Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Taking Care Of Genuine Leather Handbags

By Loraine Fitzmaurice


When caring for genuine leather handbags, you need to remember that they are made out of what was once a living hide. Animal skins need to breathe and if you apply the wrong products and use the wrong cleaning methods, they are liable to crack or fade.

You need to try and steer clear of most synthetic cleaning products. Products containing oils, polish, waxes or silicone cause damage and make the handbag feel sticky. Never ever use an abrasive cleaner or a product containing petroleum. Most of the time it does not need much more than very simple cleaning.

A microfiber cloth or sponge and a gentle liquid soap may be all that is required. Never spray any cleaning product directly onto the handbag. Instead mix a few drops of the soap with water and then dip the cloth or sponge into the water and wring it out until it is barely wet. Wipe the surface, going with the grain and using smooth even strokes.

Stains are more difficult to deal with. Some of them such as paint, wax or oil are best left to the experts. Wet stains such as ketchup can simply be wiped off. A grease stain can be blotted with a clean cloth and then sprinkled with talcum powder or cornstarch. Leave this on for a couple of hours before wiping off. A handbag which is water soaked should be allowed to dry slowly and naturally, rather than attempting to dry it with a heat source.

The easiest way to keep a handbag clean is to prevent it from getting dirty in the first place. This also applies to leather fanny packs. Try not to carry pens as ink stains are notoriously difficult to deal with. It is a good idea to carry any cosmetics in a sealed cosmetic bag. Make sure that any liquid contents are completely secure.

Try to avoid putting your handbag down on a dirty surface such as a floor or a counter top. It is not a good idea to leave it in a hot car as prolonged exposure to sunlight is not good for it. Exposure to too much moisture is also undesirable so going out in a torrential downpour with it is inadvisable.

The way items such as handbags or fine leather wallets are stored can affect their lifespan. Non-porous covers do not allow these items to breathe. Mildew and bacteria can develop which causes the items to deteriorate.

Caring for genuine leather handbags can prolong their lifespan. Their softness and natural beauty is enhanced by age and wear. You may be able to find much more inexpensive products on the market but none of them can rival the qualities of these stylish accessories.




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