) Re-apply the stain guard every 2-3 months (depending on how much you use it). Apply 2-3 coats of protection stain guard to the handles of your bags to stop body oils stains.
4) Try to rotate your bags in order for them to maintain their original shape.
5) Clean and rehydrate your bags with an appropriate product every 4-6 weeks, depending on you usage.
6) On leather handbags use a lint free cloth to remove dust and debris from you bag before you store it away.
7) Before storing away, allow you bag to “air” by opening up the main zip and turning out (if possible).
8) Vacuum the inside of your bags before you store them away in their care pouches. It will stop any debris staining the lining.
9) Keep the tissue paper that came with your bag, restuff it when not in use. This will help it to keep the shape.
10) Always store your bag in the soft pouch that came with it. This will help to avoid sun damage.
11) Follow the manufacturers cleaning guidelines to ensure your bag lasts for years to come.
12) An annual deep clean will rejuvenate your leather handbag and remove potentially damaging debris and bacteria.
13) Be careful where you put your bag down, especially if it is unfinished leather, such as Suede, Aniline or Nubuck.
14) In just 1 week your bag will pick up a ridiculous amount of bacteria (bathroom floors, tables, etc) cleaning with our Anti-Bacterial cleanse will remove this.
15) Stop cleaning your handbags, start loving them! #doesyourhandbagneedsomelove
