Handbags are more than just a fashion accessory – they are a functional and often essential part of our everyday lives. Whether you’re carrying work essentials or traveling with a carry-on tote, bags are constantly being put to the test. However, everyday use brings wear and tear that can make even the most expensive designer bags look worn.
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure your handbag investment lasts as long as possible. As professional handbag manufacturers, in this blog post, we will give you 10 handbag care tips to keep your handbags in top condition. So, without further ado, let’s dive into how to keep your handbag in top-notch condition!
Don’t carry too many things in your handbag
When we carry too many things in our handbag, it becomes heavy and uncomfortable to carry for long periods.
Also, the straps or handles of handbags cannot hold excess weight, which can cause them to stretch and eventually break. It can also damage the inside or outside of the handbag and shorten its lifespan.
Plus, it can be hard to find what we need quickly when our handbags are overloaded.
Therefore, it is best to pack only the essentials we need and keep the handbag as light as possible. Not only does this help us keep our handbags in good shape, but it also reduces the chances of damaging or injuring ourselves while carrying them.
Keep your handbag away from heat sources
It is important to keep your handbag away from heat sources, as extreme and prolonged heat exposure can wreak havoc on the material and color of your handbag.
Heat sources that can damage a handbag include direct sunlight, heaters, radiators, and car interiors.
When the tote is exposed to heat, it may cause the material to crack, warp, or melt. Heat can also cause the bag to fade or discolor, making it look old and worn.
Additionally, the heat can cause the glue and other adhesives used to hold the bag together to weaken, which can lead to breakage or damage to the bag.
Avoid touching dirty things
You should try to keep your handbag away from dirty or contaminated surfaces. This activity is important because dirty surfaces can stain or damage materials and even leave unsightly stains on your handbag.
When a tote comes in contact with dirty items or surfaces, it can transfer bacteria, dirt, pet hair, and other contaminants to its exterior materials. This buildup can cause permanent damage, such as discoloration.
Additionally, regular exposure to dirty and contaminated surfaces can also weaken the fabric or material of the handbag, making it more prone to rips and tears.
Wipe it dry asap if wet, and allow it to air dry
If your handbag gets wet for any reason, such as rain, spills, or splashes, make sure to wipe it dry as soon as possible and let it air dry.
Wetting a handbag can cause the material to warp, shrink, and even mold or mildew, which can cause permanent damage to the bag. Therefore, wiping it with a clean dry cloth as soon as possible can prevent moisture from seeping into the material and causing damage.
Once the tote is dry, do not heat dry, or you may further damage the material. Instead, let the handbag air dry out of direct heat and sunlight as this will help it dry evenly and naturally.
Store in a dry, cool, dark place
Humidity, sun exposure and prolonged heat can greatly shorten the life of handbag materials, causing them to crack, fade, warp and age.
Storing the tote in a damp location can also cause mold to grow on the material on the surface of the tote, causing irreversible damage.
Therefore, when you are not using your handbag, please store it in a dry, cool and dark place, such as a closet or drawer. This helps maintain the quality of the bag and keeps it looking great for a long time.
Stuffed it to help keep it in shape
Handbags are usually designed to be rigid and hold their shape, so when they are empty or unused, they can become misshapen or deformed over time. When you stuff tissue paper or air bag into your handbag, it can help keep the shape of your handbag and protect the structure of the bag.
Additionally, placing tissue papers or air bag inside the tote will also help absorb excess moisture or humidity, preventing the growth of mold and mildew.
This technique is especially useful for leather bags, which tend to crease and wrinkle if left empty or unsupported for long periods.
Stuffing your handbag with tissue paper or air bag can help preserve its original shape and quality, extending the life of the bag.
Covered in a dust bag
Dust bags are usually made of soft fabric, non-woven paper, or clear PVC and are designed to protect your handbag from scratches and other material damage. Some handbags come with a dust bag, while others may require you to buy it separately.
Covering your tote with a dust bag when not use it will help keep it clean and keep it in shape. It prevents dust, dirt, or any other abrasive material from scratching the surface of your bag, causing wear, tearing, or discoloration.
Plus, covering it with a dust bag can also help keep the shape of the bag intact, preventing it from losing its original shape or form.
Covering it with a dust bag is especially useful for luxury or designer bags made of delicate materials or intricately designed, which are easily damaged or tarnished.
Lay flat or stand, but do not hang
Hanging a handbag can cause it to warp, stretch, or warp which can cause irreversible damage. The weight of the bag may become unevenly distributed, causing the material to sag or warp, especially in the handle or strap areas. This is especially harmful to handbags made of softer materials like leather or cloth.
Also, hanging the handbag puts stress on the straps or handles, causing premature wear and eventual damage.
On the other hand, laying the handbag flat or standing it on a shelf or surface helps distribute the weight evenly, which helps it maintain its shape and condition.
Additionally, storing the handbag on a shelf or surface also reduces the risk of scratches and scuffs, which can happen when the handbag comes in contact with other items while it is hung on a hook or hanger.
In conclusion, to preserve the shape and overall condition of your handbag, it is best stored flat or upright on a shelf or surface rather than hanging from a hook or hanger.
Clean it, but not too often
Cleaning your handbag too often can strip it of its natural oils, causing the material to dry out, crack or fade. It’s important to only clean your handbag when needed, such as when it’s visibly soiled or stained.
The frequency of cleaning depends on the use and type of bag. For example, leather bags require less cleaning than cloth or canvas bags. Also, bags that are used a lot and are exposed to things like rain or dust may need to be cleaned more frequently.
To clean your bag, use a mild cleaner appropriate for the material of the bag, such as a damp cloth, mild soap, or leather cleaner, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid aggressive or harsh cleaning methods that can damage the surface of the bag, such as using bleach, chemicals, or abrasive materials.
Test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of your bag before cleaning to make sure it’s safe to use.
Do not machine wash or dry clean
Machine washing or dry cleaning may damage the material, hardware, or construction of the bag. The force and heat of machine washing or dry cleaning can cause the bag to warp or discolor, shrink, or even tear. Also, some bag hardware, such as buttons, zippers, or rivets, may be damaged during machine washing.
Also, machine washing or dry cleaning is not suitable for all types of bags. Some bags, like leather or suede, require specialized cleaning techniques and products that regular dry cleaners cannot provide.
Handbags require careful care and maintenance to maintain their quality and prolong their life. Totes need to be cleaned with a mild detergent, some materials may require professional cleaning. For example, a leather bag may require a leather-specific cleaning product, while a canvas bag may require mild soap and cold water.
Conclusion
All in all, taking good care of your handbag will help maintain its quality and prolong its life.
The 10 tips provided in this blog can be used as a guide to keep your handbag in good condition.
By following these tips, you can ensure your handbag looks like new, is durable, and remains an elegant and functional accessory for many years to come.
We are Uncle Nine Leather, a leading handbag company in China, with rich experience in the handbag field, can provide you with professional service.
If you want to wholesale or customize any type of handbag, we can provide you with one-stop design, development, search, production, and shipping services. Please feel free to contact us.
