We wish to own a Kardashian-level walk-in bag closet with a separate section dedicated to Hermés bags. It’s every stylist’s dream, and we all try to emulate what we can from our favorite style icons. One thing often overlooked and underestimated is the amount of care and love our bags need after we purchase them.
Yes, we put a lot of thought and effort into making the purchase and even taking it out now and then. But we forget how to care for our handbags like they should be taken care of—personalized Shopper and Stylist Services London at Haute Secret Shoppers.
Believe us, showing some love to our luxury accessories will make them last much longer, and if you happen to sell a piece, you can fetch a better price for a well-cared-for work than a neglected one. We started this series with how to take care of details on exotic bags, and this is an extension of that.
Today, we’ll take you through how to care for your specific leather bags and add years to their lives.
Patent Leather
Patent leather is commonly used to make bags and shoes, and it’s a treatment where a glossy lacquer is poured over the leather to give it a shiny finish. A rugged leather to maintain once it has scratches or develops “stickiness” over time. Therefore, the best way to protect your patent leather bag is to protect it.
This shiny finish can routinely be cleaned simply by using a clean cloth, or a damp microfibre cloth and storing it carefully in a dust bag. This type of leather can develop dye stains from other things, so keep lighter-colored patent leather bags away from any colored object that might stain them.
Lastly, regular leather cleaners don’t work on patent leather. So only purchase those specifically made to maintain the shiny appeal of patent leather. As with all bags, extreme temperatures are wrong, and storing them in a cool, dry place is always best.
credits: Farfetch
Nappa Leather
Nappa is a soft and smooth leather that’s also very popular and is made from the hairy side of animal skin. Its porous nature makes permanent discolorations inevitable if not looked after properly. A great everyday tool for wiping it down is a clean cloth. That’s all it takes to clean the surface of your Nappa leather bag.
Using an excellent nappy cream will allow it to retain its smooth finish and give a clean look. If you notice a stain, dab it with a dry cotton cloth. If that doesn’t work, dampen a cloth in soapy water and lightly pat it on the t. Use a regular damp cloth to wipe away the soap. Let it air dry, or use a dry cloth first to absorb maximum moisture.
Suede Leather
Keep your suede leather bag away from water. It stains and ruins the suede pattern. Suede is one of the more sensitive leathers and requires immediate and precise care. If you have a beloved suede bag, it’s good to invest in some tools that will help keep it clean—a suede brush and some vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
The brush is good to rub gently to loosen any stain or mark. It is also valuable to periodically remove dust from the bag and keep it neat and bright. The rubbing alcohol and vinegar are safe to use on suede and don’t stain it. Instead, help grime and stains to come out. If you have none, try using a clean eraser and “erase” the color. You can follow with a brush to fluff the grains.
credits: Farfetch
