Leather materials are most preferred for holdalls because they are waterproof, fashionable, and durable. Basically, these are the characteristics that any frequent traveler will look for in a travel bag. But despite their advantages, leather holdalls, like other bags, fade and get scratched over time. The good news though is that the damages can be prevented with the right care practices.
Without further ado, here’s the guide to help you boost the life of your leather holdall.
Cleaning
The simplest formula for cleaning a leather holdall is using soapy water. Use warm soapy water and a piece of soft cloth to clean the bag. In case of stubborn stains, you should try these reagents:
• Rubbing alcohol
• Nail polish
• Lemon juice
You are required to soak a piece of cloth in any of the reagents and use it to bloat off the stain. If you need to get rid of the bad odor that’s associated with leather products, you’ll need to put baking powder in the bag when you are not using it. The reagent will clear the bad smell fast.
If the bag a special lining that fades easily, you need to protect it by covering it with a plastic bag. Additionally, if it is the first time you are cleaning the bag, test the cleanser on a small area (such as under a flap) to ensure that the color of the whole bag is not affected in case the cleanser reacts with the leather.
Protection
It goes without saying that leather needs protection from coffee spills, red wine, and stubborn dyes. You can protect your bag with the finest leather polish or leather conditioner that the seller (of the bag) recommends. This should be done at least once a week.
Storage
You need to keep your holdall in a safe, moisture-free, and clean place. You should also keep it away from direct sunlight as it may damage the fabric. The easiest way to do it is using a bag hanger.
Repair
With time, your holdall may suffer scratches. They may look simple initially but may ruin the appearance of your bag in the long run. So, you need to fix the simple scratches as soon as they occur by covering them with an effective leather dye. If the scratches are extensive, then you’ll need to fix them using a leather adhesive. However, it’s important that the color of the adhesive matches that of the holdall.
Generally, leather holdalls require care and maintenance to guarantee better and long-term service. It starts with observing the above guide. This will ensure that your holdall maintains its stylish element for a long period of time.