Care and Maintenance

Depending on quality of construction and materials, I’ve sourced and sold bags manufactured before I was even born. (For reference, I’m a child of the 80’s. Or, since I was born in Germany, a cold war kid.) But back to bags, if properly cared for, a well-made bag born before me could also conceivably outlast me. 

Help keep your bag its best by following a few easy recommendations.  First, during use and while it’s stored, keep your bag filled so that it maintaines it’s ideal shape. If too much is in there when in use, then the bag is being stretched, its seams will weaken, cracks will appear and it will sag weirdly around the handle connections.

If this sounds familiar, then you’re not carrying the right size bag for you, and you should look into sizing up.

You can also help maintain your bag’s shape with purse inserts or organizers. When not in use, bubble wrap can help keep it’s shape without adding weight, or use something you already have by storing rolled sweaters in your bags, with the added benefit of freeing up other storage areas. Don’t hang your handbag by the handles when storing it, as it may distort the leather. Stand it upright on a shelf instead, or lay flat as long as it won’t be smushed.

Store away from sunlight, which can dry leather out and cause discoloration. If it came with a dustbag, use it. Never store your leather handbag in a plastic polybag. The plastic can stick to the leather over time and damage it.

Keep your bags clean. After every use, go through and remove receipts, wrappers or other trash. Once empty, shake it upside down to dislodge debris that may build up over time. Wipe down the handles and any other frequently touched areas.

If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that Americans treat their bags horribly. The primary areas to show damage, so you know where requires the most care, include  absolutely disgusting interiors, discolored and cracked handles, piping is not intact, and bottom corners wear thin, fray or at least are significantly scuffed.

These are only some of the reasons that prompted me to look elsewhere when sourcing bags, and why Japan became the sole source of Purse Alert’s stock. They care for their possessions in a way that we just were never taught. A bag an American vendor would mark as “good, slightly used” would be marked “Junk” in Japan. 

Alcohol-free baby wipes are your friend, and will always come up with some dirt, even when you routinely clean your bags. For leather bags needing a more thorough spa day, first clean, then condition. Always in that order. Leather is a living material, just like your skin, so treat it the same.

First, mix a solution of warm water and gentle soap, like Dawn, dip a soft cloth into it, wring it out, and gently wipe the leather surfaces. Use a second clean, damp cloth to wipe off the soap. Dry with a towel.

But don’t go overboard, as leather does not like water. Still, leather is durable, and depending on how bad off the bag is, a durable leather bag, like vintage Coach, can handle a deeper cleaning.

Once clean and dry, be sure to moisturize. Moisturize areas that you cleaned, with special attention to parts that are prone to cracking. Test any new products on a small area first. Some tried and true products are Apple Care leather conditioner, Cadillac shoe and boot lotion, or Fiebings Leather Lotion and conditioner. I tend towards Fiebings myself. Coach sells their own branded care supplies, which also have good reviews, but are pricey. Saddle soap is likely too strong for handbags, so stear clear, unless it’s a durable leather, and is especially soiled. Most modern handbags aren’t as tough and do not get as soiled as equestrian gear, which is what saddle soap is intended for.

Apply a quarter-size drop of leather conditioner to a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. Completely coat the leather in a thin, even layer of conditioner and allow to dry for at least two hours (preferably overnight). Once dry, gently buff the leather with a lint-free cloth if necessary to remove any excess conditioner.

For a stain, pat it, don’t rub it in. Use a damp white cloth and see what you can do from there. If you have a set stain, seek professional help. A magic eraser goes pretty far, without being too heavy handed, and not on all leathers, especially bright, or light colors, because it is abrasive. But on canvas, it may remove a spot entirely.

Finally, embrace imperfections. As leather softens, the shape may change slightly, and leather can develop a patina that looks unique and stylish. Soft leather can feel luxurious, and worn leather with unique patina is desirable.  Also, brands, like Off-White that are luxury and street wear combined aren’t meant to be worn out in pristine condition.  It would look funny. But there’s a difference between well-worn and damaged. Don’t wait on repairs. Visit your local seamstress, leather repair shop or cobbler at the first sign of damage so things do not worsen.

Finally, professional leather dyes, edge pain, replacement hardware are all readily available and not too intimidating once you’ve gained a little familiarity.  You can always reach out to me with questions, or for a repair quote, and remember, we sell care and maintenance kits here as well.