Hey lovelies! 🌸
Lately, I have had a few clients and friends asking me about my cleaning tips and how I keep my collection looking so healthy. So here I am, with some tips and tricks on how you can ensure that your darlings stay in pristine condition!
Even with proper handling, day to day use can wear down your babies. Caring for them in a practical way is essential to ensure they go the distance and retain their value. I've met many people who swore by doing only the minimum and sadly, their babies have suffered; with many casualties and most not being able to last for more than 2-3 years.
For starters, most luxury houses will include a few cleaning recommendations in their labels. Please read through them carefully as brands will explicitly mention which chemicals/methods are totally unsuitable for your piece. Occasionally, they do highlight basic cleaning processes that you should abide by and what to avoid. Of course, that is definitely not enough if you want your babies to be in prime shape so you can be at the top of your game. Here's how to care for your luxury bags:
Storage👜📦🗄️
Moisture is the devil. So the first order of things is that pre-storage, always check to make sure that your darlings are dry and ready for safekeeping.
Generally, keep them stored in a dust bag or in their original box when not in use. You can even display them on a decorative shelf to showcase your collection. However, ensure that the storage area is ventilated with low humidity. Leather pieces are porous and need fresh and dry air to prevent the onset of mildew and rot. If you’re planning on just keeping it a dark and enclosed area, airing it once every week or two should stop that nasty mould from getting a hold on your darlings. Textile, nylon pieces need the same love too! Although they are water-resistant, they have poor breathability, resulting in possible moisture getting trapped inside the fibres of the bag.
Cleaning 🧹🧽🧺
First, remove all the dust and debris in the bag by giving it a good shakedown. Gingerly turn the lining inside out and clean using a lint roller. If need be, utilise a vacuum, turn it on the lowest setting and gently vacuum the innards of the bag.
Next, softly wipe away any visible dirt or stains with a slightly damp cloth (wring it a few times first!!) For stains, when testing out any stain removers that you’re not accustomed to or not comfortable with, please please use it on a small portion of the bag first. Some bags may be processed and treated differently and may react badly to certain cleaners!
Take note of the tags on your bags; they usually provide vital information on the best chemicals to clean your babies! Do note that brands sometimes have a dedicated page providing information on the cleaners and ways you should clean your bag so I would definitely consult that first. Alternatively, you can head down to the nearest boutique and inquire!
For leather:
Always always always use a proper leather cleaner. I cannot emphasise this enough. Other products like baby wipes or even “gentler” alternatives may contain substances that cause damage to the leather. I have had the unfortunate experience in my younger years of not using specialized cleaners and my lovely Chanel Bag (one of the first few bags that I painstakingly saved for months and months) paid the hefty price.
For animal derived fabric, wipe your bag with a clean dry cloth after use, even if you don’t intend to clean it fully. Calfskin leather is strong and durable but it is nothing against the random oils that seemingly pop out of nowhere. They are also prone to scratches so as much as possible so the key word here is gentle. Treat it like you would clean up a newborn and I promise you your future self at that fancy restaurant will thank you for it!
For suede:
Removal of dirt and debris is more important. Suede is more vulnerable to moisture, so utilise a slightly damp cloth. Clean them off gently in straight motions and different directions to avoid pushing the dirt deeper into the fibres.
For stains, oil and grease, people usually advocate for cornstarch, white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. These items usually work fine and can be found around the house, which makes it super convenient. However, if you wish to take that extra step, get a specialised suede cleaner. Magic stain erasers also work wonders!
When drying them off, avoid direct sunlight to prevent discolouration. Do not use hair dryers or any heating of any kind to accelerate the drying process; this stiffens up and damages the piece! If at any point the suede feels a bit rigid and stiff, use a suede brush to restore its softness.
For canvas:
Less is more. Start small. Arm yourself with a soft cloth and warm water and wipe your piece gently. For stains, some soap and a toothbrush should suffice.
Generally, experts mention how canvas bags will do well being machine washed in warm water with a mild detergent. However, from personal experience, even if the bag looks sparkly clean, something will come off the bag; which can be heartbreaking especially if it's a Louis. Stick to hand care!
For nylon and similar textiles:
These are the easiest to clean. Same modus operandi; lukewarm water, soft towel, gentle, avoid heat and sunlight. Done and dusted. Nylon is water resistant but make sure that it’s totally dry before keeping it.
After care🌿🛠️
Needless to say, store your babies in their dust bag after use. Place them in a dry
,reasonably ventilated and cool area away from sunlight.
Schedule a rotation. Give your babies time to rest to prevent excessive wear and tear. Use a different bag every now and then and let the rest breathe. I generally use a bigger nylon Prada piece for a general purposes and errands, with Bottega and LV bags are reserved for dinners. For more fancy occasions, I tend to whip out either my trusty Chanel classic or my Bottega mini pouch or pouch to add a little flair. When travelling, I swear by my Prada calfskin bucket; been purchasing and using leather bucket bags from Prada over the years and they have not disappointed! Love the durability and the ease in which those pieces fit into my travel wear. The additional space also helps a lot when I'm packing for essentials and my makeup set and vanity bags always rest nicely inside.
Also, avoid overloading! We stuff everything and more into our lovelies but loading too much can strain its fabric, handles and structure. Keep your bag in better shape by being careful about the load we place on them. General rule of thumb I follow; excessive sag? Keep it out of your bag.
Lastly, inspect your bags regularly for loose threads, blemishes and damage. Address them quickly to prevent further damage; your bags will thank you. Again, if necessary please do not shy away from seeking professional help, preferably from the brand the bag belongs to. Professional cleaners not associated with the brand may do wonders, but they may be ill-equipped to handle your particular piece. Ask the SAs for recommended cleaners or recommended fixers; they usually have a few good suggestions on hand.
Caring for your luxury bags is not just about maintenance; it's also about celebrating their beauty and uniqueness. By giving them the care and attention they deserve, you can enjoy their elegance and femininity for many years to come. 👜🌸
Hope these helped!
Cher, signing out! 💅
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