A real leather handbag is an investment piece in any fashionistas wardrobe. It will look great and last for years if cared for properly. As the leather ages too it can become even more covetable, exuding grace and style with a vintage twist.
We asked ZATCHELS, our newest supplier of real leather bags and satchels, for the lowdown on keeping these gorgeous bags looking fab!
So, what is the best way to take care of a new real leather handbag?
"A high quality leather handbag should last you a number of years if cared for correctly. In order to help you keep your bag in tip top condition, we’ve put together the following guidance on how to clean a leather handbag successfully:
The first step in our guide on how to clean a leather handbag is to empty the contents of the bag. Remove any personal items from the interior and exterior pockets and put them somewhere safe before starting any actual cleaning. The last thing you want is your belongings getting ruined by the water and cleaning products.
Once you’ve emptied your leather bag out, start the cleaning process by dusting the bag off using a soft bristled brush. When you’re using your bag regularly, it’s easy for dirt and dust to gather on the bag and so it’s important not to skip this step.
Next, apply a leather bag cleaner to all areas of the bag using a lint free cloth. It’s important to use a proper leather handbag cleaner rather than homemade remedies, as when used incorrectly, these can cause serious damage to the leather
Once you’ve cleaned all areas of the bag, wipe off any excess moisture and leave it to dry for a little while. Once dry, apply a leather protection cream, making sure to cover handles and corners. This will make the bag shine like new and make it a lot more resistant to wear and tear in the long run."
How often should you clean your leather bag?
"How regularly you clean your bag really depends on how regularly you use it. If you use the bag everyday then you should clean it at least every two to three months, however if it’s more of a weekend or special occasions bag then every six to nine months should help keep it protected.
Of course, there may be exceptions to this, such as if you spill something on the leather or cause it to stain. In this case you’ll want to get cleaning as soon as possible."
Thank you to the ZATCHELS team for giving us this good advice. You can find more information on dealing with specific stains in there full guide at: Zatchels Care Guide