As seasons come and go, and events start to slow down, you may start considering storing your designer items away until the next year.
Correctly storing your handbags will help them stay plush, vibrant, and in good condition. Without the correct storing process in place, you may pull out moldy and placid accessories that no longer hold value.
Here are our 5 top tips, to keep your luxury handbags in top condition.
Stuff The Insides
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To make sure your handbag keeps its strong shape, you should stuff the interior whenever it isn’t in use. You can use any acid-free, stain-free, non-perfumed materials to do this, but we suggest using the following:
- Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is a cheap stuffing that can be easily manipulated to fit any shape it needs. This means that quirky pockets, hidden areas, and oddly shaped compartments can still be puffed up.
- Air Pockets
Air pockets are like bubble wrap, but they are one big pocket of air. They are the best option for most bags, as they hold a perfectly rounded shape and can fit into standardized bags.
- Tissue Paper
Tissue paper is an eco-friendly option and can be used like bubble wrap. However, you will need a lot of it, to create a true stuffing, and it needs to be acid-free. The wrong type of paper can leave stains or marks on the interior of your bag.
Prepared Storage Area
If you were storing away a gown, you would need a storage area that was cool, away from light, ventilated, and had enough room to be untouched by other gowns. The same goes for bag storage.
If you have the original box the bag came in, we suggest placing the item back in its old home. This is because the size would be correct for the bag’s needs, the box will be sturdy to stop other items from squashing it, and you can keep the bag flat without pressure on your storage system.
However, if your bag has hardware, such as a chain for the handle, then you should wrap the hardware and tie it together, tucking the chain inside the bag. This will stop the bag from developing indents from the strap, and prevent the strap from becoming scratched.
Do not hang your bag from the straps, as it will harm the handles and loosen the stitching.
Keep It Covered
With the storage area ready, you need to make sure the bag is covered. We have talked about using the original box, but if that isn’t an option you should consider the alternative.
Gowns usually use cotton garment bags, and you can do the same for bags too. Cotton is the best choice as it is breathable. This means that your bag will not sweat in the covering. However, you should avoid any bag that is colored, as it could stain or transfer the pigmentation.
Be Gentle
If your bag is to live for as long as possible, it needs to be treated with respect and care. Leaving the bag on the floor of your wardrobe means allowing any bacteria to reach it first. Ideally, nothing should eat away at your fine clothes and accessories, but if it does happen the first target should be the box, not the prized bag.
When you start to see deterioration in the box, you know it’s time to re-clean the wardrobe.
Whenever you move the item from one area to the next, or even when you are fishing through your collection for the next event, remember to be gentle with your movements. Every touch, blow of air, or simple movement will take away some of the material’s properties. The more gentle you are, the longer the bag will last.
Stay Clean
Lastly, we recommend cleaning the storage area before using it. This means clearing out any dust in the wardrobe and in the box too. Then you should clean the bag. If the bag is leather you should apply alcohol and fragrance-free antibacterial wipe.
The manufacturers should have given a care routine when you bought the bag – refer to this information for best practice. Whatever the material is, do not use a wet cloth to clean it. A dry and soft cotton cloth is the best non-specific option.
Summary
Follow our 5 top tips to store your luxury handbag, and you will be able to keep the accessories for years and years to come. Without proper care, the bag could be ruined when you pull it out next season.
