Bags, bags, bags...
By Josfyn Uba
Saturday, August 16, 2008

Hand bags are great accessories for every woman. Big bags are in vogue now and no one wants to be left out in this trend. Much has been written about ladies’ and bags. Our focus here is to offer useful tips on how best you can take care of your leather bags.

Leather bags are known for durability and can last a lifetime if taken proper care of. It is necessary to maintain the beauty and other desired qualities of leather. Taking proper care of leather makes it protected from excessive dryness and prevents it from moisture that may cause it to swell or mildew.
Here are a few tips to make your leather bag a lifetime utility accessory.

Leather bags should not be stored in plastic bags or other nonporous covers as they encourage the growth of mildew and bacteria that ruin the leather.

In a dry environment, regularly condition the leather in order to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
Caustic household chemicals should never be used to clean leather and leather preparations that contain alcohol should also be avoided.

Turpentine and mineral spirits must be avoided as they can pull color.
No waxes or silicone should be used on soft leather as they gum up the pores, making it impossible to oil and condition.

Fresh stains of blood or food items can be cleaned up with a damp cloth. While those from oil or grease can be cleaned by grinding ordinary blackboard chalk, sprinkling the area and leaving the powder on for a twenty-four hour period.
A dampened cheesecloth and a leather conditioning cream should be used thrice or four times a year.