6 Tips for Maintaining Your Used Luxury Handbags
Luxury handbags are more than just a fashion statement; they’re also a valuable investment. This can last for decades and even increase in value over time, making them a prized possession for many.
However, owning luxury handbags also means taking proper care of them to ensure their longevity and maintain their value. If you want to enjoy your used luxury handbags for as long as possible, here are six quick tips for maintaining these luxury goods.
1. Store Your Bags Correctly
The first and most crucial tip for maintaining your luxury handbags is to store them correctly. A common mistake many people make is overstuffing their bags or keeping them in cramped spaces. This can damage the bag’s shape and structure, resulting in creases and wrinkles.
Instead, use the original dust bag that came with your handbag to store it in a cool, dry place. If you don’t have the original dust bag, you can use a soft cloth, such as a pillowcase, to protect it from dust and other pollutants. Some people also prefer to display their handbags outside of the dust bag so they can enjoy looking at them throughout the day. In this case, make sure that they aren’t touching any other materials, especially brightly colored ones, and dust your handbags regularly to avoid long-term damage.
2. Let Your Bags Breathe
Although you may be tempted to protect your used luxury handbags within a dust bag or box 24/7, it’s important to let your bags breathe occasionally, especially if they’re made of leather. Leaving your handbags in enclosed environments such as boxes for long periods of time can cause the leather to retain moisture, which may result in damage to the finish as well as mold growth.
When you’re not using your handbag, stuff it with white, acid-free tissue paper to help maintain its shape. This will also help to absorb any moisture that may have accumulated in the bag. Avoid using newspaper or magazines as stuffing, as the ink can transfer onto the bag and cause stains.
3. Protect Against Color Transfer
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to used luxury handbags is color transfer. This happens when the bag’s leather or fabric comes into contact with another material, such as denim or newspaper ink, causing the color to transfer onto the bag.
To prevent this, be mindful of what you’re wearing when carrying your handbag. Avoid wearing denim or dark-colored clothing, especially if hasn’t been washed very many times, and be cautious while sitting on public transport or leather seats. If your bag does experience any color transfer, quickly use a damp cloth or fragrance-free baby wipe to dab the affected area, and then take it to a professional handbag spa for a more thorough cleaning.
4. Rotate Your Items
If you have a collection of luxury handbags, it’s essential to rotate them regularly. This not only helps to keep the bags in good condition but also ensures that each bag gets equal use. Continuously using the same handbag can cause wear and tear, especially on the straps and handles. Consider rotating your handbags every few weeks, so they all get some time to rest and stay in their best condition.
5. Think Through Your Environment
It’s also crucial to consider the environment in which you’ll be using your handbag. If you live in a hot and humid climate, you may want to avoid patent leather handbags. Patent leather can quickly become sticky in humidity, causing permanent damage to the bag. Similarly, if you live in a cold climate, make sure to protect your bag from freezing temperatures and avoid wearing delicate leather in wet or snowy conditions. If your used luxury handbag does get wet, quickly dry it with a soft cloth, and let it air dry in a well-ventilated area.
6. Use a Handbag Spa
Even with the most careful preventative maintenance, accidents can still happen. If you have used luxury handbags that weren’t stored properly, experienced rough weather, or otherwise have become damaged and worn, a professional handbag spa can help deep clean your luxury goods and restore their original shine. A professional handbag spa will have the right tools, products, and techniques to clean and restore your used luxury handbags without causing any damage. They can also fix minor damages and make your handbag look as good as new.
At Watch & Wares, we offer a handbag spa service that can help restore the beauty of your pre-owned luxury handbags. Our skilled artisans have years of experience in handbag repair and restoration, and they use the highest quality materials and techniques to give your bag a new lease on life. Our handbag spa services include leather cleaning, stain protection treatment, mold and odor removal, edgewear restoration, and handbag moisturization. With the help of our handbag spa, you can restore the look of your used luxury handbags and continue enjoying them for years to come.
If you’re an Orange County resident seeking to sell or loan your used luxury handbags, come visit us at Watch & Wares. We specialize in designer handbag sales and can offer some of the most competitive prices for used luxury handbags in the area. To schedule an appraisal or find out more about the designer brands that we accept, call Watch & Wares – Handbags & Couture at 714-633-2030 or contact us online today.
