HOW TO CARE FOR LEATHER BAGS?

Why do leather bags need special care?

Regardless of the type of leather used for making your handbag, purse or wallet, it will require some DIY leather care, at least occasionally. But, why do leather bags need special care? 

It’s simple. Natural leather, like any living thing, needs to breathe, be cleaned and moisturized or it will wrinkle, dry out and crack when exposed to the elements or even when it is packed away in a closet.

What is leather bag care?

 

There are three main actions that constitute leather care for handbags and leather care for wallets viz., maintenance, waterproofing and storage. Let’s get into the details.

1. Maintenance - Regular maintenance of your leather bag involves periodically cleaning and conditioning the leather in order to clean it and restore its lost oils, thereby bringing back its shine and suppleness. This also prevents the topmost layer of the hide from drying out and peeling off.

2. Waterproofing - Leather is permeable and is sensitive to dampness. It has some water resistance but too much water causes the leather to become wet. And, when the wet leather dries up, it becomes stiff and hard and is no longer supple. Waterproofing your leather bag will protect it from accidental damages due to rain and spillage.

3. Storage - Leather is skin and skin needs to breathe. So, the most important principle of leather bag storage is to allow it to breathe which means storing it in a way that promotes air flow or ventilation. This is to prevent suffocating the leather, so it doesn’t shrivel and dry out. 

How often should I clean and condition my leather bag?

The purpose of leather handbag cleaning and conditioning is to turn a dull looking bag into a cheerful one.

It is recommended that you condition the leather surface of your handbag, purse or wallet every six months using either a home-made leather conditioner or a commercial leather conditioner from market. This not only stimulates the natural oils of the leather to keep it soft and supple but also adds a layer of protection to the surface of the leather.

When should I waterproof my leather purse or leather wallet?

Theoretically, genuine leather bags are meant to be used in dry conditions. Practically, that is not always possible. There will undoubtedly be occasions when you are caught in the rain with your leather bag in tow and you forgot the umbrella at home. Or, there will be times when you accidentally spilled water on your leather purse.

So, if you live in a humid environment or the rainy season is round the corner, it is a good idea to waterproof your leather handbag. This adds a layer of protection to the leather by making it non-porous though you should keep in mind that it is impossible to completely waterproof the leather surface.

Step-by-step instructions and tips for conditioning leather bags

1. Clean the surface of the bag with a leather care cloth or a dry lint-free cloth

2. Using a gentle leather cleaner (also known as leather shampoo) and cloth, clean off surface dirt, sweat, body oils and light stains (scroll down to find out how to make DIY homemade leather cleaner)

3. Starting from a corner, rub a small amount of leather conditioner on the bag in circular motions using either a rag or your fingers until the conditioner is completely absorbed into the leather

4. Leave the bag near a well ventilated place for 24-48 hours to dry naturally

5. Wipe off any residues with a clean cloth before using the bag
   
   Note: Always do a patch test before using a new leather care product on a new type of leather. Try out a small amount of the product on an inconspicuous area of the leather bag or on the leather swatch that came along with it, to make sure there is no undesired darkening or discoloration of the leather.

Step-by-step guide for waterproofing leather bags

1. Clean the surface of the bag with a gentle leather cleaner

2. Rub or spray a coat of leather protectant waterproofing product (market bought or DIY)

3. Allow the bag to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area for 24-48 hours

4. Wipe off any residues with a clean cloth before using the bag
   
   Note: Always do a spot test before using a new leather care product on a new type of leather. Try out a small amount of the product on an inconspicuous area of the leather bag or on the leather swatch that came along with it, to make sure there is no undesired darkening or discoloration of the leather.

How to store leather bags?

1. If you are going to store your leather bag for a long period of time, it’s best to first clean, condition and waterproof it using the above-mentioned steps

2. Place your leather bag or leather wallet inside a loose and porous non-woven or cotton dust bag to ensure there is air circulation

3. Place some desiccant silica gel packets either inside the dust bag or the leather bag for protection from moisture and mildew

4. Keep the bag in a ventilated area

5. Air the bag from time to time

How not to store leather purses?

1. Never store or wrap your leather bag in plastic (polyurethane) without holes so the leather is able to breathe

2. Never store your leather wallet or bag in humid surroundings or it will cause mildew or fungus to form on it

3. Never keep your leather handbag packed away for an extended period of time without airing