How to care for leather bags

Leather has been used for accessories throughout human history and leather bags are particularly popular for their durability. They offer character through their textures, colours and are often an indication of luxury. That being said, if you are willing to spend a little more for a leather bag then chances are it's a special piece and you should care for it accordingly.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Leathers are notoriously known for absorbing grease and oils, so always handle the bag with clean hands. Should you get any stains on the bag, try to wipe the leather surface as soon as possible with a soft fabric. If there are any food stains, one can use damp clothes to softly wipe them away as long as they are not heavily soaked in water.
As leather can stretch, bags should not be overfilled. This can easily compromise the shape of the leather bag itself. This is exactly why the bags should not be left hanging by handles if they are left in storage and unused for a while. The handles can stretch and make the bag look hideous.
It is recommended that you clean your leather bag regularly, otherwise just the dust can become a big issue combined with daily use. If you are packing cosmetics, try to get them in a pouch to be on the safe side. Cap all your pens and anything that might spill.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Try not to get them wet as water is not very friendly towards leather accessories. If the bag somehow does get wet, gently wipe it away with a towel or tissue but avoid rubbing vigorously as it can leave a mark. Leave the bag to dry itself. Do not use hairdryer or leave the bag near a heating source in hopes that it will dry quicker. This will only damage the leather.
If left unused, fill the bag with bubble wraps to protect the shape. Keep it standing straight and put it somewhere safe from sunlight. Do not keep your leather accessories near a heating source. And whether you use it regularly or not, leather bags should be conditioned at least once or twice every year to keep them in a healthy condition. When in storage, cover it with a dust bag, preferably the one it came with. Consider wrapping the metal pieces of the bag to avoid any scratches.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Conditioning (a care process that can restore moisture) can be done by yourself or professionals. Before using any maintenance product on your bag, make sure that they are suitable for its leather by testing them an any inconspicuous part of the bag. And if you are enthusiastic enough, you can always get your own leather care kit for your bag as well as other leather accessories.