Designer bags are precious possessions for many women, not just because of how much they cost, but because of the emotional attachment and memories they hold. While designer bags are meant to last many seasons and can become classics over time, daily wear and tear, and improper care can quickly batter these beautiful accessories.
Siratcha Patcharasopachai gives battered and bruised bags a new lease of life.
Momoko Bag & Shoes Spa owner Siratcha Patcharasopachai revealed many of her clients came to the spa with the same concern. Here are seven of the most common problems with designer bags — and how to prevent them.
Not having a realistic expectation of the material
Some materials are more durable than others, Siratcha said, adding that many share the common misconception that dark colours are easier to take care of.
“When it comes to designer bags, all of them need special care, but some are easier to maintain than others. Darker colours may help hide some stains, but when they become faded or scraped, the flaws are more visible than on light-coloured materials. Some go for patented leather because it looks easy to clean, when in fact, it can absorb colour from other materials and leave deep stains.”
Thick calfskin is one of the best options if you don’t want to worry too much about cleaning and maintaining the bag. Protecting the bag with anti-UV and waterproof coating can also help prevent the fading of darker colours and the yellowing of lighter ones. Materials that absorb water, such as canvas and suede, should not be used on rainy days.
Putting everything in the bag
Siratcha said that over the past several years, her staff have encountered some very strange objects left in bags. “Candy, dog treats, melted chocolate, used tissue paper and even a mango seed have been found in our customers’ bags. They not only stain, but also leave a nasty smell,” she said.
The top three causes of bag stains are pens, make-up and food. If you like to put everything in your bag, Siratcha suggested a purse organiser (a removable panel of pockets). “Not only does it help you find things better, it also prevents stains. If it gets dirty, all you have to do is get a new purse organiser.”
Leaving your bag in the sun
Siratcha recalled an incident when a client came to her shop, clutching a faded grey bag which was supposed to by shiny black. “She told me that she had left the bag in the car all day and when she returned, the colour had changed beyond recognition.”
Harsh light, especially Thailand’s scorching summer sun, can damage a bag’s colour and cause leather to become dry and chapped, so they should not be placed in it. The sun’s rays can also melt the plastic parts of a bag, or damage the contents inside, such as lipstick, causing a stain.
Putting the bag away whilst damp
Whether it’s caused from humidity, the rain or your perspiration, putting even a slightly damp bag into an enclosed space can lead to moulding.
“Always let your bag dry at room temperature for an hour or two before putting it away in a dust bag. Some people who have a lot of bags never look at them for months, and when they do, it’s already moulded and damaged.”
A moulded bag can look bad and smell funny. Silica gel can help absorb humidity and limit the growth of mould.
If you notice a spot of mould, have the bag treated right away to prevent it from spreading.
Wearing dark-coloured clothes
Jeans and other dark clothing items can leave dark stains on your bag. Denim stains are among the most common problems Siratcha has found on her clients’ bags.
“Sometimes clients don’t know that the colour of their jeans can come off and be absorbed into their leather bag. To help prevent your bags from staining, apart from avoiding dark clothes, make sure to spray your new bags with a good quality leather protector.”
Cleaning your bag the wrong way
What do we normally do when we see something dirty? We try to clean it. But do we really know how to clean our bags?
“Even though we are professional enough to know which detergent to use with which material, we still have to test different types on tiny areas to see which works best,” said Siratcha.
One mistake people make is to believe that something that can clean a leather sofa, for example, can also clean their leather bags.
“They end up getting bigger and worse stains. If you are not sure how to clean it, hand it to a professional. If you want to try to clean it yourself, try it on a small area in the least visible place.”
Holding it with unclean hands
Hand sanitisers, hand lotion and hand sweat can leave nasty marks on leather. For example, notice how the cowhide handle of a Louis Vuitton bag will turn an unattractive shade of dark brown after a few months of regular use.
“Hand lotion is oily, so the cowhide absorbs that. Sometimes when our hands are sweaty or wet after washing them, we reach for the bag in a hurry without realising the damage we’re causing,” said Siratcha.
A cover might be a good idea for a handbag with a leather handle. If your palms are excessively sweaty, opt for a shoulder or crossbody bag instead.
Sweat and hand products can alter the colour of cowhide.
Denim stains on a leather bag.
Mould can ruin your bag.
Photo © Ingram Publishing/Thinkstock
