By IANS Life Features

New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANSlife): Leather bags are likely to absorb grease and oil. Swiftly wipe your leather bag with a soft, dry, or slightly wet cloth. (Do not use too much water; leather takes it longer to dry). Apply the cleaner, which is made specifically for the leather in a circular motion and wipe it off with a moist cloth to prevent clogging the pores.

Condition

Your leather bag can dry out over time. You can apply a conditioner to your leather handbag at least twice a year to keep its surface shiny and attractive.

Store

Use bubble wrap or parchment paper (but not newspaper, as it will smear) to stuff your leather bag. Put your leather bag in the dust bag, and then store in its actual box, with silica gel packets to avoid dampness. Clean suede bags with a suede brush. Avoid storing your leather bag in a wooden cupboard as there are high chances of fungus growing inside the bag.

Humidity can ruin your leather bags, but regular polishing and storing them in the right manner can help it last longer.

Dry them well

The leather piece should not be left away as soon as you come from outside. The bag should be placed under the ceiling fan for a few hours to dry.

No heat

Direct sun rays can spoil the surface of your leather product. Do not leave your bag to dry near a hot surface or directly in sunlight.

Let it breathe

The longer you leave your leather pieces untreated, the lesser they will last. But that should not mean you don't take them out of storage for long. Take them out at regular intervals and let them breathe.