Your favourite bag is likely an accessory that you hold dear. In addition to holding your daily essentials or adding a stylish touch to your look with a purse or backpack, a bag is also an investment. Whether it’s a leather tote or crossbody, a backpack, or a classic purse, you want to make sure that you can care for your overflowing daily necessity. In this blog post, we’ll teach you all of our expert tips and tricks to make sure your favourite bag looks great for years to come. Read on!
Choosing the Right Bag
When it comes to choosing a bag, think about both aesthetic and functionality. Think about your daily routines and daily activities, as well as what the purse will be primarily used for. Whether it be a big tote for work or a small crossbody for nights out, consider what size and shape will best suit you.
Consider the materials as well: leather bags are more durable and classic designs are more flexible; nylon or canvas bags are more lightweight and easy to clean; and consider the hardware to extend the longevity such as sturdier zippers and clasps.
Be mindful of the importance of colour and style! If you want a bag for all-weather, all-purpose wear, choose classic neutrals like black or tan. Does your style lean funkier? Choose a statement piece in a wildly swirling pattern or punchy hue to amp up your outfits. Choosing the right bag comes down to selecting something that reflects your personal style while also accommodating your practical needs.
Proper Storage Techniques
If you want your favourite bag to remain in great condition for years to come, it’s essential to know how to store it properly.
First, store the bag in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Over time, colours will fade and materials degrade from sunlight exposure.
Use dust bags or pillowcases to wrap your bag, when not in use, to protect it from dust and grease. This way you will prevent scratches and other handling dirt.
Don’t hang them on hooks or doorknobs for too long as this will inevitably distort their shape. Put them away upright in a shelf or drawer.
If you are storing a bag with delicate details or hardware such as charms or tassels, you can protect these areas with a piece of tissue paper or cloth before packing them away.
If you store your favourite carrying case according to these guidelines, it will be ready for the spotlight when you’re ready to wear it!
Cleaning and Maintenance
While you can get a couple years out of your favourite tote or portefeuille without any special attention, if you want to preserve your investment, you will need to add cleaning and maintenance to your routine. Regular cleaning is recommended every season, while normal stains should be handled as soon as possible.
Shake your bag out before thoroughly emptying it out. Blow out any residual dust and debris then use a soft cloth or brush to wipe down the outside of the bag. Always check for cleaning recommendations and follow them closely. If you are unsure, package it in a protective wrap such as plastic and tape it up.
Use a specialist leather cleaner or conditioner for leather bags; then test any products on an out-of-sight area before you apply any more widely.
For fabric or suede bags, ‘spot clean’ with a mild detergent and water solution. Don’t let bags get soaked as they will be damaged. Always let the bag dry completely before putting it away.
Check your bag regularly for issues such as loose threads on straps or hardware problems. Get these things repaired before they can become a larger problem.
Protecting From Wear and Tear
Already got a cherished bag? A protective spray or conditioner for the material will help to create a film over the leather or vinyl to reverse water, stains and scuffs. Rotating bags frequently will also help to prevent overuse of one.
Avoid setting your bag down on rough surfaces or overfilling it with heavy items, as this can cause excessive strain on your straps and structure. Store your bag inside a dust bag or pillowcase when you’re not using it to keep it protected from dust and sunlight, which causes fading.
Check your bag often for loose threads, scuffs and broken hardware – the sooner the damage is addressed, the less likely it is to become worse later on. Zippers and hooks should never be jerked or opened too roughly.
Adopting these prophylactic measures as part of your routine care routine can prolong the life of your favourite bag and help it look good for years to come.
Repairing Damages
In addition to scratches and scuffs, wear-and-tear is an unavoidable aspect when it comes to some of our favourite bags. Thankfully, there are a number of ways in which you can repair such imperfections, helping your treasured accessory see another day.
If it’s some superficial scuffs on leather bags, a leather conditioner or cream could be used to gently buff out the scars. Deeper scratches would probably need to be taken to the expert and professionally dealt with.
A stain or tear can often be dealt with by washing or spot-cleaning the canvas or fabric with a mild soap in water, or sewing patches.
But do not worry: for problems with your hardware (by which I mean your zippers, clasps, etc), ‘most neighbourhood shops will fix these for you in no time for $5 to $10’.
Just remember that the sooner you repair damages, the smaller the risk that they’ll get worse. Staying ahead of problems is an important way to keep your favourite bag looking great for as long as possible.
Tips for Special Materials (Leather, Suede, etc.)
If you have bags made from very special materials such as leather or suede, a little extra attention keeps these bags looking their best.
Leather bags should be conditioned regularly to avoid drying out and splitting, though not too often or it will end up worn out. Apply with a soft cloth a quality high conditioning product on a small portion of the bag at any given time. Avoid chemicals and products that might harm the material.
Suede bags, on the other hand, can be more delicate, so they need to be treated with a soft touch: use a suede brush or eraser to gently buff out dirt or stains, and keep suede away from water, as it’s liable to cause permanent damage.
To keep dust and light from fading leather and suede bags, store them in dust bags between uses; keep them away from sunlight and heat sources that can cause discolouration or warp them.
These tips are for special materials and will keep your favourite bag looking its best for years to come.
Conclusion
Care for your favourite bag will also keep it in the best shape possible, so it lasts longer. By choosing the right bag, packing it carefully, keeping it clean and tidy and taking care of damage like scratches and holes as they occur, you will keep your lovely bag in top shape for years to come. Using it properly, storing it well, cleaning and maintaining it regularly, protecting it from water and heat, repairing damage before it gets worse, and treating it differently depending on whether it’s leather or suede, you can keep your precious companion looking and feeling fresh and like the day you bought it. With some tips and tricks, you can enjoy your favourite bag in top shape for years to come. Give your favourite bag a hug, figuratively speaking Care for it properly and make it last!
