CARE
The first thing we should cover is how to care for your bag and prevent it from getting dirty! Here are a few simple tips:
- Make sure your hands are clean before picking up your bag!
- Use a cosmetic bag. This can prevent makeup leakage into your bag like lipgloss, lipstick stains, etc.
- Use a bag organizer which is another layer to keep your bag in pristine condition. I’d rather my bag organizer get marked with a pen then the interior of my bag! I use this felt one for my Hermes bags (just purchased this one because it’s waterproof and has handles), and I actually use a stroller organizer for my LV Neverfull. LOL! I saw it at Target and got it because of the pretty floral design.
- Beware of color transfer with lighter leather bags. New denim can stain your bag where it rubs.
- Avoid rain with natural/untreated leather bags. Rain can leave permanent stains or change the texture of leather bags. If you only have one bag that you carry, then you can purchase a handbag raincoat to keep in your bag in case of inclement weather. My Hermes Birkin came with one and I leave it in all the time.
- Try to keep your bags off the floor (even if they have the little feet). Purse hangers are great if you don’t have an extra chair or room on the table. I’ve bought these as gifts for my MIL/SIL.
On Handbags:
I like my money where I can see it – hanging in my closet. – Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City
STORAGE
One of the most important things to keep your handbags in great condition is to properly store it when it’s not in use.
- Inspect the bag before putting it away to make sure it doesn’t need any cleaning.
- Empty contents.
- Turn it over and dump out any crumbs/particles (over a trash can).
- Use a sticky paper lint roller to quickly clean the interior.
- Stuff it to maintain the shape and prevent creasing/sagging. You can try pillow inserts or Innies bag shaper pillows. (I use the dust cover bag that it came with. If more volume/space is needed, then I use packing air bags or bubble wrap within the dustbag or clothing. See the pic above.)
- **I keep my bags on display so I can see them to use. However, you can cover them with a dust bag to protect them. If you don’t have a dust bag, then a pillowcase will work too!
- If your bag has chain/metal straps, then wrap those and put them in the bag so they don’t crease the leather. (Oops! Forget to do that with my Chloe Boudoir bag! Don’t look too close!)
- Store them upright on their base. If you’re not using that bag regularly, then check from time to time to make sure it isn’t creasing or sagging.
- Avoid extreme temperatures! Keep your bags out of direct sunlight, at room temperature, and in a dry place (to prevent mold/mildew)!
- Make sure your bag can breathe. Storage in an airtight container may cause a dry, cracked bag. :(
MAINTENANCE
Life happens and so do things to our bags.
- SCRATCHES: It’s inevitable that a leather bag will get scratched. If it’s lambskin leather, then you can use a felt cloth to “buff” out the scratches in a circular motion.
- I’ve read about different methods for getting scratches out of calfskin but I have NEVER tried any of the methods so I’m not going into detail with those.
- The same applies to pre-treatment. I’ve never pre-treated my bags.
- CLEANING: For minor stains, you can try dabbing pH-neutral, alcohol and perfume free wipes (Do not RUB). For any major stains (involving a large amount of oil), this may require a trip to the bag spa (either the company that you purchased from or a reputable shoe/handbag repair).
- OXIDATION: The hardware can oxidize over time (looking like a green layer). Keep the hardware clean with wipes (pH-neutral, alcohol and perfume free) or use a Q-tip in the smaller areas (ex. Chanel double C’s).
- This has happened on some of my Coach handbag hardware when they weren’t being used as often.
- TRAVEL: Use your dustbags to protect your handbag while traveling!
- PRO TIP: Pack a smaller handbag in a dust bag in your larger carry-on tote. I do this all the time!
What other tips have you heard to keep your bag in fab shape?
CHANEL MAXI BAG {review here}, HERMES KELLY {review here}
Happy Friday GlamFam! Hope you had an amazing Fourth of July holiday! We celebrated yesterday with our friends, The Crawfords, at a low key BBQ and swimming. The kids are home today, but Mr. S is at work. We are trying to stay busy and have swim lessons later! Cheers to the weekend! What are you up to?
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