7 Tricks to Ensure Your Handbags Will Last for Years
By Allyson Payer
We’re more willing to splurge on a beautiful designer handbag than on any other wardrobe component, justifying our purchase by saying, “Well, this’ll last me for years,” which brings us to today’s subject: learning how to preserve and properly care for these investment items. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your precious satchels are kept in mint condition for years to come.
Scroll down to see our tips, and to shop gorgeous investment bags that you’ll want to protect!
1. Protect The Material:
The Blonde Salad
Want to shield your new bag from spills and dirt before they happen? Scotchgard Fabric will do the trick for fabric panels, while Scotchgard Suede and Nubuck is a great water and oil repellant for suede. Both Collonil and Chamberlain’s make great leather-protecting products. Apply product with a clean white cotton cloth, followed by a dry cotton cloth to buff. Use products regularly on heavily used bags. With any products, test a small patch on the bag to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
Collonil Leather Gel
Chamberlain’s Leather Milk
2. Store Them Properly:
Le 21eme
Do your bags get tossed onto a haphazard heap at the bottom of your closet? They’ll last longer if stored the right way, ideally in an upright position in their dust bags or a cotton pillowcase. Never store them in plastic or vinyl, which traps moisture inside. Stuff your bags with scarves, sweaters, or acid-free tissue paper, or use a handbag insert made for this purpose. Cross the handles over each other to avoid wear on the bag and unclip any removable straps for long-term storage.
Related: The ONE Mistake Every Handbag Owner Makes
The Container Store Quilted Handbag Shapers
The Container Store Linen Handbag Storage Bin
3. Remove Stains the Right Way:
Athens Streetstyle
The first step is to know what type of stain you’re dealing with, as that will dictate the removal method. See specific techniques below!
Food stains: Crush white chalk and let it sit on the stain overnight. Brush off with a clean cloth in the morning.
Oil stains: Put cornstarch on the stain immediately, rubbing it in to create heat from friction, which will help the oil absorb. Brush the powder off with a clean cloth after you’ve rubbed it in—don’t let it sit on the stain.
Ink stains: If the stain is fresh, use a white eraser to immediately erase the spot, without applying too much pressure so that the color doesn’t come off. If the ink is already set, you’ll need a professional (see tip #7). An eraser also works for dirt stains.
Water stains: Blot water stains, let them dry naturally, and bring your bag to a professional for removal.
Odor removal: Keep a plastic bag filled with baking soda inside your handbag. Zip the handbag or place it in a larger bag that seals if it doesn’t zip. Keep the baking soda in the bag for one or two days to absorb the odor. Another option? Place a couple of dryer sheets in the bag for a few days.
Related: Heavy Purse? 5 Smart Ways to Lighten Your Load
4. Protect the Lining:
A Love is Blind
Use pouches to store cosmetics and liquids, which will protect the handbag lining from spills and keep you organized to boot. Avoid click pens at all cost, opting for pens with caps instead. Better yet, put those in your pouch too, in case of dreaded ink leaks.
Comme des Garçons Star Embossed Small Pouch
5. Keep Metal Hardware Shiny:
A Love is Blind
Do your best to keep away jewelry and zippers that could scratch your bag’s metal hardware. A go-to household item, Mr. Clean’s Magic Erasers, do a great job of cleaning up tarnished and grimy hardware.
Related: 14 Items Every Woman Should Have In Her Purse
6. Practice Routine Maintenance:
Athens Streetstyle
Here are a few best practices when it comes to daily handbag maintenance:
1. Avoid handling your bag if your hands are dirty or have lotion or cream on them.
2. Keep your bag out of direct sunlight.
3. Rotate which handbag you carry regularly so that they don’t wear out too quickly.
4. Use a suede brush to clean and revive suede.
5. Regular use of a leather moisturizer will keep the leather supple and free of cracks.
6. Wipe your bag down on a weekly basis (when in use) with a soft cloth.
7. Take It to a Professional:
A Love is Blind
For stains and wear and tear beyond your handbag maintenance skill set, take it to a handbag repair professional. Most shoe repair professionals also work on handbags. They’ll treat it for you, clean it, and restore color as needed. If your bag doesn’t have metal feet on the bottom, it’s wise to have those installed, as they’ll protect it from scratches and dirt.
Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Fall’s Must-Have It-Bags
Shop Investment Handbags:
A.P.C. Edith Leather Shoulder Bag
A structured black bag will take you from day to night. Bonus points for sleek gold hardware.
Chloe Large Drew Grained Leather Shoulder Bag
All the cool girls are wearing this It-bag with a cool yet classic vibe.
Related: Is THIS The New It-Bag for Fall?
M2Malletier Memento Mori Bag
This slightly larger version of M2Malletier’s popular clutch style is perfect for everyday wear.
Building Block Bucket Bag
Buttery forest green leather and oversized tassels join forces to create a perfectly quirky bucket bag for fall.
Mark Cross Laura Leather Shoulder Bag
Boxy shapes are in for fall, so tap into the trend with this structured Mark Cross version.
Rag & Bone Haircalf Bradbury Small Flap Hobo
This leopard calf-hair bag makes a subtle statement and gives a luxe feel to any outfit.
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