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Shopping around for the perfect designer bag can be an exciting experience, but caring for and maintaining it is another story. Designer handbags are an investment, and one that must be protected and maintained in order to ensure they hold their value. Making sure your bags stay in the condition in which they reached you is especially important when touting bags that were previously owned. Though second-hand bags can be a huge money saver for those of us on a budget, they come with a history that we often don’t know much about.
It’s hard not to hastily whisk away your bag as soon as it leaves the shelves or arrives at your doorstep—but before taking it out to brunch with you, there are some measures you can take to avoid ruining it before it forever carries the stain of those delicious mid-morning mimosas. Here are some DO’s for caring for your bags that will help you to prevent or fix any accidental or inevitable damage.
DO: Treat the material
There are many ways to care for your bags inside and out, and each bag requires its own special treatment. If you’re unsure where to start, follow these general rules of thumb about proper bag maintenance.
DO: Store properly
In order to maintain their shape, your handbags should always be stored in an upright position, with the straps crossed over one another to avoid sagging. Try stuffing them with scarves, tissue paper, or a handbag insert made specifically for this purpose. Never throw your bags in a heap on the floor or at the bottom of your closet—instead, line them up nicely with plenty of space to breathe. Tight, confined, or damp places often promote the growth of mold and mildew, so be sure to cover or wrap them loosely in a cotton pillow case to keep them dry and safeguard against the buildup of moisture.
DO: Keep up with regular preventative maintenance
After having your bag for some time, you may find that you begin to neglect doing all of the things that helped to keep your bag in the condition it is. Don’t forget basic bag etiquette:
Don’t touch or handle your bag if your hands are dirty, wet, or contain traces of harmful chemicals that may damage the finish or coloring of your bag. Avoid placing it on the floor, ground, or rough surfaces that could scratch the exterior. To keep the inside pristine, try not to overfill your bag with clunky objects, or throw in sharp or explosive ones, such as pens or food. (We’ve got you covered on all the handbag essentials for each occasion or special event in an upcoming post—so make sure you check back to see what you’re missing!)
In part two of this topic, we’ll go over all the DON’Ts of bag care and maintenance that will not only save your bag from any possible damages, but also save you from the headache of not handling those damages correctly.