One thing that has kept me anxious for years is how can I maintain the excellent condition of my handbags, even after several years. Especially the bags that are expensive to buy.
I am sure this is a question that women all around the world are googling answers to.
I did a lot of research for a long period and tried all the tips I found online.
Caring for your handbags is essential to ensure they maintain their pristine condition and remain to look new over time. To help you with handbag care, here are 15 tips and tricks that I followed and they worked perfectly for me.
Before noting down these tips and tricks, keep in mind that this task can be particularly challenging in tropical and humid climates, where it feels like summer all year round. To address this inquiry, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide that will help you keep your handbags in pristine condition. I’m excited to share this valuable information with all of you, my dear readers.
Store Them Properly.
A handbag doesn’t need to be taken care of only when you are wearing it outside. The most intense need to take care of is when you’re not using your handbags. You must store them in a dust bag or a pillowcase to protect them from dust, sunlight, and humidity. Many women just hang them in a closet and think it’s safe there. Trust me, it is not. So avoid hanging them, as this can distort their shape. Instead, place them on a shelf wrapped in a dust bag and fill them with tissue paper to maintain their form.
Clean Them Regularly.
Just in case you don’t have a dust bag to wrap your bag, then you must clean it regularly. Because it is crucial to prevent dirt and stains from setting into the fabric or leather. Try Using a soft, lint-free cloth or buy a specialized handbag cleaner to gently wipe away any surface dirt. Do read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Please avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, they could damage the bag.
Be Cautious With Makeup and Liquids
This one is for busy women who spend most of their time outside, and they need to keep a lot in their bags. If you are a busy woman who keeps cosmetics in her handbags, then you must be cautious. If a spill occurs, act quickly by blotting the area with a clean cloth to absorb the liquid. Do not rub because it can spread the stain. Seek professional cleaning urgently for stubborn or difficult stains.
Rotate Their Use
Handbag enthusiast women! hear me out, avoid excessive wear and tear, and rotate the use of your handbags. Because using the same bag every day can lead to faster deterioration. Switching between different bags will allow you to rest and maintain their longevity.
Be Extra Cautious During Extreme Weather
A large reason for damaging a purse that can cost thousands of dollars is the unpredictable weather conditions such as heavy rain or intense sunlight. So if you get caught in a storm, or have to go out in the sun, it must be protected. You gently brush them with a soft cloth so that they air dry on their own. Do not use heat sources or hairdryers, as they may damage the material. Also, you must make sure your handbag is not directly exposed to the sun.
Handle Them With Care
I don’t know about you, but I take care of my bag as If it’s my baby. Whenever I am out I make sure I treat my handbags gently to avoid unnecessary damage. And I suggest you to be mindful of sharp objects, rough surfaces, or abrasive materials that can scratch or snag the bag. Additionally, avoid overstuffing your handbag to prevent strain on the seams and handles.
Maintain The Shape
As I mentioned above, preserve the shape of your handbags by filling them with tissue paper or bubble wrap when not in use. But avoid using newspaper, as the ink can transfer onto the lining. This is the major mistake many women make. Putting clean paper or bubble wrap helps prevent creasing or sagging of the bag’s structure.
Seek Professional Restoration When Needed
Some handbags require extensive cleaning or restoration, it’s best to consult a professional handbag repair service if it’s the need of your handbag. They have the expertise and specialized tools to handle intricate repairs or refurbishments.
Avoid Overloading:
Be mindful of the size of your handbag and what you put in it. Resist the temptation to overload your handbags with excessive weight. Carrying too much can strain the handles or straps, leading to damage or stretching and often distorting the shape. Stick to the essentials and distribute the weight evenly. Organize it well!
Handle Handbags With Clean Hands:
Don’t be reckless, and waste the money spent on your bag with your own hands. Ensure your hands are clean and free from lotions, oils, or any potential stains before handling your handbag. This precaution helps prevent transferring dirt or substances onto the bag’s surface.
Regularly Inspect Hardware:
Keep in check the hardware, such as zippers, clasps, and chains, for any signs of wear or loosening. Because being negligible to it can waste the whole bag for this tiny defect. Tighten loose screws or consult a professional for repairs to prevent further damage.
Protect The Interior Lining:
Taking care of the bag doesn’t involve the outside of the bag only, the inside matters as well. Therefore, Keep pens, makeup, or other potentially staining items in a separate pouch within your handbag to protect the interior lining from accidental spills or leaks.
Use Leather Conditioner:
If you are fond of leather bags like me, then note down how to take care of them. For leather handbags, regularly apply a leather conditioner to keep the material moisturized and prevent it from drying out or cracking. Must read and follow the product instructions and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Keep Them Away From Pets.
Precaution is better than cure. Therefore, If you have pets, store your handbags in a location they can’t access. Pets are more likely to scratch, chew, or shed on your bags, causing damage.
Rotate The Straps.
Handbags with detachable straps need extra care. To keep them functioning for a long period, periodically rotate their usage to distribute wear evenly and prevent them from strain.
I can assure you that by following even a few of these tips and tricks consciously, you can keep your handbags looking new and ensure their longevity. Also, remember that each handbag may have specific care instructions, so it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s recommendations. With proper care, your beloved handbags can continue to make a stylish statement for years to come, and spending money will pay back.