A LONGER LIFE FOR BAGS

A good quality leather handbag will keep for years to come if properly cared for. The bag should be handled with clean hands, as leather is susceptible to absorbing grease and oils. To remove dirt, the surface is wiped with a damp cotton cloth and a tiny amount of soft leather soap, applied every few months. Care needs to be taken not to over-wet the surface, as this could lead to permanent damage. For suede, a soft toothbrush can be used to dislodge dirt. Crushed white chalk Is best for stains; applied to the surface and left overnight. This is dusted off with a soft cloth the following morning. Placing a small towel within the bag will prevent the leather from creasing. Bags should also be stored away from radiators. Hanging them by their straps can cause the material to become stretched, so is best avoided.