Our bags are almost an extension of who we are - a stylish and functional accessory that has our back (pun intended), carrying our daily essentials and seeing us through the longest of days, which is why caring for them is the least we could do! However, living in a humid country like Singapore can pose a challenge when it comes to maintaining the condition of your leather bags because of the intermittent weather we've been experiencing these past few weeks. In this blog post, we’ll provide practical tips on how to take care of your leather bags in the humidity as well as protect them from the rain, so that your bags are well cared for - rain or shine.
1. Keep your leather bags dry
The first and most crucial step to caring for your leather bags is to keep them dry. If your bag gets wet, wipe it immediately with a dry cloth and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. Leave it to air dry in a well-ventilated area, and if possible, stuff it with tissue paper or a cloth to maintain its shape. Humidity and the rain can cause leather to become damp, leading to the growth of mould and mildew - which can seriously ruin your beloved bag (trust us, we've seen our fair share).
2. Store your leather bags properly
When not in use, store your leather bags in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps to prevent the leather from becoming too damp or too dry, which can damage the material, as well as accelerate discoloration. Furthermore, if you own a patent leather bag, you definitely want to keep it out of the sun as we've come across patent leather bags that grow sticky after prolonged exposure. LV fans should also be wary, as excess exposure to the sun accelerates the patina process on their iconic vachetta leather bags (pssst we specialize in Vachetta leather replacements for your LV bags!).
We also highly recommend using a dust bag to protect your leather bags from dust and dirt, as well as placing 1 or 2 silica gel packets inside the dust bag to absorb any excess moisture.
3. Protect your leather bags from rain
Singapore's weather can be unpredictable, and it’s important to protect your leather bags from rain. In case you don't have a rain cover or umbrella to shield your leather bags from rain when you're out and about, we recommend using a waterproof nano-coating spray to protect your leather bags from any possible water damage. A word of caution though: make sure you do your research about the active ingredients in the spray as some chemicals may not be suitable for different kinds of leather like suede / saffiano leather!
4. Clean Your Leather Bags Regularly
Cleaning your leather bags regularly can help prevent dirt and grime buildup, which can cause discoloration and damage to the leather. Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to remove any dust or dirt, and a damp cloth to wipe down the leather gently. Avoid using harsh chemicals, and definitely avoid using wet wipes on your bag as the alcohol content / chemicals may damage your leather bag in the long run! You may be tempted to use a wet wipe for grease stains / drink spills, but our recommendation is to dab the area with a dry-then-wet cloth. If your bag is looking a little worn out, it may be time to opt for a full cleaning and colour restoration instead!
5. Invest in a high quality leather conditioner and protector
The final step to maintaining your leather bag is to invest in a high quality leather conditioner and protector. A good leather conditioner not only helps to prevent cracking and discoloration, but with the help of a protector, it also repels water and other liquids that can cause damage - as we just learnt the importance of keeping your bag dry to prevent mould outbreaks! So if you want to keep your leather looking and feeling its best, don't forget to condition it regularly (once a month) with a reliable leather conditioner and protector like the ones we formulated in house! Be sure to check out our next blog about all things leather protectors and how to clean and condition your luxury leather bag!
In conclusion, taking care of your leather bags in the humidity and protecting them from the rain is important to maintain their condition and extend their lifespan. By following our top tips we’ve shared with countless of our clients, you can ensure that your luxury leather bags remain stylish and functional for years to come
If you need further assistance with luxury leather bag repairs, restoration, and general care, reach out to us! If you haven't seen our post already, we're having a promotion on our colour restoration services so if your bag is looking old and worn out, this is your sign to inject a splash of life back into it!
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