My precious faux leather bag is finally starting to show signs of wear after years of being my constant companion. It’s been all around the world with me and helped me look stylish on the most glamorous of business trips. I think it’s time I give it a bit of TLC and show it some much-needed love.
Now, it’s important to remember that faux leather is a little trickier to take care of than regular leather, especially at home. But no worries – here are some tips I’ve learnt on how to clean and treat faux leather bags – as well as a few blunders I’ve made along the way!
First and foremost, don’t use any harsh soaps or chemicals on your faux leather bag. When I was younger, I tried to clean my bag with the usual household cleaning solutions, only to be met with leather that was pulled, cracked and stiff. And not in a good way.
The absolute best way to clean faux leather is with a soft damp cloth. If the cloth isn’t doing the job, try adding a tiny bit of vinegar or some liquid detergent in order to gently remove any stubborn stains. Then, simply brush off the dirt with a soft brush or lint roller – and, voila!
I also recommend conditioning the faux leather every few months. You can use a good quality leather conditioner or mix some olive oil with a small amount of white vinegar. Apply a thin layer with a lint-free cloth and allow it to sit for around 30 minutes before gently buffing it off. This will help keep the leather smooth and supple.
One of the things I love most about faux leather is that it’s waterproof, but it’s also prone to staining. So, when the inevitable spillage of coffee or red wine happens, act quickly and dab (not rub) the spillage area with a damp cloth. It’s also a good idea to carry a travel-sized spot cleaning kit, just in case of any further mishaps.
Of course, you should always store your bag in a dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight (especially avoid hot car boots) to keep it looking like new. Or, keep it in its own bag or dust bag between uses – every little effort counts when it comes to looking after faux leather.
One last note – my faux leather bag may not be made of the most expensive material, but its worth to me is immeasurable. When it comes to. giving it a bit of extra love and attention, it’s worth every bit of effort (and quality leather cleaning products) invested. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Now, if you were wondering how to protect your faux leather bag from the elements, here are a few things that you should keep in mind:
Firstly, it’s best to keep your bag away from rain, snow and salt-water as much as possible. In the event of rain, a waterproof spray can provide some added protection against the elements.
Secondly, sun damage can especially wreak havoc on your faux leather bag and cause dry patches and discolorations. When not in use, it’s best to store your bag in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight. If it gets exposed to the sun for extended periods of time, you might want to consider using a leather or fabric sunblock to protect your bag from fading.
Thirdly, try to avoid rubbing dirt or oil onto your bag. If needed, gently brush it off with a lint-free cloth or lint brush.
Lastly, I would suggest using a leather finish cleaner or wax to nourish and protect your faux leather bag every once in a while. Not only will this help it last longer, but it’ll also keep your bag looking good as new.
But it goes without saying that no matter how careful you are, your faux leather bag is going to get scratched, scuffed and marked over time – just like everything else we have. So, why not embrace the age and wear and tear as a part of its character and charm?