Leather Bag Care and Maintenance
I try to clean and condition my leather jackets and accessories 3 - 4x a year (once per season) or when needed. There are some items that receive more maintenance than others, especially my leather jackets because I use them more often and in different types of weather.
How I do it all and the products I use are shared below.
Leather Cleaner
I relied on Apple Brand Leather Care products a lot when I first started collecting designer handbags and they’re a favourite among handbag lovers. Unfortunately, they’re not available in Canada anymore so I’ll be moving on once I finish up my bottles.
Another great option is the brand Cadillac. I’ve heard great things about their products through the handbag community and may purchase this cleaner to try out.
Currently, I just use a damp towel (after wringing out the water completely) to wipe my bags and then pat dry them. Once dry, I immediately apply conditioner to keep the leather supple.
The following set of photos are from two years ago when I shared a leather care series in my IG Stories.
Leather Conditioner
I use this leather conditioner on all my bags and jackets. Both my Chanel Boy Bag (calfskin) and my Balenciaga Classic City (lambskin) look beautiful and very well moisturized after each treatment. I also regularly use this conditioner on my AllSaints Cargo Biker Jacket.
Water Repellent
I spray my bags with water repellent for spring and winter. I currently use the Apple Brand Rain & Stain Repellent purchased years ago, but it’s not available in Canada anymore.
Another spray I’ve used is by Scotchgard, but this particular one is a general water repellent spray for fabrics. They also make a leather-specific one, which I haven’t tried yet.
One particular brand that’s loved by the handbag community is Collonil (also recommended by a shoe cobbler I went to) so I’ll be purchasing this Waterstop Spray next.
Handbag Storage and Stuffing
Keeping your bags in their dust bags + boxes isn’t the best way of storing them. Dust bags and boxes tend to fit snugly and don’t offer much breathing room for the handbags and the chains on some bags (like the Chanel Classics) could permanently dent the leather during storage. (I’ve seen a few heartbreaking photos and the imprints are very hard to fix.)
Some tips for storage:
Make sure to store your bags in a cool room or closet and away from direct sunlight. If your bag has a detachable strap, remove and place it inside the bag. Make sure nothing sharp or hard is resting on the leather.
Stuff your handbags with acid-free paper, NOT bubble wrap or newspapers, as odours could form and ink may stain the bags. Your bags need breathing room and bubble wrap (or any plastic) won’t do them any good.
Take your bags out once in a while and check for mould and mildew.
Dust your handbags once a week.
Handbag Display
I usually have two or three handbags on rotation during any given week, so I bought a couple of these display stands in black to put on my dresser. My Dior Saddle specifically needs to be hung like this since it can’t stand on its own. (I don’t keep it hanging like this long-term in case it sags from the weight.) Other than being practical pieces for me to hang my bags, I like that they can be used as decor items.
If you have any questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram!