You’ve saved up for months to make that bag yours and the moment you cradled it in your arms, it was true love. Perhaps you stayed true to the vow to keep your bag safe from harm and protected it from stains and spills. But even the most careful fashionista can’t control the elements and you can’t help nature from making its mark on once flawless leather.
If you are about to make a big purchase, the professional cleaning service provider for leather bags and shoes Colorwash suggest sending your new piece of investment arm candy to one of its outlets to get the bag protected with High-Density Transparent Coating. This coat is said to protect all leather, including metallic, patent and distressed, and also minimises colour from dark outfits transferring onto the bag. The silicone-based protection is twice as effective against food and water stains without changing the colour and texture of bags. Think of it as insurance for your new “baby”.
But if your favourite tote is already showing signs of age or has been in an unfortunate accident, there is still hope. Read on for our four tips for the most common leather problems.
DRY LEATHER?
Like your skin, leather shows its age when it loses its suppleness and becomes dry. That flaky sensation when you stroke the handles of your bag? Not good. Leather without a protective coating is sensitive to oil and has a lower moisture content. When leather becomes dry, it cracks.
SOS: In the same way you pamper your skin, check your bag in with a cleaning service provider regularly for a moisturising service to help maintain and soften leather to prevent dryness and cracks. Every now and then, massage the bag’s exterior with a leather moisturiser or conditioner that you can get from most accessory brands.
DARK COLOURED STAINS?
You had a good time last night in your new pair of dark denims and favourite cross body mini bag. The morning after, you find that the jeans also had a great time rubbing against the bag and now the light hued leather has a blue stain. Colour transfer is especially common when it comes to textured leather.
SOS: Speed to your nearest bag cleaning specialist where the professionals will try to clean up the stain. It helps if a protective coating has been done on the bag. In dire situations when the stain can’t be removed, a partial colour touch up or complete re-colouring can help restore the leather. Here’s another tip: Wash dark coloured clothes with a pinch of salt in the first rinse.
MARKS AND COLOUR INCONSISTENCY?
Different from colour stains, oil and water have a way of making a mark on leather. Everything from sweaty palms to a sudden downpour can penetrate and leave a spot on your precious bag. Moisture on leather can result in the breeding of mould and when exposed to light, the leather’s natural dye oxidises and colour fading happens.
SOS: Mininse water damage to your bag with a Water Protection coat – a water-resistant layer. Keep leather cleaning wipes in your bags to combat any minor marks and stains when they happen.
DULL LEATHER?
Has your favourite lambskin clutch lost its shine? Lambskin is delicate and its small pores trap dust, dirt and also makeup like foundation. Plus, exposure to sunlight also leads to discolouration.
SOS: Regular professional cleaning will keep your bag in tip-top condition. Don’t forget to touch leather goods with clean hands and remember to keep your bags out of the sun, especially when in storage - light can still penetrate through dustbags.
For more information about Colorwash and its services, go to www.colorwash.com.sg.