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A line from Julie Yap Daza’s book says, “you are your bag”. It is a  status symbol that distinguishes you from the rest, and it allows you to express yourself and stand out from the crowd. True bag lovers and fashionistas know that your handbag is your statement piece.  One thing that every bag lover needs to know is how they can take care of these precious handbags to ensure they last a lifetime, even when they are away from the limelight. After all, no matter how expensive or limited edition your handbag is if you’re not giving the TLC that it deserves, it is as if it has no difference to your local grocery store bags or those bags that you throw in your room.

So no matter if you’re a newbie, a veteran or someone who just loves bags, you should have a do-over on your knowledge on how to take care of them. We’ve listed down four easy ways to make sure that next time you hit your OOTD (Outfit of the Day), your handbag can act as the finishing touch to your masterpiece.

1. Clean it but don’t over clean!

Image source: pinterest.ca

Before you store your handbag, you must clean it first. The first step is to clean your hands; you don’t want to add any more dirt and some natural oil on your bag.  Next, empty its content and dust. You can use a lint roller to get to those hard-to-reach places and lightly wipe your bag with a damp cloth. Avoid over-cleaning your bags especially your leather because a build-up of chemical products will cause the destruction of your bag. 

Pro Tip!

All handbags are not created equal; you must know the material of your bag so you can use the right products to avoid damaging it. Clean your bag on a weekly basis.

2. Stuff it but double stuffing is a no-no.

Image source: cloversac.com

Like us, our bags need to have a skeleton that needs to stand and sit straight in order for its beauty to be appreciated. Once the bag loses its proper structure, you will lose 90% of its value, its sophistication and more importantly, your money’s worth. Always make sure to stuff the interior of your handbag when storing it. We recommend using an acid-free tissue paper, a small pillow, or bubble wrap. Don’t forget to wrap exposed hardware such as buckles and zipper pulls with a piece of tissue paper to avoid making imprints on your bag. Avoid double stuffing, as it might stretch out the interior of your bag.

Pro Tip!

Keep the stuffing that comes in the bag when you received it. Avoid using newspapers or any crumpled scratch papers in stuffing your bag, the ink might rub off the material and might create a stain.

3. Cover up!

Image Source: Purses & Handbags

Next, it’s time to cover up the bag. All Vera May bags come with complimentary dust bags. But for those bags who don’t have one, you can place your bag in a soft, breathable dust bag. If you don’t have one, you can use a cotton pillowcase in a neutral color to prevent color transfer. Make sure that it is large enough to cover your handbag including the handles so it will not deform when stored.

Pro Tip!

Do not use plastics and vinyl when covering up your bags because it’s not breathable and moisture resistant. It actually traps wetness and wetness causes mold.

4. Yes to storing, no to shoving

Image source: The Spruce

Admit it, your off-season bags are probably located in the deepest depths of your closet. Am I right? If yes, it shouldn’t be that way! From time to time, give them a temporary home instead of shoving them in your wardrobe, it might misshapen and can be disfigured when you actually need it.

Don’t let one bag touch another bag because it could leave a mark, especially if leather, it will cause the color to transfer from the patent leather to whatever is next to it. Here are some of our suggestions on how you will keep your bags separated:

a. No to hooks

Image source: Seliqelee

It may seem to be a space saver but you’re risking the handles of your handbag by stretching it out and could touch other bags. You may use fabric dust bags with drawstrings or mesh bags to hold up your bags. It’s a multi-purpose, actually,  because it also retains the integrity of the carrier and doubles as a protective layer!

b. Use cubies, bins, and shelf dividers

Image source: beynelmilel

By using cubies, bins, and shelf dividers, these will easily separate them and efficiently organize your bags in a space sufficient manner. Keep the bags in an upright position. If the shelf is not tall enough, don’t press down the handles of bend it, you can lie it flat.

c. Keep it in a spacious container or box

Image source: Kigucos

Find a spacious container and label each with their brand name or if you still have the original box, you can place it there.

Pro Tip!

Make sure that when you place the bag in the container, it should be in an upright position to maintain its shape. Clutches can be laid flat to maximize the available space.

5. Additional tip! Swap out your bags from time to time

This is the best way to keep your bags looking good as new: don’t overuse them! Swap them from time to time because the more you use it, the more worn it is going to be. 

And that’s it! This ends our guide in taking care of your handbags. I hope this article will be a great help for you and if you have any more additional tips on how you take care of your handbags, please let us know so we can add it to our list, too! Always remember, you are your bag. 

Sources: Live About, Real Living, Preview Ph, & Christie’s 

Complete your OOTD with Vera May handbags! 

Get your own Vera May Handbag at 25% off! Yes, that’s right! We’re on sale! Check out these fashionable design handbags here!

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