Just like our face, a leather bag requires proper care and attention to maintain its beauty and longevity. Neglecting to clean and moisturise your leather bag can result in a dull, cracked ,damaged appearance, and even worse, leather degradation! But fear not, with the right tools and techniques, you can easily keep your luxury leather bag looking and feeling brand new for years to come! We’re here to share with you 5 steps to clean your luxury leather bag!
Step 1: Remove Any Solid Dirt
Before beginning the cleaning process, it's important to remove any solid dirt from the surface of your leather bag. This can be done with any soft-bristled brush or a slightly damp cloth. Ensure that you’re not using too much water, as excessive moisture can damage the leather. Gently brush or wipe the surface of the bag to remove any dirt, being careful not to leave a stain on your bag. .
Step 2: Identify the Stain
Different types of stains require different cleaning methods as different chemical compounds react differently with leather (and different leather grains too!). For example, oil-based stains should be treated differently than water-based stains as oil soaks into the deeper layers of the leather. It's important to identify the type of stain before proceeding with the cleaning process, and if you ever want a second opinion, our leather artisans are more than happy to assist your stain and provide a free assessment!
Step 3: Clean the Bag
You may be tempted to google quick home remedies to fix small stains, from baking soda to lemon juice, we’ve seen it all, and generally - as bag owners ourselves - we STAY AWAY from home remedies promising a “quick fix”. Instead, we opt for high quality cleaning products in the market that are specifically made for different leather types - suede, nubuck, or full-grain calf. If you're unsure, it's always best to test the product on a small, inconspicuous area of the bag first. We also recommend our in-house leather cleaning and conditioning set that comes with a reusable micro-fibre cloth to apply our cleaning gel, followed by our protector!
To clean your bag, apply the cleaning product to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the surface of the leather in a circular motion. Be sure to avoid getting any moisture or cleaning product on the hardware or embellishments on your bag! Once you've finished cleaning, wipe away any excess product with a clean, damp cloth.
Step 4: Moisturise the Bag
Just like our skin, leather requires moisture to maintain its supple texture and prevent cracking. After cleaning your bag, it's important to apply a leather conditioner to keep it moisturised and looking healthy. Leather conditioners are designed to penetrate the pores of the leather, nourishing it from within.
To moisturise your bag, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a soft cloth and rub it onto the surface of the leather in a circular motion. Be sure to avoid getting any conditioner on the hardware or embellishments on your bag. Similar to how you cleaned your bag, once you've finished moisturising, wipe away any excess conditioner with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 5: Store Your Bag Properly
After cleaning and moisturising your leather bag, it's important to store it properly to prevent damage if not in use. Avoid storing your bag in direct sunlight or in a damp or humid environment, as this can cause the leather to fade or mould to build. Instead, store your bag in a cool, dry place, preferably in a dust bag or a box. Want to see how you can take extra care of your bag in a humid and rainy country like Singapore? Check out our other tips here!
In conclusion, taking care of your leather bag is just as important as taking care of your skin. By following these simple steps, you can keep your leather bag looking and feeling like new for years to come. If you’re attempting to clean your bag at home, avoid home remedies and quick fixes and remember to always choose products that are suitable for your specific type of leather! If instead, you prefer a professional to look after your bags and care for them, we’re always ready and happy to make your bag great again, all it takes is a Whatsapp message to our hotline!
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