How To Store Leather Bags the Right Way – Full Guide

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Not knowing how to store your bags properly can lead to heavy scratches and damage. Or so you think.

Research has found that if you store handbags in the right way can make them look newer!

Here's our complete guide on how to store leather bags, wallets, etc. Keep reading for all the tips and tricks you need; don't blame us if your bags wear less after reading them!

Why is storing your leather bags necessary?

Storing Leather Bags is Necessary

The reason why you should store your leather bags is to preserve them and make sure that they last longer.

Leather bags are expensive, so storing them properly can keep them in great shape for a long time.

There are many different ways that you can damage leather if not handled correctly:

Moisture

The first thing that comes to mind about moisture damage is the idea of wet shoes or clothes getting moldy due to being left in a damp place for too long.

If this happens with items made from animal hides (like sheepskin), there will be permanent discoloration caused by water spots on the outside layers of the material. 

On an even more extreme note, though...if there were ever any chemical treatments applied directly onto these types of materials (such as dyeing), those chemicals would become absorbed into each layer over time which could lead to staining or spotting problems down the road!

Humidity/Sunlight

In Florida, the heat is one of the most uncomfortable things about summertime temperatures.

However, one thing many forget until things get hot outside where I live is how humidity affects clothing capacity, as fabrics absorb moisture faster than other materials, like cotton shirts.

How do you store leather bags to avoid mold and humidity?

Avoid Mold And Humidity
  • Use a cedar hanger. Cedar hangers are the best way to keep your leather bag from getting moldy and damp.
    This is because cedar has antibacterial properties that kill bacteria, which can cause damage to your leather bag's finish if you store it in plastic covers or under high humidity conditions.
  • Avoid storing your bag in direct sunlight or near an air conditioner or heater. This will cause moisture to build up on the surface of the material, causing it to shrink over time—and eventually causing holes due to shrinking caused by moisture buildup (which could also cause mildew!).
  • Store your leather goods somewhere with proper temperature & humidity levels--but not too cold either! It needs at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit inside before storing anything; 70% humidity level; 65 degrees Fahrenheit outside would also work well here since most people do not live anywhere near these temperatures anyway! (1)

Damage from storing leather goods incorrectly

Damage From Storing Leather Goods Incorrectly

It would be best to keep in mind that leather bags can be damaged by moisture, sunlight, heat, and dirt. These things will cause the leather to dry out and crack.

Leather is porous, and so it breathes. This means if you store your bag in an area where there's too much humidity or high temperatures (like a closet), mold may start growing on the inside of your bag.

This can lead to rips in the material and damage to other parts of your item, such as buckles or zippers!

General storage tips for leather

  • Keep the leather clean

Leather is a natural material and will get dirty if you're not careful. The best way to clean it is with a neutral pH cleanser like this one, which works well on all kinds of surfaces.

  • Keep the leather dry

Water can cause damage by breaking down its fibers, so make sure your bag stays dry whenever possible!

I recommend bringing in heavy-duty plastic sheeting from home before storing any damp items if you do not have an air conditioner or heater.

In this way, there's no risk of mold forming inside, and since we all love mold, we won't be able to avoid it...

  • Out of direct sunlight/heat/moisture

Keeping your clothes out of direct sunlight, heat, and humidity is essential because UV rays can cause fading over a long period.

The ability to retain heat isn't always bad, but if left unattended in the summer months for too long, excessive warmth could lead back to melting again. In any case, leather products tend to be lightweight, making that sense.

  • Do not expose your bag to direct sunlight

Do Not Expose Your Bag To Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can cause the leather to dry out, crack and fade. This is especially true for genuine leather bags you purchase from a reputable store or online. 

The best way to protect your bag from direct sunlight is by keeping it in a cool room with low humidity, such as your bedroom or basement.

If you want an even better option, consider storing it under the protection of an opaque box or other closed containers while not in use (e.g., during winter).

If this sounds like too much trouble for you, then some other ways could help prevent damage:

  • Use dark-colored bags

During winter when temperatures drop below freezing point; do not place them directly against walls where they may absorb heat instead!

  • Utilize colored tissue paper

Use colored tissue paper inside each compartment so that light doesn't reflect off its surface onto other areas where you might store fragile items inside their respective boxes.

  • Avoid/use a dust bag

Avoid A Dust Bag

If you're storing your leather bag for long periods, it's a good idea to use a dust bag. A dust bag is a cloth bag you can use to store and protect your precious leather items. 

Dust bags are often made of silk but may also be made of other materials such as cotton or leather.

They are designed to keep dirt out while providing ventilation so that the material inside doesn't become damp and moldy when stored away from its owner's home or office space (which would cause damage).

The most common types of dust bags are made of silk—these types have been around since ancient times because they're easy on hands; however, modern versions exist today as well! 

For example, some fashionable women prefer using satin sheets instead because these types tend to look nice and feel soft against the skin too!

They're even better than old-fashioned pillowcases because there aren't any rough edges that make them hard on sensitive areas like elbows/knees etc.

  • Keep your leather bags out of high humidity

Keep your leather bags dry and away from humidity. Leather is a material that can easily absorb moisture and become damp, which will cause it to rot over time.

To keep your leather bag in good condition, you should store it in an airy room or closet with high ventilation (a basement or attic is excellent).

When storing a leather bag for long periods, ensure there isn't any water nearby – this includes any rain that falls on the bag while it's being stored!

If possible, place several layers of newspaper between each layer of clothing so that if there is some spillage at first use, then you can remove everything without getting soaked through by dripping water.

  • Fill the bag with tissue paper or old shirts when storing it

Fill The Bag With Tissue Paper

You can use tissue paper or old shirts to fill the bag. The tissue paper is more absorbent than cotton balls, so you don't have to worry about them building up and becoming hard over time.

If you're using old shirts, make sure they're soft enough to hold their shape—you don't want any sharp edges poking out!

Using tissue paper instead of cotton wool will also save you money in the long run because it's less expensive than buying a new product every few months when it becomes worn out (which may happen after only one season).

However, if you do want something softer on your leather products, then go ahead and use some lovely soft cotton wool instead 🙂

Once you've got your bag filled with the product of choice, you're ready to go. Rub it into the leather and wipe off any excess.

You'll need to do this every couple of months or so to keep your products looking good as new!

  • Using a cedar hanger for storage is recommended

Cedar hangers are the best way to store leather bags. They're cheap, easy to find, and they remove moisture from your bags while they keep them safe and secure. Expert bag restorers recommend them because they work so well!

Cedar is an excellent material for storing leather because it has natural anti-fungal properties that help prevent mold growth.

It also absorbs odors better than plastic or other materials, which means you can use cedar hangers for a long time without having any problems with odor retention or deterioration of color on your leather goods.

  • Avoid storing your bag in plastic cushion airbags

Avoid Storing Your Bag In Plastic Cushion Airbags

Avoid storing your bag in plastic covers. Plastic covers can trap moisture, which can cause mold to grow.

They also trap dust and other allergens that have been tracked into the bag by dirt that gets stuck outside its cover. 

You will also experience staining on your leather handbag if you keep it in a plastic cover overnight; take it out the following day when you commute home from work (and again).

It will last many years if it is stored away from direct sunlight and any air conditioners or heating appliances in your house/apartment complex.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to remove stains from leather bags?

How To Remove Stains From Leather Bags

If you want to remove stains from your leather bag, there are a few ways that you can do so.

You can use a soft cloth, mild detergent, water, or even saddle soap if the stain is not too deep.

If this doesn't work, try using a leather cleaner kit before trying the other options listed below.

Suppose none of these methods work well enough for your needs.

In that case, it might be time for professional help from professionals who have experience cleaning leather items, such as dry-cleaning services, which charge by the hour or piecework, where they treat each item differently depending on its condition, etcetera...

Can I use Vaseline to condition a leather bag?

Vaseline is not a good choice for conditioning leather. It will make your bag sticky and attract dust and dirt, resulting in a dirty, smelly bag that looks old.

If you're looking to condition your leather bags but don't have access to Vaseline or another similar product, there are some other options:

  • Rubbing alcohol can be used on dry surfaces like leather and wet ones (think raindrops). However, if it's too strong of an odor, it may leave marks behind when rubbed into the material. Also, note that rubbing alcohol has an annoying tendency to evaporate quickly, leaving behind streaks every time you use it!
  • Toothpaste works well as long as there aren't any bubbles present, which could cause creases when applied to overtopping of already-firm surfaces such as vinyl car seats or upholstery fabric seats inside cars/trucks etc...

Conclusion

Now that you know how to store leather handbags correctly, it's time to start thinking about what kind of leather bag you need for your style. We hope this guide has helped you determine which type would work best with your lifestyle and budget!

Ryan Mills
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