May 12, 2015

5 Handbag Care Tips

by Maria Kazzi

Like any accessory, our handbags can make or break an outfit. No matter how many bags you have - five or fifty - the fact is that you need to take care of them so you can enjoy wearing your loves for years to come.

Enjoy these five simple handbag care tips

1 | NON WOVEN AND COTTON HANDBAG DUST BAGS

There are three main fabric types used for handbag dust bags. The most common dust covers or pouches are made from cheap, non woven fabrics or polyester with a drawstring close. Quality dust bags are made from 100% cotton with full zip closure.

Check your Handbags!

Regular handbag dust covers are designed with an open/close drawstring across the top of the dust bag.

If you are using such a bag (see picture) to 'protect' your loves then be aware that dust and dirt particles can (and will) settle into the crevices and folds of your stored handbags, wallets, clutches, wristlets. If you forget to close the bag properly (or the drawstring is broken), then this can cause (unexpected) damage to your treasured bags, especially when stored long term.

The important tip to remember - and what you don't always realise - is that these fine dust and dirt particles can work like sandpaper and damage the delicate leather, the fabrics, embellishments and overall surface of your bag when 'rubbing' or 'brushing' away any debris.

When you go to use your bag, your instinct is to wipe it down (to remove the dust) without a second thought. DON'T!

For handbag longevity, it is best to store your bags in cotton dust bags. Cotton has many fabulous attributes, and why we love this natural fabric! It is an eco-friendly, breathable fabric. Acid-free and hygienic. Cotton will keep your bags cool in the summer and insulated in the winter, making the cotton fabric the best dust bag for your handbags.

We recommend Kazzi Kovers dust bags for optimal handbag storage. Each bag includes a full zip closure and provides all-round protection from the elements while promoting the longevity of your loves. More information below.

2 | COVER YOUR HANDBAGS SEPARATELY

Storing your handbags separately in cotton dust covers voids colour transfer. Colour transfer in handbags is real. Handbags (or any bags) that are stored back to back, side by side or on top of each other without a protective dust bag can cause a colour transfer.

For example, a red handbag can be tainted because the neighbouring white handbag left undesired marks on your handbag, causing damage which can be costly to remove, especially for leather bags.

Store your light-coloured leather and patent leather bags separately. Our handbags can absorb other colours easily and these colour transfers are impossible to remove and can cause irreparable damage.

NEVER store your handbags in plastic bags or plastic handbag organisers. Doing so allows dust and dirt to still settle into and onto your bags. Also, because of the plastic material, these handbag storage methods can cause mould spots, fade and discolouration and your handbags will potentially start to peel, crumble or disfigure in some way.

PRO TIP | When storing your bags throughout the seasons, the aim is the keep the material and fabric of your handbags supple and nourished.

3 | STUFF YOUR HANDBAGS TO MAINTAIN THEIR STRUCTURE

For structured and non-structured handbags consider storing your bags with acid-free tissue paper, or old cotton clothing such as rolled shirts, or old towels. Well-stuffed bags help maintain the shape and framework of your handbag, particularly if you don’t use or rotate your handbags all that often.

Avoid stuffing your bags with plastic bags. Plastic will crumble over time, affecting your handbags, and it provides no real benefit to your handbags' longevity. And we all know that plastic does no favours for the environment, so it is best avoided.

Refrain from hanging your bags — this will distort the shape of the handles

4 | STORING YOUR HANDBAGS

Depending on the size and design of your handbag, ideally, it is best to store your structured handbags or flat base bags in an upright position to maintain their shape and style. Refrain from hanging your bags — this will distort the shape of the handles

For non-structured handbags, it is best to lay them flat where possible. Or up against a shelf, wall or drawer. Well-organised and stored bags provide the support they need, and it helps keep them in their most natural fall-position.

PRO TIP | Do not stack your handbags on top of each other as this will cause a structural breakdown. Instead, store them side by side, standing vertically.

When it comes to storing your handbags, keep in mind that leather, patent, suede, embellished bags and other bags made from natural materials need to breathe. Ensure and check you leave enough space (2 - 4 cm) between your handbags to give them to best optimal care, especially when it comes to seasonal and long term handbag storage.

NEVER box up your handbags. Although this storage method keeps out the nasties, it doesn't help preserve and protect your bags. Nor does it ensure that natural airflow can circulate in and around your handbag collection.

After all, you've invested a pretty penny in your handbag collection, and the last thing you want to do is squash them like sardines. Please make sure you give them the space they deserve!

PRO TIP | Our handbags need space to breathe to nourish the fabric and material fibres which helps promote your handbags' longevity. Make sure you leave enough space, 2 - 5 cm, between each handbag when storing your loves long term.

5 | KEEP YOUR HANDBAGS OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND HUMID SPACES

Do not store your handbags in direct sunlight or extremely dry or humid conditions. The fabric or leather will eventually dry out, crack, discolour, fade, and or peel. No one wants that!

When I stored my black patent clutch in a non woven dust bag in hot, humid conditions way up on my wardrobe shelf (where no air reaches or comfortably circulates) - the patent began to peel. Understandably so. It is now irreparable, but it is an excellent example of what can happen when you don't take proper care of your handbags, mainly if your bags are occasional or seasonal pieces that are not used often.

Remember a little TLC can go a long way when it comes to protecting your handbags against dirt, dust, mould, mildew, and humidity. I hope these simple tips help you take better care of your cherished loves.

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Thanks for reading.

Remember if you ‘Love it, Cover it!®.’

Kazzi Kovers® | Updated 18th August 2022.

Maria Kazzi :)

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Kazzi Kovers takes pride in providing safe and natural alternatives to Protect, Organise, Store and Travel with our range of premium covers and accessories.

See Kazzi Kovers for our full suite of products, blogs, tips and updates.

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INDIVIDUAL | HANDBAG DUST BAGS 100% Cotton

Kazzi Kovers 100% cotton handbag dust bags are designed to suit all fabrics, materials, shapes and size handbags and protect handbag longevity.

Sizes: Small | Medium | Large

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PACKS | HANDBAG DUST BAGS 100% Cotton

Perfect for if you have several handbags, wallets or clutches.

Ideal for a barrel bag, doctor's bag, double-handle bags, cross-body, frame bag, hobo, messenger, saddlebag, satchel bag, sports bag, structured bags, totes, small travel bags and more.

3 Pack | Same size (Eg: medium) and in the same colour (Eg: Pink).

Sizes | Small Medium OR Large

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One in each size | 1 x Small + 1 x Medium + 1 x Large in the colour of your choice (displayed below).

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MIX 'N' MATCH | HANDBAG DUST BAGS 100% Cotton

These sassy Mix 'n' Match sets will store several different handbags, clutches, wallets and they're great for travelling as well.

Ideal for a barrel, doctor's bag, double-handle bags, cross-body, frame bag, hobo, messenger, saddlebag, satchel bag, sports bag, structured bag, totes, small travel bags and more.

Pack Includes | 2 x small + 2 x medium + 1 x large cotton bag in the set of your choice.