How to Care for Your Luxury Handbag
Purchasing a luxury handbag or small leather good — whether new or preowned — is always an enjoyable and rewarding experience. These lovely treasures aren’t just accessories, they’re investments that can appreciate in value over time.
A well-cared-for luxury handbag from a premium house like Chanel or Louis Vuitton can retain its beauty and functionality for years, making it a timeless addition to your wardrobe.
But, proper care is essential to maintain the condition and value of your investment piece and keep it in like-new condition, even with frequent wear. Here, I’ll outline a few practical tips and techniques to make sure your luxury handbag stays in pristine condition. These steps include:
General precautions while wearing your bag;
Regular inspections to help catch issues early;
Routine cleaning and upkeep to maintain appearance and longevity; and
Proper storage to safeguard against damage and deterioration
Preventing Wear and Tear
Daily use can expose your luxury handbag to various risks. Stains and color transfer are the two most common issues. It is also important to consider heat, rain, and other environmental stressors that can damage your luxury goods.
Placing your bag on the floor will expose it to potential damage from dirt and debris. There are some simple steps you can take to avoid this when out and about.
Use portable bag hangers and hooks to hang your bag on tables or chairs at restaurants or other public places
Find clean surfaces if no hanger is available or another elevated spot to place your bag
Stains & Color Transfer
Bags made from raw or untreated leather can become worn or stained from regular use. Some natural patina is normal, but water damage and discoloration from lotions or hand sanitizers is very common and difficult to remove. This makes it important to follow the instructions for ongoing care and maintenance. Yes, handbags come with guidelines that explain how to clean and take care of the exterior of your bag, including the hardware. If you’re not sure, ask your client advisor or search online for tips on how to do your own maintenance.
It is also common to experience some color transfer on your bag when wearing denim or other dark colored clothing. This is difficult, if not impossible, to avoid. If it’s something you are really concerned about, you should wear light colored clothing and avoid prolonged exposure to dark jeans or dyed fabrics that can bleed onto your bag.
You didn’t invest in a luxury item only to keep it stored in your closet. But, if you’re overly concerned about how your handbag will fare at a particular event or location, just leave it at home. Your luxury items should be enjoyed, but not to the extent that you have to be wary or nervous when wearing them.
Regular maintenance should also include your bag’s interior. If you’ve been known to carry a snack in your bag in case you get hungry on-the-go, try to avoid food items that might stain or damage the interior of your handbag. And, at the end of the day, throw away uneaten food and remove anything perishable.
You should also take precautions with un-capped pens, lipstick, and makeup brushes. Think of lip gloss as your enemy. You’ll never get it out of the interior fabric of your bag. Just take a moment and put the cap back on and carry your makeup in a separate, interior pouch or cosmetics case to avoid unnecessary accidents.
Conduct Regular Inspections
Even when you are extremely careful, it’s difficult to avoid the normal wear and tear that comes from carrying your handbag. But, catching issues early can extend the longevity and keep it in like-new condition longer.
Make a habit of incorporating these steps before storing your bag:
Conduct a thorough check of the fabric, stitching, handles, and hardware.
Check for color transfer and immediately wipe away any discoloration with a soft, damp, white cloth.
Lightly dab the stained area to clean, avoiding excessive moisture.
Dry with a clean towel or let air dry ensuring the item is completely dry, inside and out, before storing.
Cleaning Guidelines
There are countless blogs and videos online offering tips for cleaning and removing stains from luxury items, but DIY care can be risky if you are unfamiliar with how to handle the handbag material or use the wrong products.
If you’re determined to go it alone, here are some general guidelines to follow:
Blot, don’t rub. Rubbing can cause a stain to set or spread and make it worse. Blot the area with a clean, light-colored cloth.
Avoid soaking. Water stains are common with raw, untreated leather and other light fabrics. If a stain occurs, blot the area immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Soaking the leather with cleaners or other solvents can cause further damage.
Buff minor scuffs. Use a soft cloth to gently buff minor scuffs. But for persistent marks, it may be best to consult a professional for specialized care.
If you are feeling uncomfortable with DIY care, find a reputable handbag specialist in your area. They can provide deep cleaning and repair services that go beyond what you can do at home.
Maintaining a proactive approach to stain management ensures your handbag remains in pristine condition. Regular inspections and quick responses to any spills or marks will help keep your investment piece looking brand new.
Storing your Handbag
Storing your luxury items occasionally will allow you to rotate each piece and limit the amount of wear and tear. With proper storage, you’ll notice your bags will look new much longer, and earn a higher price should you ever decide to sell them in the pre-loved market.
Proper care can make a big difference in the longevity of high-end items. Maintaining your luxury handbag with diligence ensures it remains a valuable asset in your collection for years to come.
Use Dust Bags
When storing your bag, you’ll want to take precautions against dust, sunlight, and moisture — the main enemies of leather goods. Store the item in the dust bag and original box that usually comes with your purchase. The dust bag will help protect against light exposure and, in smaller spaces, prevent color transfer from other bags and items in your closet.
Avoid Moisture
Your storage area should also be well-ventilated. Heat and moisture can ruin the appearance and structure of a luxury handbag.
Place silica gel sachets or desiccant packets inside your handbag and the box to absorb excess moisture. These can be purchased in bulk to ensure you always have them on hand. If your storage area is not temperature controlled, you’ll need to take additional measures to maintain the quality of your luxury items.
Use Purse Shapers
Luxury handbags should be stored empty. Stuffing your bag will help maintain its original shape. A purse shaper or pillow is ideal, but paper works just as well. Use acid-free tissue paper and avoid newspaper or other materials that can bleed ink. But, no matter the temperature or humidity level, storing your handbag in one position for long periods of time can damage the material and shape. This can happen whether hanging, laying on its side, or sitting upright.
Proper care can make a big difference in the longevity of high-end items. Maintaining your luxury handbag with diligence ensures it remains a valuable asset in your collection for years to come.
Remember:
Take a few general precautions while wearing your bag. Avoid placing it on the floor and make efforts to prevent color transfer when possible. Take care with the interior to avoid stains.
Regular inspections will help you catch issues early. A quick response to any spills or marks will help prevent further damage and keep your investment piece in pristine condition.
Establish a cleaning routine to maintain appearance and longevity. You can likely handle general cleaning by following the specific guidelines from your client or sales advisor and provided with the handbag. Seek out a specialist for cleaning and repair services that go beyond what you are comfortable doing at home.
Proper storage will keep your luxury items dry and away from heat and sunlight. Maintaining an optimal storage environment will safeguard against damage and deterioration
Embrace these practices as part of a lifelong commitment, and enjoy the timeless elegance of your handbag collection for years to come.
Shop our pre-loved items, many of which are in pristine and like-new condition. We source from retailers and vetted clients to ensure your new treasure has been well taken care of.