We have to take care of our bags, of course. Not only do they help us carry our belongings gracefully, they also serve as a good accessory to our daily ensemble. Displaying them on the shelves adds up to the pleasure of owning several pieces.
On a different note, many consider handbags as a daily necessity than as a want, that’s why it’s important to give them proper care especially this rainy season. Here are a few tricks to make them last longer.
Dry Naturally
Dry a bag naturally by placing it under a ceiling fan.
The clock says 6:00 PM and it’s time for you to go home when the rain suddenly pours. That’s a typical scene these days when you’re in Metro Manila, not to mention the flood. There’s a high possibility that your bag will get wet. The first thing to do is wipe it off with a dry cloth and hang in a temperate area. Let the air dry the bag without heat or humidity which can ruin its sensitive parts, especially leather. Don’t forget to also clean the interior of your bag using a damp cloth. Let it naturally dry as well.
Apply Care Products
Bags need some TLC, too.
Like your skin, the materials used in your bags like leather need some care, too. Before applying any product to the whole bag, it is important to portion test it by applying the product to a small and hidden area first and observe if it induces chemical reaction like discoloration. Leave it for a day and observe for changes to avoid unwanted results.
In case of waterproofing, apply an adequate amount of moisturizing products to the reverse part of the bag to make sure the materials have enough moisture before covering with waterproof chemicals. Spread the waterproofing products exclusive to the area that will be exposed to moisture to keep them from creasing and peeling.
Avoid heat exposure
Too much humidity can crack the leather coverings of your handbag.
Too much heat exposure can ruin your lovely bags. If your bag gets wet from the rain or accidentally poured with liquid beverages, do not immediately put it under the sun. Direct sunlight can cause discoloration and can dry the leather which can result in creases and cracks in several parts. First, wipe the spilled liquid off and then let your piece naturally dry under a ceiling fan or AC. Make sure bags are moisture-free before storing them in your shelves.
Leaving your bags inside the car with the AC off for a long time is also a no-no as heat can deform the original shape of your bags.
Store them properly
Giving them proper storage is like providing them a proper place to sleep.
Giving your bags proper storage is like providing them a proper place to rest. When they are not in use, it is important to keep them well in a cool, dry area away from extreme heat and temperature. But before anything else, make sure each piece is dry. Cover each in dust cloth before putting in shelves or boxes to keep them from dust and moist. If you are planning to display them in shelves, make sure to fill the inside with crumpled papers to maintain its shape. Hanging them can also wear them out so this technique should be out of your options.
Protect from rain
Rainwater is the number one enemy of designer bags.
Rain is the number one enemy of bags, among other stuff. It’s hard to keep our carryalls from rainwaters with the daily pour down that seems to routinely greet each one of us every time we are off to our homes. However, you can always bring plastics bags to waterproof your belongings .If not prevented, you need to immediately clean the handbag with a soft dry cloth and follow the right drying procedure mentioned above. Don’t miss to check if the insides got wet, too.
Do you know more hacks to extend the life of your bags? Share them with us by posting a comment below!
Karen writes for a living and for fun. She started her writing career in 2014 when she worked as Content Manager for a women’s website and never looked back since. On her free time, she tries to catch up on her current reads, seeing independently-produced films, watching theatre plays, and attending live music and open mic gigs. She dreams of becoming a published writer and film producer in the future.
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