How to care for your bags properly
1.9.2020
Translation: machine translated
Is your bag more than just a utility item for you? To keep it looking good for a long time, the right carrying technique and regular care are essential.
For me, a handbag is more than just an everyday item. It gives my outfit that all-important finishing touch. If I'm in the mood for trainers and jeans, I go for an elegant model with chain handles for a skilful break in style: sporty meets chic.
Because I carry my favourite bag up and down, scratches and a patina are inevitable in the long term. Nor should they. They're just part of it. Don't get annoyed, but continue to look after your bag by regularly caring for the leather and storing it properly. Putting it on the floor in a street café is a no-go. With just a few tricks, you can prevent your favourite piece from getting worn out sooner or later and having to be replaced.
Dust bag
Have you ever wondered why you get a dust bag with every bag? You use it to store your bag when not in use. So don't throw it away, just keep it. It protects your bag from dust, dirt and sunlight.
If you were too hasty and don't have a dust bag to hand, you can use a pillowcase or cloth bag as an alternative. Avoid models with a zip, as this can scratch the leather. A plastic bag is also a bad idea because the leather cannot "breathe" in it and starts to sweat. In the worst case scenario, the leather becomes mouldy.
Prophylaxis
When waterproofing, don't just think about your shoes, but also about your bag, which has to withstand a lot in everyday life. Waterproof them every six to eight weeks to protect them from water and dirt. In the warmer months, the intervals can be slightly longer: every ten weeks. But remember that you are not immune to a sudden downpour in summer either.
Before waterproofing, briefly rub your bag with a dry microfibre cloth so that any dirt does not build up in the spray. When spraying, make sure that the bag is not dripping with moisture. A thin layer is sufficient. Then leave the bag to dry for around 30 minutes and repeat the process.
Care
To keep the leather supple, it needs to be treated three to four times a year. Use a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust from smooth leather. For suede leather, use a leather brush.
This is followed by the actual treatment. Treat smooth leather with a leather cream. For suede and nubuck leather, use a suede spray or foam.
If your bag has metal details or chain handles that are slightly chipped, polish them to a high shine with a damp dirt sponge.
Cleaning utensils
Quantity discount
CHF2.65 per piece for 4 units
Meister Proper Express Schmutzradierer
2 pcs.
Wearing technique
Street style images often show influencers holding their bag in their hand instead of by the handles. Although this looks casual, it can leave unsightly stains on the leather if you have sweaty or greasy hands - I'm just saying butter peaks or hand cream.
Even if it looks ladylike: Carry your bag in the crook of your arm or over your shoulder. In winter, you can avoid this fashion problem with gloves.
Emergency programme
If a water bottle has leaked in your bag, dab up the water with a paper towel. Then leave it to dry at room temperature or in the open air. Please do not try to speed up this process artificially by placing the bag on a heater to dry. The heat will make the leather brittle. This also applies to hairdryers and direct sunlight.
Interior
To protect the lining of my bag from spilled odds and ends such as lip balm, perfume or hand cream, I keep them in an additional toiletry bag. This way, I can keep track of everything in large bags and only mess up my toiletry bag if something leaks. Sounds excessive, but it's worth it to keep the inner lining as good as new.
General overhaul
The corners of the bag are particularly susceptible to wear and tear. There are special leather colours that you can use to cover up small blemishes. Repair small tears and holes with liquid leather.
A broken zip, shoulder handle or pocket fastener, on the other hand, are a case for the cobbler.
Hibernation
Choose your bag wisely, especially in the winter months. You should give light-coloured suede models a break and store them in a dust bag for the winter. Preferably in a dark and cool place.
In my case, this is the top compartment of my wardrobe, where I keep all the bags that I rarely wear. To make sure they don't lose their shape and have enough room to breathe - leather is breathable - I place them next to each other.
I stuff each bag with newspaper or tissue paper and cross the two shoulder handles over each other. I roll up long chain handles or detachable shoulder straps and stow them inside the bag. This avoids unsightly pressure marks on the leather.
Construction paper
Quantity discount
CHF3.60 per piece for 4 units
Creativ Company tissue paper 50 x 70 cm
20 g/m², 25 x
Lose the stain
If the worst comes to the worst, use a leather brush for suede and brush over the material first with and then against the grain. For smooth leather, I recommend using a leather eraser to rub out the stain.
If these SOS measures don't work, put the bag in the hands of a professional. There are dry cleaners who specialise in leather.
Have I forgotten something? Let me know and leave your ultimate care tip in the comments column.
When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.
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