Designer items are investment pieces, and it's essential to treat them with the care they deserve. Some classic pieces never go out of style, others are recycled as we go through a seemingly repeated cycle of trends while some may be enjoyed by new owners via reselling. If you've been following our blog then you may have seen our previous DIY handbags and shoes cleaning posts (Case in points: this, this, and this). Because this topic is so important, we have some more tips to take care of your goodies:

• Remember water and leather do not mix

Natural leather has a permeable structure, therefore is not water repellent. Do not get caught in the rain or put your bag down in a wet spot. If your leather bag does get wet, do not wipe off the water immediately. Let it air dry in ambient room temperature. Do not expose it to heat or sunlight.

• Switch from one bag to another

Keep multiple bags in rotation for daily use. This will increase the life span of your bag, more than you could imagine. It decreases the wear and tear on your bag. This technique also keeps you from growing bored, and therefore careless, with your bags. The same rule applies for shoes.

• Get off on the right foot

If your bag does not already come with protective metal feet at the bottom, have them installed! Especially on everyday bags. Without a doubt, you will be placing your bag on the floor and other dirty or abrasive surfaces. Protective feet are life savers when it comes to preventing the bottom of the bag from scratches, dust marks and stains.

• Clean the inside of shoes

This is very important to keep your shoes clean from any persisting bad odours. Swab them with alcohol or a drop of tea tree oil, an antifungal agent. Be sure to not splash any liquid on the inside, to not stain the leather. You can also wear your shoes with sock liners to prevent contact with perspiration, which erodes the insoles.

• Don’t let patent leather crack

In order to do this make sure it does not get wet or exposed to heat. Cleaning with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of water and vinegar also prevents cracking. If cracks appear, stretch the shoe on a wooden shoe tree or cushion-type shoe shaper, and treat the cracks with leather conditioner.

Hope this helps!

Written By,

Areesha Ahmer, Secret Stash's 'Girltern' of the Month!

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