It’s a great feeling when you find the perfect handbag. Of course, you want to make sure your investment lasts a long time. If you care for your bag properly, it will look beautiful for years to come.
If your handbag is made of leather, you could treat it with a leather protectant. This is a matter of preference, as some prefer leather for its natural weathering, and therefore would not want to treat it. But treating can help prevent stains.
If you are not going to use your bag immediately, store it in a dry, safe place in a dust cover. If you don’t have a dust cover, use a pillowcase. A plastic bag just is not durable enough. Even after you have put your belongings in your bag and begun to carry it, it’s still a good idea to store it the same way. This will ensure that it doesn’t get damaged.
When you pick up your handbag, make sure your hands are clean. Many people don’t think about it, but this simple step can keep your bag from getting stained. You could even keep some waterless hand sanitizer or wet wipes in the bag for use in a pinch. Just make sure they are in a secure container so that they won’t leak.
If at all possible, avoid taking your designer handbag out in the rain. Have a less expensive, and less precious, bag as a backup to use during wet weather. Water can wreak havoc on the fine materials of which your bag is made.
Most materials should be wiped with a soft, damp cloth to clean. Chemicals can stain your bag, and you don’t want to take that chance. Most bags come with cleaning instructions, so be sure to read them for the specifics.
Some types of leather can be cleaned with leather cleaners, but if you’re not sure, don’t risk it. If you get stains or discoloration that you aren’t sure how to handle, take your bag to a professional leather cleaner. He or she will have the expertise to clean your bag properly without damaging it.
If your handbag has brass buckles or other brass accents, they must be cleaned carefully to avoid damaging the fabric. There are treated, brass cleaning cloths available that make this much easier. Still, you should try to keep the cloth off of the fabric because it contains oils that could stain it. Unbuckle any buckles to clean them, and use a light touch.
Caring for a luxury handbag is not difficult. Simply taking a few extra precautions and spending a few extra minutes of your time to store it carefully and clean it properly will ensure that your bag retains its beauty and has a long life.
