CARING FOR LEATHER HANDBAGS
• Handle your leather handbags with clean hands. Leather bags are susceptible to absorbing grease and oils
• Apply a cleaner especially made for leather. This “soft soap” is applied using a circular motion and wiped off with a slightly damp cloth so as not to clog the pores of the fabric. Applying this soap one or two times a year should keep your leather handbag clean.
• Moisturize your bag with a leather conditioner to keep it supple. Use a non-dyed cloth and gently rub in the leather conditioner. Use small circles to rub the conditioner in well. Condition your handbag only after using the cleaning solution first.
• Remove stains as soon as you notice them. Organic stains from food or blood can often be removed with chalk powder. Crush white chalk, let it sit on the stain overnight and dust it off with a clean cloth.
• Stuff your unused bag with bubble wrap to restore and hold its shape. Store your leather purse in a dust bag or natural-fabric pillowcase in a dark, room-temperature area. This will help prevent the leather from fading and help keep the leather from wearing and cracking.
• Steer clear of water. Leather is difficult to dry and may develop water stains. Keep your handbag on your shoulder or on a hook in public bathrooms.
TIPS
• Consider using a leather-specific protective spray for brushed or finished leather if you use your bag frequently.
Test this product first in an inconspicuous area to see if the finish darkens.
• White bags will yellow or naturally darken with age.
WARNINGS
• Avoid cleaning products with alcohol, turpentine or other mineral spirits as they will discolor and dry out leather.
• Never allow water to soak into your bag. If the bag gets wet, do not use a hair dryer on it. Instead, absorb as much water as possible with thick microfiber hand tower and allow the bag to air dry. Then, condition it again and store it.
• Take extra special care of your bag at hair salons and keep it away from coloring solutions, hair sprays and other hair products.
• Waxes or silicone products clog up leather pores and may render them unable to be cleaned in the future.