Your purse is more than just an accessory, it's your daily companion that houses your must-have necessities and that also complements your individual style. Whether you've just splurged on an investment designer piece, or not quite the design you were hoping for, shake things up a bit and add an instant revamp to your everyday bag – taking inspiration from the spring/summer 2018 catwalk shows that are easily transferable to your wardrobe. And when you consider that an average spillage of coffee costs £58.30 to clean, then have these fashion hacks in the back of your mind to keep them looking fresh for longer and guarantee years of use.
Wear and tear (most bags will start show signs of) within the first few months of being used regularly. They can scratch, stain, fade, and lose their shape, which can lead to a once-pricey bag appearing tired and worn out. The good news? With the proper treatment and preventive measures, you can prolong the life of your handbag and keep that brand new look.
In this in-depth guide, you'll find proven strategies for protecting your investment, material-specific care tips and expert tricks the pros use to keep bags looking beautiful.
Daily Protection Strategies That Work
Smart Storage Solutions
How you store your bag when you are not using it is a rather big determining factor on the shape and condition of your bag. Never hang your bag by its handles, as doing so puts stress on the straps and can eventually damage the attachment points.
Instead, stand bags upright on shelves or keep them in dust bags. For structured bags, fill them with crumpled tissue paper or bubble wrap to keep them upright. Soft bags can be kept flat, but never pile heavy items on top.
Keep in a proper storage area away from direct sunlight (direct sun can color and dry leather). An out-of-the-way spot that's cool and dry is ideal. Use shelf dividers if you have several bags, to keep them from leaning against each other and creating pressure marks.
How to Properly Wear Your Bag
How you wear your handbag is more important for its longevity than you might think. Switch what shoulder you carry on each week to minimize uneven wear on straps. While setting down your bag, put it on clean surfaces and stay away from abrasive surfaces such as concrete or brick.
Stash hard pointy items like keys and pens in dedicated pockets/pouches so they don't poke through inside the bag, causing scratches. Overstuffing is a similarly frequent mistake — it places strain on the material and can lead to seams splitting or handles breaking.
Material-Specific Care Methods
Leather Handbag Maintenance
Leather bags need to be conditioned regularly to keep them soft and prevent drying out. Clean your leather bag once a month, using a soft damp, relatively mild/bland cloth to dab the surface of your bag will remove surface dirt. Double-check the instructions, but if you need to clean any dirt or stains further, we recommend doing so with a leather cleaner.
Condition the leather approximately every 3-4 months (or more frequently if you live in a dry area). Opt for a conditioner that suits the finish of your bag — matte leather requires different products than glossy leather. If you can, test any product on a hidden area to make sure it won't stain or otherwise change the color or texture.
Weekly Leather Care Routine:
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Wipe with a clean, dry cloth
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Check for scratches or scuffs
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Empty and shake out debris
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Allow to air dry if damp
Monthly Deep Care:
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Clean with leather cleaner
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Apply conditioner
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Buff with a soft cloth
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Check hardware for tarnishing
Canvas and Fabric Bag Care
Canvas and fabric bags tend to be more forgiving and less needy than leather ones, but that doesn't mean they don't require a little extra care every now and then. Many canvas bags can take a gentle cycle in the machine, but be sure to check the care label first. Wash in cold water with mild detergent, let air dry thoroughly.
For spot cleaning, combine with water a little gentle detergent and use a soft brush to work out stains. Rinse well and let dry completely before using. Scotchgard fabric bags when they're new to offer an extra layer of protection from stains and water.
Synthetic Material Protection
Inexpensive leather-like and vinyl bags are sturdy and last for ages, but they can crack if they get too dry. Wash them with mild soap and water, and use a vinyl protectant to keep the material supple. These bags have a better chance against moisture than genuine leather, but can scratch more easily, so be gentle.
Stain Prevention and Immediate Treatment
Quick Response Protocol
Speed is everything when it comes to stain removal. And as with all stains, the longer a coffee or tea stain remains, the more difficult it is to remove. Keep a little kit with soap, clean cloths and a water bottle in your car or office.
For liquid spills, blot up the spill and also wipe with a damp, clean white cloth. For oil-based stains on leather, sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder to soak it up, then brush it off after an hour.
Common Stain Solutions
|
Stain Type |
Immediate Action |
Follow-up Treatment |
|
Water spots (leather) |
Blot to dry |
Apply leather conditioner |
|
Ink |
Blot, don't rub |
Apply alcohol on cotton swab |
|
Makeup |
Blot off gently |
Clean with special cleaner |
|
Food grease |
Apply cornstarch |
Brush away after 30 minutes |
|
Dirt/mud |
Let dry |
Brush away, then clean |
Hardware and Metal Component Care
Bag hardware including zippers, clasps and the decorative metal touches get plenty of handling as well. Sticky or tarnished hardware can easily spoil the look of an otherwise pristine bag.
Wipe metal hardware weekly with a soft cloth. For tarnished pieces, employ a metal polish that works with the type of metal you're polishing (brass, silver, and gold-plated require different products). For new hardware, add a coat of clear nail polish on it to prevent tarnishing.
Prevent zippers from sticking by running a bar of soap over the teeth once a month. This will lubricate the slider and prevent snags. When a zipper begins to stick, don't force it — work it back and forth ever so gently with soap, until it glides freely.
Seasonal Rotation and Storage Tips
Climate Considerations
Handbag maintenance is not the same in every season. The summer's heat and humidity can lead to mold and mildew in stored bags; the dry winter air can cause bags stored in your closet to crack from lack of moisture.
During hot, damp months, place packets of silica gel in storage areas to help keep them dry. Moisturize leather bags more often during dry winter months, and do not place near heating vents.
Rotation Benefits
Rotating with other bags extends the life of all bags. Each bag rests to regain its shape and to air out any moisture. Try to rotate the bags every week or every other week if possible.
When rotating bags out of circulation, be sure to clean them thoroughly and store them correctly. This will prevent small problems from becoming serious damage when in storage.
Professional Cleaning vs DIY Care
When to Call the Experts
Some situations require professional intervention. Water damage, deep staining that won't yield to home remedies or structural repairs are going to require expert care. Most luxury designer bags benefit from occasional professional cleaning and care to help the bags retain their value.
Find cleaners who specialize in handbags and have experience with the material of your bag. Get quotes from a few different services and inquire about their process — legitimate cleaners will be willing to describe their methods and show before/after photos of similar work.
DIY Success Stories
Lots of handbag problems can be fixed at home with a little patience and the right techniques. Little scuffs on leather will usually vanish when leather has been conditioned correctly. You can do a temporary home repair with clear nail polish on small tears to hold them together until you can seek a professional.
Put together a handbag first-aid kit with the essentials: leather conditioner, gentle soap, soft cloths, cotton swabs and stain remover (appropriate to your bags' material).
Investment Protection Strategies
Documentation for Valuable Bags
With expensive handbags, keep records to help maintain value. Photograph new bags, retain receipts and authenticity cards, and record professional cleaning or repair work performed. This is useful for insurance claims or when selling your bags.
Keep boxes, authenticity certificates and receipts in a safe place – and keep them away from the bags. Digital copies can act as a backup in the event that the original is lost.
Insurance Considerations
See if your homeowner's or renter's insurance provides handbag coverage. High-value bags might require extra coverage or specific riders on your policy. Document photos of your collection and keep receipts to include with any claims.
Long-Term Bag Longevity Secrets
The 80/20 Rule for Bag Care
Put 80 percent of your effort into prevention — good storage, gentle handling and periodic maintenance. The remaining 20% revolves around addressing problems as they happen. This is more efficient and cost-effective than addressing massive damage later.
Building Healthy Habits
Incorporate bag care into your routine. Once you get home, empty your bag completely and wipe it down before tucking it away. This five-minute practice prevents most problems and keeps bags looking great.
Set calendar reminders to deep clean and condition bags every month. Seasonal cues prompt you to rotate bags and modify care for seasonal changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to condition my leather handbag and if so, how often?
Under normal use, you should treat leather bags every 3-4 months, or once a month if the bag's a daily carry or you live in a very dry climate. Be careful not to over-condition, as leather can become so soft it loses its form.
Is it OK to put my canvas bag in the washing machine?
Check the care label, but most typical canvas bags should do fine on the gentle cycle in cold water, and then hung to dry. Remove any leather trim first and always air dry (don't throw a canvas bag in the dryer, since the heat can shrink the fabric).
How do I eliminate ink stains on leather?
Blot (do not rub) the ink stain with a clean cloth as fast as you can. For ballpoint pen ink, blot with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, working from the outside of the stain inward. Test in a hidden area first.
How can I keep my bag handles from cracking?
Condition leather handles regularly, and refrain from overstuffing your bag. Switch which shoulder you wear it on, and don't carry your bag by the handles if it's heavy. Store bags with relaxed handles, not stretched.
Should expensive bags be professionally cleaned?
Yes, professional cleaning is worth the expense for a high-end bag that would lose value if you tried selling it in a less-than-immaculate condition. Find a specialist capable of repairing or restoring your bag, who knows the specific materials and construction of your particular bag.
How do I know when my bag needs professional repair?
Signs include loose stitching, hardware that no longer functions properly, deep stains that home remedies cannot lift, or structural damage — such as torn straps or damaged frames.
What happens if my bag is caught in the rain?
Blot any water immediately and let the bag air dry away from heat sources. When bags are fully dried, you can condition the leather to restore moisture. Never use a hair dryer or position wet bags near radiators.
How do I preserve bags long term?
Clean, stuff with tissue paper to keep the shape and store in a breathable dust bag in a cool, dry place. Inspect stored bags every few months and condition leather items as necessary.
Your Bag's Best Life Begins Here
There's no need for pricey cleaning products or complicated routines to keep your bags looking like new—just a little patience and the right knowledge about how to clean your bag according to its material. By adopting these care practices, you're not just caring for accessories; you're protecting investments that will serve you well for years to come.
Begin with one or two easy habits, like emptying daily and wiping down weekly. As this becomes second nature, incorporate more extensive care methods. Your bags will reward you with this stamp of durable beauty and function that brings daily polish to every day.
Looking after a bag isn't only about appearance, remember, it's also about respecting the effort that went into making it and getting the most life you possibly can from your investment. It doesn't matter if your bag was $50 or $5000 — you should care for it to help it stand the test of time both in appearance and in use.