DIY: How to clean a leather handbag

by

23 December 2016

Fashion

inner-img

Keep your leather looking new by cleaning it right When it comes to leather, one thing is universal and that is that over time it fades and loses its luster. Regardless of whether you spend thousands on a handbag at a top retailer or $10 at the local mega super store, the leather will eventually need to be cleaned and revitalized. Of course, the quality of leather that was used in the construction of the handbag plays a great deal into the longevity of the leather before reconditioning is needed (personally I believe that a leather artisan is the best place to get a handbag). When the time comes to re-condition your leather handbag, ensure that you do it properly. Here are a few steps to ensure that your leather stays vibrant and has that new product smell.

best-leather-cleaner-and-conditionerStep One: Clean out the wallet

It may sound a bit redundant, but I have known several people who have tried to use cleaner and conditioner on a bag full of junk. First, remove the contents. You have to keep in mind that whatever you have in the bag will have an impact on the shape of the leather as well as on how the bag rests. Besides that, it is just common sense that the contents can get damaged or ruined from the cleaning solutions.

Step Two: Pick a cleaner and conditioner that matches your leather

Not all cleaners and conditioners are the same. There are some which are intended for black leather, some for alligator skin, some for cowhide, sheepskin, etc. This is vital to ensuring that you do not over-saturate or add too much acidity and chemicals to the leather. For example, the chemicals in a leather conditioner for cowhide will be greater than sheepskin due to the thickness of the skin. Applying a cowhide leather cleaner to sheep’s skin could cause the leather to rip and tear or for the leather to become “burned”. If you have any questions or concerns about which leather cleaner to use ask your local leather artisan.

Step Three: Clean the leather like you would your hair

By this I mean start with the cleaner. Using a soft cloth which has no abrasive fibers apply a small amount of the cleaner to the cloth. Do not apply the solution directly to the leather. Apply the cleaner in soft circles until you have covered the surface of the handbag. At this point, the leather will probably have a dull and matt aesthetic to it. Do not worry, this is normal. Most cleaners require you to buff or clean off the cleaner.
Let the cleaner sit for a little while to work into the leather. Typically, I wait 30 minutes or so to allow for the cleaner to get down into the pores of the skin. After an ample amount of time has passed, use a separate cloth to buff off the cleaner. It should have a slight shine now.

Step Four: Apply Conditioner

When you have finished cleaning the leather, do not jump straight to the conditioner. Look at the leather handbag and ensure that all areas have been cleaned. If you notice any imperfections on the leather, apply another coat of cleaner. Once you are satisfied with the overall look and want to get that new leather shine, then add the conditioner.
Depending on the brand that you choose, the conditioner may require you to apply it with a soft cloth, or you may be able to spray it on and work it into the leather. Just keep in mind to apply the conditioner evenly. The conditioner of leathers typically does not require that you remove it once it is applied (no need to buff). Again, it depends on the leather, the cleaner and conditioner, and the age of the bag.

Step Five: Let it dry

When you take a shower, you dry off before you put clothes on. Why? Because you do not want to get your clothes wet. In the same way, you should give the bag an ample amount of time to dry before you add anything back into it. This will prevent any of the leather polish, cleaner, or conditioner from coming off on the contents. Again, if you feel uncomfortable in cleaning your leather handbag or if you have questions on how to properly apply leather cleaner and conditioners to your handbag, go and see your local leather artisan. Most artisans offer leather cleaning services should you not have the materials or the patience to clean your bag properly.

Read More:

  1. Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean In One Hour Or Less
  2. How To Choose Best Brush For Your Cat
  3. How To Salvage Your Furniture After A Flood
  4. Tackle Your Shredding This Family Day

Lucia Patterson is the woman behind TheLegalGuides, a blog solely focused on legal guides, tips, and advice. Lucia loves essay writing and blogs at EssayWritingGuides from her college days.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

modern shoe fasteners

Features to look for when switching to modern shoe fasteners

You will have to admit that there have been great changes in the products and services offered in the market today. No invented product has remained as it was when it was first created centuries or decades ago. Recent innovations and discoveries have provided a lot of influence on how products work, allowing for more efficiency and functionality.Most of the changes in products stem from the discovery of new materials, manufacturing processes, and equipment. Even plain products such as shoe laces have undergone innovative changes that change how you use them. Like in every product, the changes that take place help to overcome any limitations or challenges the older version had.Read More: How To Choose The Right Shoelaces For Your ShoesThe new shoe fastener models are made of elastic-plastic. They differ with the traditional shoestrings in that they are not long strips of string. You also do not lace them through the shoe eyelets. They are therefore way different from the traditional laces but they serve the same function of functioning the shoes. The elastic nature of the fasteners makes them flexible and can conform to any fastening style. Time saving Based on the design of these shoe fasteners, you will realize that you will save more time. The function of wearing shoes becomes as easy as slipping the shoe on and off. You will not have to tie knots after wearing your shoe. Removing the shoe will not require you unfastening the shoe fastener. Since it is flexible plastic, you just remove your shoe as you would a slip-on shoe.You will cut down the time you need to dress. In the case of a hurried situation, you can easily remove or wear your shoes in no time. This is good if you are short of time or during an emergency. At this point, -you will be happy for the free minute you get from reduced dress time. Convenient application Elastic shoelaces for shoes offer greater convenience than traditional shoestrings. You have more ease removing and outing on your shoes as these fasteners. You will have no need to tie or untie knots every time you want to wear or remove your shoes. Even adjusting the fit of your shoes is easier. The elasticity allows your show to adapt to the movement of your fit. You will not have too fitting or loose shoes.The ability of the shoe to attain a comfortable fit at all times means that you can go on with your activities without any problems. In circumstances where the fit of your shoe can really affect your focus, these shoe fasteners are the best solution. Versatile uses The fasteners support various activities comfortably. This makes them suitable for use across all types of shoes. If you lead an active lifestyle that involves a lot of sports activities, the fasteners allow a great fit that supports the activity you take part in. Shoes with a loose fit are uncomfortable. They can cause blisters as the friction happens between the foot and the inner part of the shoe.Traditional shoestrings are prone to get loose as the shoe goes through a lot of motion. You will need to constantly pause to adjust the shoelaces. Using modern fasteners assures of constant fit through all activities making it the best fastener for both work and play. Last long Modern shoe fasteners are durable. Traditional shoestrings were prone to fraying and even breaking after a few months in use. The material making the modern elastic shoelaces for shoes is durable. It does not fade color over time. Since you do not need to make frequent adjustments and re-adjustment, the fastener does last a long time before you think of replacing.The fasteners work well in extreme weather and this will not cause them to wear out soon. With the durability, you do not need to replace the shoe fastener a long time after purchase, unless of course, you want to get a different color. You may even be surprised when you need to discard your shoes from wear and still have functional shoe fasteners still at your service. Endless comfort The elastic nature of the shoe fasteners means that they are able to adapt to your foot. They easily accommodate any changes due to expansion on a hot day. This adaptability enhances your comfort levels. sometimes with traditional shoestrings, pulling them tight made your shoes uncomfortable. Getting the right level of comfort was sometimes a problem.The modern fasteners overcome this limitation by allowing you to adjust them to a comfort level that is to your liking. The precise adjustment allows you to wear your shoes with ease throughout the day.Read  More: Before You Forget: Shoes To Wear With Your Favorite Skinny Jeans How To Choose Running Shoes Opt For Comfortable Pair Of Cross Training Shoes For Men Marathon Training Section. Breaking Through The Wall 5 Perfect Fashion Clothing Choices For Petite Women

READ MOREDetails
Shoes

Opt for comfortable pair of cross training shoes for men

In recent years, a new trend of physical training known as cross-training has emerged among the fitness conscious youth. Cross-training had been popular among athletes for a long time. Among athletes, cross-training refers to the training in a sport other than the main sport played by the athlete. Cross-training in athletes is recommended by most sports coaches and trainers. It has been proven that training in a minor sport provides the much needed physical respite to the athlete who gets tired playing a single main sport. This significantly increases the performance of the athlete in the main sport. However, among non-athletes, the term, cross-training has a slightly different meaning. Cross-training, in general sense, is understood as the training in multiple sports, usually two sports. There has been a considerable amount of research done in this area. It has been found that there are certain combinations of sports which provide the best results to the practitioners. For example, most sports trainers advise people to train themselves in an aerobic-based sport and a martial art based sport. For example, one can select the combination of swimming and judo or table tennis and kickboxing. These combinations have been proven to be the most balanced for one’s physical ability. If you are thinking of cross-training, first of all, you need to select the right combination of sports. Once the selection is done, you need to get the accessories which would help you in acing both the sports. Always remember that you should never compromise with the quality of the accessories for the economy’s sake. If you want to excel in your endeavor, you must get the best cross-training shoes. Similarly, you need to invest in the best quality vests, shorts, and limb guards.There are several brands in the market which manufacture high-quality cross training shoes for men. Always consult with your sports trainer regarding the selection of the brand for cross training shoes. Most trainers advise that one should go for the brands which manufacture cross-training shoes exclusively. This is definitely a very good idea. However, this does not mean that the established brands which manufacture high-quality sports shoes do not make quality cross-training shoes. If you have selected your brand, you can either purchase it from a physical store available in your city or from the online market. Almost every brand of cross-training shoes sells its products online. Online shopping for branded products is trustworthy as well as convenient. Moreover, you also get the advantage of discounted pricing if you buy sports products online. Always remember that running should always be practiced during the early hours of the day. There are various reasons for opting that time of day. Firstly, the air is crisp and fresh during the morning. The pollution levels are least at that time and so, you get to breathe in healthy air. Secondly, there is no traffic in the morning. This would help you in running freely without any worry of automobiles crossing your path. Thirdly, if you run during the morning, you would be able to charge yourself for the rest of the day. Running during early morning acts like an elixir for your day. You get to start your day with a cheerful mind, which helps you in maintaining your composure while handling work and family pressure during the day. When you are selecting a pair of running shoes for yourself, you should be careful. Shorts made of ordinary quality fabric would never serve your purpose. It is always advised to go for branded shorts for running purposes. However, nowadays, most people have started to prefer buying online. The best thing for shopping such things online is that you might get good discounts on the items. Read More:Features To Look For When Switching To Modern Shoe Fasteners Before You Forget: Shoes To Wear With Your Favorite Skinny Jeans How To Choose The Right Shoelaces For Your Shoes

READ MOREDetails
Tattoo Shops Finding Your Perfect Ink Haven

The Ultimate Guide To Tattoo Shops Finding Your Perfect Ink Haven

Tattoos have come a long way from being associated with rebellion and counterculture. In today's world, they are celebrated as forms of self-expression, art, and storytelling. If you're considering getting inked, the first step is finding the perfect tattoo shop. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about tattoo shops near me, from choosing the right one to taking care of your new masterpiece.Tattoos are no longer just ink on skin; they're expressions of identity and artistry. Finding the right tattoo shop is crucial to ensuring a positive and safe tattooing experience. This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding different tattoo styles to selecting the ideal tattoo parlor. Understanding Tattoo StylesUnderstanding different tattoo styles is essential, but it's equally important to know that if your style preferences change over time, tattoo removal is effective, providing a way to evolve your body art along with your personal tastes. Before you step into a tattoo shop, it’s essential to know what style you want. There are various styles to choose from, including: Traditional Tattoos Traditional tattoos are characterized by bold outlines and a limited color palette. They often feature classic designs like anchors, roses, and hearts. Realism Tattoos Realism tattoos aim to replicate the appearance of a photograph or real-life object. These tattoos require an artist with exceptional attention to detail. Watercolor Tattoos Watercolor tattoos use vibrant colors and techniques that resemble watercolor paintings. They are known for their artistic and unique appearance. Researching Tattoo Shops Finding the right tattoo shop begins with thorough research. Here are some steps to consider: Word Of Mouth Recommendations Ask friends and acquaintances with tattoos about their experiences. Personal recommendations can provide valuable insights. Online Reviews Check online platforms like Yelp or Google for reviews of local tattoo shops. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback. Visiting Tattoo Shops Don't hesitate to visit tattoo shops in person. Observe their cleanliness, the behavior of the staff, and the overall atmosphere. The Importance Of Cleanliness Cleanliness is non-negotiable when it comes to tattoo shops. Ensure that the shop you choose follows strict sterilization and hygiene practices. Sterilization And Hygiene Practices Tattoo equipment should be sterilized between uses, and artists must use disposable needles and gloves. Licensing And Certification Verify that the shop and artists are licensed and certified by relevant health authorities. Tattoo Artist's Portfolio The portfolio of a tattoo artist speaks volumes about their skills and style. Take time to review their previous work. Examining Their Previous Work Look for consistency in their art, attention to detail, and the ability to execute various styles. Matching Style And Vision Choose an artist whose style aligns with the vision you have for your tattoo. Communication Is Key Effective communication with your chosen artist is essential to get the tattoo you desire. Discussing Your Ideas Clearly convey your ideas, preferences, and any specific elements you want in your tattoo. Clarifying Pricing Discuss pricing upfront to avoid any surprises later in the process. The Tattooing Process Once you've chosen a tattoo shop and artist, you'll go through the tattooing process. Preparing For Your Tattoo Session Follow any pre-session instructions provided by the artist to ensure a smooth experience. The Tattooing Experience During the session, relax and trust your artist. They will guide you through the process. Aftercare And Healing Taking care of your tattoo after the session is crucial for its longevity and appearance. Proper Tattoo Aftercare Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your artist, including cleaning and moisturizing the tattoo. Avoiding Tattoo Infections Be vigilant for signs of infection and consult a healthcare professional if needed. Choosing The Right Tattoo Shop Consider location, personal comfort, and the overall atmosphere when selecting the perfect tattoo shop. Location And Convenience Choose a shop that is easily accessible and suits your schedule. Personal Comfort And Atmosphere You should feel comfortable in the shop, as you'll be spending a significant amount of time there.Selecting the right tattoo shop is a crucial step in your tattoo journey. With the right research and communication, you can ensure a safe and satisfying experience. Read Also:How Many Jobs Are Available In Real Estate Investment Trusts? How to Download Game Of Thrones Putlocker Online for Free? 0123Putlockers And Servers – Watch Movies Online

READ MOREDetails