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While tons of bags out there won't break the bank, let's be real — leather bags are worth the splurge. For one, they never go out of style and always make your outfit look on point. It's like having a timeless piece of fashion in your closet that will always be in style.
Investing in a leather bag that lasts for a long time is wise because there is undoubtedly ROI. While you don't have to be overly protective of it, learning to take care of it properly ensures your investment doesn't go to waste.
Here are some beneficial tips on the possible causes of leather damage and the preventive measures for it.
Possible Reasons for Leather Bag's Wear and Tear and How To Fix Them
Whenever you use leather bags, you're bound to come across issues like stains or scratches.
Are there scratches?
Leather bags can get scratches from different things, like touching rough surfaces, sharp objects, or even just regular wear and tear.
For example, setting your bag down on a rough concrete floor or accidentally scraping it against a sharp edge could lead to scratches. When leather bags get scratched, the affected area may look lighter or discolored, and it can ruin the whole look of the bag.
Taking care of your leather bag is a must if you want it to look its best and avoid getting scratched. But as we all know, accidents happen, so scratches may still appear in the most unnoticeable scenarios.
Are there stubborn stains on your leather?
Leather bags can get stains from spills, liquids, or stuff like ink or grease.
Imagine this: You accidentally spill coffee on your bag, get caught in the rain without an umbrella, or have a pen leak inside your bag. These situations can lead to ugly stains. When leather bags get stained, the affected area may look darker, discolored, or have a noticeable mark.
Getting rid of stains can be a real pain in the neck, especially if you don't tackle them right away or don't know the proper way to do so.
Cleaning Your Leather Bag
Leather bags are not only stylish, but they are also durable and can last for a long time with proper maintenance.
Do an every-other-day cleaning: There must be more than just leather bags in one place to maintain them. It might sound troublesome, but do a quick cleaning every other day, briskly sweeping your leather messenger bag, briefcase, or backpack with a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth.
Avoid products that can ruin your leather: When cleaning leather, avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or acetone, as well as alcohol-based cleaners, wet wipes, household cleaners, and abrasive materials such as steel wool.
These products can damage the leather by stripping away natural oils, causing dryness, fading, or cracking. Opt for gentle, leather-specific cleaners and conditioners like what we have from Clyde’s to maintain the quality and appearance of your leather bag.
Don't use too much water: While cleaning it every other day is one way to maintain your bag, remember not to use too much water as the leather takes time to dry and causes discoloration for some.
Take care to not let water absorb into the leather. If your handbag or jacket gets very wet, wipe off excess moisture as soon as possible.
Do air dry: You should not use a hairdryer to dry the leather. Let it air dry, and then apply a leather conditioner after.
Do deep cleaning once or twice a year: Do a more thorough cleaning to remove dirt buildup. Use a cleaner like Clyde’s Leather Cleaning Foam, apply it in a circular motion, and wipe it off with a slightly damp cloth to avoid clogging the pores of the leather.
Our leather bag care recommendations apply whether you're working with a leather handbag, leather purse, or leather jacket. As long as your cleaner and conditioner are formulated for real leather, you're all set.
Just a heads up, leather bags can take a beating, but they don't like it when they're exposed to the elements for long periods of time. If you want to keep your leather bag looking great for longer, it's a good idea to adjust your cleaning and care routine accordingly.
Conditioning Your Leather Bag
One important aspect of leather care is conditioning to keep them from drying out over time, becoming stiff, and cracking over time, leading to irreversible damage.
Use a conditioning product specifically made for leather: To prevent flaking and wrinkling, apply Clyde's Leather Conditioning Cream to a soft cloth and gently rub over the entire bag. Conditioners such as Clyde's can help to repel ink stains, which can often worsen when removed through DIY methods.
Be careful of using oil to condition your leather: Some people use common oils like olive oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil to moisturize leather. But these oils can be too heavy for anything other than saddlery and similar uses. If you use these oils on other leather items, they could oversaturate the stain and make the fibers decompose faster than if you used a more suitable oil.
Don't use excessive amounts of conditioner: Applying too much conditioner can lead to a buildup on the leather's surface, making it sticky or prone to attracting dirt and debris. Just use the conditioner sparingly.
Regular conditioning is a must: Depending on the dryness or humidity in your climate, apply leather conditioner at least twice a year, up to once a month or so, to keep your leather bag soft and supple.
Proper Way To Store Your Leather Bag
To maintain the shape of your leather handbag, stuff it with bubble wrap or parchment paper. Avoid using newspaper as it can smudge and cause stains.
After stuffing, put your leather bag in its original dust bag and store it in the original box with silica gel packets to prevent dampness. Make sure to air your leather bag every two weeks to avoid mold growth.
Key Takeaway
If you invest in a high-quality leather bag, it can last for years with proper care. However, no matter how well you take care of your leather couch, it may eventually start to show signs of wear and tear.
But don't worry, we understand the importance of keeping your leather items in top condition and we are here to help you with any maintenance you may need.
At Clyde's, we provide an extensive range of premium quality products that are specially designed to cater to the needs of removing stubborn stains and tough grease marks.
Our leather care product line is tailored to meet all your cleaning needs. So, whether you are a professional cleaner or an avid DIYer, you can rely on our products to keep your leather products looking shiny, clean, and brand new.