Rain-proof Your Handbag

(c) Halliedaily on Chictopia

Waterproofing is on top of the list of bag care basics. Most of material used for handbags such as leather, suede, fabric, and canvas need to be waterproofed prior to use in order to prevent stains and discoloration.  Unexpected rains do not only cause hassle to traffic around the metro, it also sets bag hags to dashing for cover. If your leather handbag is not waterproof we suggest you do the same thing!

Why the panic right? It’s just water. How bad can rain damage your leather bag? Thing is the leather used for bags contain emollients that helps keep it supple. Soaking it in water drains out the emollients leaving you with an over dried purse. Water may also wash out the dye used to color the leather. This could leave bags with watermarks or a botched color job. Depending on the type of leather and the amount of water soaked, damage may be as minimal as water spots or as horrifying as a dry shrunken bag.

PROTECTION

Bag rain coat on  Hermes

I don’t know your take on this, but we at Purse Prime are not taking our chances. We love all our bags equally (ummm well maybe for some, a lil more than the others, lol.) and wouldn’t want to see it damaged in any way.  To avoid such a catastrophe, just spray on some handy dandy Apple Garde Rain and Stain Repellent. Why risk being caught unprotected in a downpour when spraying some bag water repellent will only take a few minutes . Some bag hags also put on a bag raincoat for extra protection. It can be helpful but we're not so sure about the aesthetics (hihi).

POST RAIN RANDEZVOUS

Just in case you read this blog too late and you’ve already been drenched together with your loved bag, these few little tips may help prevent permanent damage.

• ·         Dry your bag a.s.a.p. with an absorbent cloth. Preferably a white cloth to avoid color transfer.
• ·         For heavily drenched bag, you may use hair dryer (set on warm) to evaporate excess moisture. Wave the dryer in long swift strokes across the bag to avoid “baking” spots.
• ·         When the bag is fully dry, use a leather cleaner specific for your bag material. This will help balance back the Ph level of the leather.
• ·         Follow up with a good leather conditioner to restore lost emollients from the bag. This will help keep the bag supple and prevent it from shrinking dry.
• ·         Please learn from the experience and spray Water and Oil Repellant on your bags before you use it again.

Should you discover that your bag already has permanent water stains it’s best to consult a trusted leather artisan for expert repair.

Next time you have a bag care concern, do send us a note and we’ll try our best to be of some help.

Keep dry Purse Pals!