Leather bags are seen as durable accessories that should last decades, if not lifetimes. They’re often considered long-term investments in addition to being fashionable.
Unlike synthetic materials, the lifespan and integrity of leather can be significantly impacted by environmental factors and how it’s used.
Improper cleaning and storing can create cracks and discoloration that can’t be undone. On the other hand, well-maintained leather can last for decades.
See how leather behaves over time with tips to maintain your favorite leather bags to ensure they don’t fall apart.
Start with Quality First
Maintaining your leather bags starts with choosing a high-quality product. The quality of leather matters, along with the stitching and overall construction.
You want a bag with reinforced stitching, evenly spaced seams, strong straps, and durable lining. These are all areas that deteriorate fast when a bag is poorly made.
When you start with a quality leather bag made by a reputable company like Portland Leather Goods, it’s more likely to withstand wear and stress compared to cheap products. Full-grain and top-grain leathers are the strongest types of leather.
Bonded and heavily corrected leathers will peel and fall apart fast. Quality is also central to how well a bag responds to conditioning treatments. Lower-quality leather doesn’t respond as well to conditioning.
Full-grain leather will retain its natural fiber structure and will resist cracking and stretching. Since it’s not sanded or coated, it will absorb conditioners evenly, and over time, it will develop a nice patina. No amount of maintenance can make up for poor materials.
Clean Your Bag Gently
Leather is porous and absorbs oils and dirt. These contaminants slowly degrade leather. Cleaning your leather bag regularly prevents this. However, you don’t want to use harsh products or clean your leather bag in a way that removes essential oils.
Wiping your leather bag every week with a soft cloth will reduce the dust that can eventually dull the surface. But don’t use household cleaners, rubbing alcohol, or disinfectant wipes, or you’ll ruin the acidity.
Instead, use products specifically designed for leather that maintain the pH balance. Save the deep cleaning for a cycle of once every 2-3 months.
Apply Conditioning Treatments
Over time, leather loses its natural moisture. Conditioning will replenish the oils that keep leather fibers flexible. If you don’t condition your bags, they’ll become stiff and eventually start cracking.
You only need to condition leather once every 3-6 months. If you do it too often, it can end up drying it out. The best way to condition your leather bags is to apply light coats and avoid saturation.
But be aware that some conditioners make leather darker, so always test your conditioner product on a small area first.
Store Your Leather Bag Properly
How you store your bag can cause damage. Never fold or compress your leather bag, and avoid exposure to humidity and heat. Store your bag in a way that protects the shape and allows for airflow.
If you’re not going to use your bag for a while, consider stuffing it with cotton fabric to maintain its shape. If you put it inside a bag, avoid plastic because it will trap moisture.
Protect Your Bag Against Water
Despite what it may look like on the surface after a quick spill, leather will break down when exposed to water over time. If your bag gets wet, it’s best to blot it dry.
If you rub it, you’ll push the water into the leather’s fibers, where it will do damage. If possible, use a water-repellent spray made for leather to create a protective barrier.
Be Mindful
When using your leather bag, avoid overloading it with excess weight that will strain the handles, strap, and panels. Try rotating your bags to give each of them time to recover their elasticity.
Know When to Repair or Replace Your Bag
When a bag sustains minor damage, it can get worse if left unrepaired. Repairing your leather bag at the earliest signs of wear is ideal. For example, addressing small cracks early can significantly reduce or eliminate the cost of repair later.
If you see loose stitching, that should be fixed immediately by a professional. Avoid doing your own repairs because you might damage the leather.
Owning Leather Bags Requires Maintenance
Leather bags are one of the most popular accessories around, but they require regular, long-term maintenance.
When you start with a quality bag and take good care of it over time, it won’t deteriorate like the cheap bags on the market. Instead, it will develop a nice patina and age like fine wine.
