Handbag Maintenance

If you consider yourself high maintenance, maybe it’s time to share the attention with your handbag! As you make the final selection on that oh-so-perfect bag, don’t forget the importance of preservation, maintenance and care. Extending the shelf life of that quality investment is a top priority, so you can stay stylish and well-equipped no matter what season you’re in. Besides, your much-loved piece might be passed down to your daughters so they can enjoy some spoiling!

Fabric handbags can be cleaned with simple spot cleaning, using a gentle towel to scrub away marks and scuffs. You can test a small area with warm water and a mild soap, but think twice before tossing these in the washer or dryer; it’s likely that you’ll scratch them very quickly!

Your felt purses, bags, wallets, or accessories are all made from natural wool fibers and will shrink if they are overwashed. Instead of risking a major downsizing, just head to the dry cleaners where you’ll be in good hands.

If that leather lovely is looking slightly haggard, you can wipe it clean with a soft, damp, white cloth. Leather is a difficult surface to clean; even though it’s a tough material, it can stain easily and start collecting scuffs after just a few trips on the subway. You can restore its luster and sheen with a natural leather oil cleaner. If you need to restore some color from scratches or spots, you’ll find a variety of leather sprays at your local leather goods store. Avoid standard household cleaners and solvents as much as possible; you might end up with more blotches and spots that become permanent.

Regular cleaning of your prized possessions may be best suited for a professional. Almost all designer bags can be taken to the boutique store itself for an inspection and basic care tips. In addition, many designer stores can refresh and restore the bag for a minimal fee. From Gucci to Chloe, the team of professionals can guide you down the path to rejuvenating your valuable bag. For lighter fabrics and different styles, a local dry cleaning service can help you find the right chemicals and cleaning tools for restoration.

In the same way that you polish those pumps and prepare your show-stopping outfits, your handbag will need some undivided attention once in a while. From the fabric tote to the leather briefcase, each type of material asks for that special touch. Follow some key maintenance and preservation guidelines, and you’ll have a valuable, long lasting, as-good-as-new bag on your hands.

Article by Sabah Karimi from AssociatedContent.com