Is your leather bag starting to look old and worn? Are you concerned about how to condition, clean, and care for your beautiful leather bag? You're at the right place.
Unlike synthetic leather, genuine leather does not accumulate dirt and grime like a synthetic material. It also does not get as dirty or absorb moisture. It is quite obvious because of this characteristic that proper care should be taken to ensure it stays looking like new for many years.
Conditioning is a step we often forget, whether it's our leather coat or bag, but doing so can make your leather last for many years. Regardless of how good-looking and high in quality your bag is, any time you use it, some particles will rub off on the surface and alter the natural finish.
We take pride in working to bring you the most comprehensive list of how to care for your leather bag, what is the best product for cleaning your bag, how to condition it, and so on. We hope we can help you prolong the life of your leather bags!
1: Stuff your bag to restore its shape.
This is a great trick for restoring the shape of your bag, especially if you've been storing it in a closet or under the bed where it can get crushed by other items. Just stuff it with something like a newspaper and leave it overnight. The next day, remove all of the stuffing (but don't wash it yet). You should notice that your bag has regained its original shape!
If you've been using your bag for a while and it's gotten a little flatter, or if you just want to make sure that it stays in good shape for as long as possible, stuffing it with some material will help restore its shape.
You can use old t-shirts or pieces of cloth that are about the same size as the bag itself, but avoid stuffing it with anything too thick, like sweaters or blankets. If you have extra room in your closet, try hanging up your bag on a hanger or hook and then stuffing it with clothes or other soft materials that are clean and dry. This will help to keep it upright and prevent any damage from occurring while also keeping things clean!
2: Use a leather cleaner by dabbing a bit on a clean, dry cloth and gently blotting away dirt and grime.
The best way to keep your genuine leather bag in great shape is to clean it regularly. Here are some tips on how to condition and clean your genuine leather bag:
1. Use a leather cleaner by dabbing a bit on a clean, dry cloth and gently blotting away dirt and grime.
2. Apply the cleaner with circular motions with the grain of the leather and then let it sit for two minutes before rinsing off with water in the same manner.
3. After you've rinsed off the cleaner, use another clean cloth to buff out any remaining residue until it's completely gone or else it will stain your bag!
When you're done cleaning your leather bag, it's important to condition it. Conditioning will keep it soft, supple, and looking beautiful for years to come!
3: Apply a leather conditioner designed for genuine or natural leather with a clean cloth.
Apply a leather conditioner designed for genuine or natural leather with a clean cloth.
You should condition your genuine leather bag regularly to keep it soft and supple. This is especially important if you use your bag in wet or humid conditions, or if you live in a cold climate—these conditions can dry out the leather and cause it to crack.
Conditioners are available at most department stores and are generally cheap. They come in liquid or spray form. You can also use products designed for cleaning suede shoes or other types of leather.
To condition your bag, apply the conditioner with a clean cloth, allowing it to soak in for five minutes before wiping off excess product with another clean cloth. If your bag has stains or marks on it that won't come off easily, scrub them with a toothbrush before conditioning the bag.
4: Use a soft brush to buff out any remaining residue from the leather conditioner.
Once you’ve applied the leather conditioner, use a soft brush to buff out any remaining residue from the leather. If there is still some residue left on your bag, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it off.
Before you clean your bag, take a moment to examine it. Are there any stains? If so, how long have they been there? If the stain is fairly new, you may be able to remove it using a leather conditioner.
However, if the stain has been on your bag for some time and is particularly stubborn, you may need to consider using a cleaning product designed specifically for stain removal from leather.
If there are no stains on your bag and you just want to clean it for regular maintenance purposes, first use a soft brush or cloth to buff out any remaining residue from the leather conditioner.
Then use a damp cloth or sponge with mild soap and water (such as dishwashing liquid) and rub gently in circles until dry.
5: Store your bag in a cool, dry place, preferably in its original box or dust bag.
Your genuine leather bag should be handled with care. Here's how to clean and condition your bag so that it stays in great condition:
Store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in its original box or dust bag. If you don't have an original box or dust bag, you can use any other large container that will keep out moisture.
If you see any stains on your bag, wipe them off immediately with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in warm water. Don't use soap or detergent because they can damage the leather.
Once a month, take your handbag outside and give it a good shake over an open garbage bag to remove any dirt or dust that may have settled inside of it during normal use.
Cleaning your genuine leather bag will help it last longer and look great.
Conclusion:
Conditioning your leather bag from time to time is important to maintain its suppleness and softness. Please remember not to use silicone or other oil-based conditioners, as these may leave a residue that will affect the color. Also, please remember that genuine hides are natural products and there is no one method or product that can be used on all leathers/skins/hide. Always read the label carefully and if in doubt please consult with a professional.
This leads to my second tip - don't overoil. It's actually better to use nothing than it is to use too much especially if you're a beginner. Over oiling your bag can cause some real damage, so a little does go a long way.
And when you do apply oil to your bag, try to avoid getting any on the hardware or seams where the leather meets the bag or handles and straps. And finally - make sure you don't saturate the interior of your bag with oil because this can stain it.
