The Ultimate Guide To Leather Care

Regarding your leather bags and purses, you should keep a few things in mind to ensure that they last for as long as possible and we at Joela leather are committed to helping you do that.

Here are the best ways to care for your leather bags:

Everyday Care

1. Keep them in a cool, dry place.

This is probably the most important tip when it comes to storing leather bags. Leather is a natural material that is sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Keeping your bags in a cool, dry place will help to prevent them from drying out and cracking.

2. Use a breathable storage bag.

When you're not using your leather bag, it's important to store it in a breathable storage bag. This will help to keep the leather from drying out and prevent it from developing mould or mildew.

3. Avoid direct sunlight.

Leather can fade if it's exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. If you can, store your leather bags in a dark, cool place to help prevent this.

4. Avoid water.

Water can damage leather, so it's important to keep your bags away from it. If you must store your bags in an area where they may come into contact with water, make sure to use a water-resistant storage bag.

5. Be mindful of the things you put in your bags/purses

Putting more items in your than it can contain can disfigure your bags/purses and even lead to the zip of the bag going bad. Also keeping containers that are not properly covered that contain substances that could easily spill out, is one of the ways you could easily damage your bags, so please avoid it.

Dealing With Specific Products

You can prolong the life of your leather accessories with everyday care and thoughtful storage, but certain products may require different methods.

Handbags

For a specific product such as a handbag, when not in use, it is preferable to cover your leather bag in the dust bag in which it arrived - these are cut to the right size to avoid squashing and warping. If you don't have the original dust bag in which it came in, a white cotton pillowcase can be an ideal substitute. Avoid using a coloured fabric to avoid colour transfer.

Once you've covered the leather bag, place your covered handbag away from direct sunlight and other artificial sources of heat. Be sure to stand it on its base rather than hanging it up, as this can stretch the handles. Additionally, take care to choose a spot that is tall enough to allow the handles to stand up unimpeded. Doing otherwise can cause them to become bent or misshapen.

Purses

Sizes and shapes of purses are available to suit your needs. You reduce the risk of stretching the leather by not overfilling the pockets, compartments, and card slots.

A zip pocket or separate compartment is a good place to store your purse in a handbag to prevent scratches and imprints. Regularly wiping or brushing your purse can help remove the daily dust and dirt buildup.

Travel Bags

While leather travel bags are designed with durability and the wear and tear of travel in mind, there are a few easy steps you can take to preserve the quality.

If your bag is in your care before and after travel, place it on its wheels or protective feet rather than on its side to minimise contact with the ground.

When your travel bag is in the hold or overhead compartment, use a protective luggage cover to prevent scratches.

Store your travel bag in its protective bag between trips in a location that comfortably accommodates it without having to fold handles or tightly pack it against other items.

Belts

To extend the lifespan of belts, it is important to rotate them regularly since people wear them every day. A proper fit will also increase longevity, preventing them from stretching out.

You should hang your belt by the buckle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat when not wearing it. Instead of rolling a belt up, allow it to hang flat to avoid any imprints from the hardware.

How to Clean and Maintain Your Leather Goods

• Regularly clean your leather with a soft brush or cloth.

• Regularly air out your leather accessories.

• Blot away water or moisture from your leather as soon as possible.

• Dry wet leather naturally, away from artificial heat.

• Clean spots and stains with a mixture of soap flakes and warm water.

• Use a steam cleaner to disinfect and remove buildup from regular use.

• Don't use a washing machine to wash your leather.

• Don't get leather wet wherever possible.

• Don't dry wet leather next to a radiator or with a hairdryer.

• Don't tumble dry leather.

• Don't iron leather.

• Don't immerse leather in water to clean

Please let us know if you found these tips helpful in the comment section. You can also add your suggestions and observations.