With a little care, your handbag can and should last for many years. Vegetable-tanned leather changes over time; it will soften and lighter coloured leathers, in particular, will darken, so that each piece develops a unique patina. This is a natural process and a sign of a well-loved item. Below are a few guidelines to help you look after and get the most out of your handbag.
COLOUR TRANSFER
Leather is dyed, so there is a risk of colour transfer onto clothing in the first few weeks of wear. Try to avoid wearing light coloured clothing during this time. Likewise, be careful to avoid colour transfer from dark clothing onto light coloured leathers.RAIN & WATER
Try to avoid heavy rain, especially when your bag is new. If your bag does get wet, remove excess water immediately with paper towels, pack loosely with paper and allow to dry naturally. Don’t use direct heat, such as a hair dryer, as this can damage the integrity of the leather. Leather can be made more water-resistant with Collonil's Organic Protect & Care spray, which leaves a fine protective film on the surface. Always remember to do a patch test somewhere discrete, like on the base, first though.
SUNLIGHT & HEAT
Try not to expose your handbag to direct heat or sunlight for extended periods of time, as this can cause the leather to dry out and may cause the leather to crack or fade unevenly. Condition your leather every so often to prevent drying and to keep it supple. We love Collonil's Organic Bamboo Lotion.
CLEANING
Your handbags can be cleaned using a damp cloth or a dedicated leather cream, such as Collonil's Organic Bamboo Lotion. Apply cleaning product onto a cloth first, rather than directly onto your bag, and remember to patch test an inconspicuous area first.
MARKS & SCRATCHES
With regular use, your handbag will develop some marks and scratches. Even without treatment these will eventually fade into the bag and will become less and less noticeable. Just rubbing scratches or dents with your finger will also reduce their appearance by replacing the natural oils in the leather. If you’re bothered by the appearance of scratches, we recommend Collonil's Leather Gel.
HARDWARE
Fittings can be polished up with a clean, dry cloth.
If you need any more advice on caring for your leather products, please contact us: info@shophaf.com.
