OUR MAINTENANCE TIPS
We often hear about sustainability and ecological awareness...
it all starts with good care with your leather bag.
The leather in our handbags is a natural material that deserves simple but regular care, at least every three months. It needs to be cleaned, nourished and protected so that it retains its shine and suppleness.
THE 5 MAIN STEPS IN LEATHER BAG CARE :
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth to regularly remove dust and dirt from the surface of the bag.
- Clean small stains with a slightly damp cloth. Gently rub the stained area. For more stubborn stains, use a specific cleaner for the variety of leather. Apply a small amount to a clean, soft cloth or brush, and rub gently in a circular motion. Avoid common household products that can damage leather. Before using any product, test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that it does not discolor the leather.
- Nourish and moisturize with a leather conditioner (balm, cream) every 3 to 6 months. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness. Use a soft cloth to apply a thin layer or small quantity of conditioner in circular movements. This step is essential to prevent the leather from drying out. Leather that is too dry will peel, discolour, crack and lose all its shine.
- Protect with a protective waterproofing spray for leather or suede to repel water and prevent stains. Spray evenly over the entire surface of the bag and allow to air dry. Test spray on a small, inconspicuous area.
- Store your bag in a dry, well-ventilated place away from sunlight or moonlight, using the dust-bag supplied. Fill it with tissue paper or bubble wrap to help it retain its shape. Avoid overloading the bag and handle it with care when in use, to avoid deforming the material and preventing scratches and damage.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER THE DIFFERENT MATERIALS :
Metallic leather
This leather is more delicate and fragile than other leathers due to its metallic coating. In particular, the corners of the bag may develop a patina or discolouration. To ensure bag longevity, avoid excessive rubbing. Use the correct care products suitable for metallized leather (such as Gel Saphir), as once the metallic finish has been removed, it cannot be reapplied or repaired. Do not use waterproofing products on metallized leathers. It may alter the colour of the film.
Grained leather
Grained leather has a textured surface with patterns that can vary in size and shape. Grained leather is generally hardwearing, making it ideal for everyday use, as it can hide signs of wear and tear. But beware: grained leather, like all other leathers, requires regular maintenance (cleaning and nourishing) to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Patent leather
The smooth surface of patent leather makes it easy to clean. Stains and dirt can often be removed with a damp cloth. It is also more water-resistant than other types of leather, although patent leather should be protected from damp and rain. Exposure to sunlight should be avoided, as the color may yellow. Storage should be in a dust-bag, which will protect the bag from contact with other materials and prevent it from staining. This leather can also be prone to scratching and cracking if not properly cared for.
Smooth leather
Although very soft and pleasant to the touch, the uniform surface of smooth leather can easily be scratched. Despite its "smooth" designation, this natural leather can still present grain imperfections and irregularities. To maintain a smooth leather bag, it's important to clean it regularly with a soft, dry cloth (or cleansing milk). Remember tomoisturize, nourish and protect it from water. For the most stubborn stains, specific products for smooth leather can be used.
Suede (braided)
The braided look of suede is achieved by embossing the surface of the leather. This process gives the suede a reinforced structure, making it slightly more resistant to wear. However, suede remains a sensitive material. To remove dirt and dust, use a suede eraser or brush. For stains, use a special suede product or "terre de Sommières". It is also important to waterproof and nourish it (such as Renovatine Saphir), and to protect it properly when storing.
Canvas
Canvas is an ideal material for the summer season, but it absorbs dirt more easily than leather. The best way to care for this material is to dust regularly and treat stains locally, adapting the method to the type of stain. Make sure to clean the fabric very gently, to avoid damage to the textile fibers. We do not recommend machine washing.
THE LITTLE EXTRAS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Leather is a material that develops a patina. Over time, its texture and colour can change.
- Leather is an organic material, so each skin is unique and may be subject to natural imperfections and irregularities (wrinkles, folds, stretch marks, pitting, grains...). As a result, two identical bag models may still look different.
- Beware of transferring dark colours to lighter leathers, through rubbing, raw textile (sush as jeans) or bright pigments.
Please note that we are not leather care professionals. All the advice you have been given is based on publicly available information from other leather professionals, and a good dose of common sense.
If you have serious difficulty in caring for your bag, please consult a leather care professional.