How to take care of your leather bag?

How to take care of your leather bag?

Nothing lasts a lifetime if you don't take care of it.

Crystalyn Kae leather bags are made to be durable and last for a long time. All the bags are made in the USA. But how to make sure they truly last a long time? What should you know about taking care of a vegan leather bag? 

1. TAKE CARE:

First of you should remember, leather material can stretch and if you carry too much stuff with you, it's not only bad for the bag shape but also for your own shoulders.

So avoid overfilling your bag! Both your bag and your shoulders will thank you for it. It doesn't matter whether it's a Mini Troubadour tote, XL Weekender Troubadour tote, Metier toteBossa Nova Crossbody bag, or a Small Valet pouch

Example of overfilling your bag

 

2. STORING:

To prevent genuine leather from cracking, mold, or insect damage, store your bag well.

Example of storaging your bag

MAKE SURE YOUR STORAGE IS:

  • Not under direct sunlight since this can cause fading
  • Away from artificial sources of heat, e.g. radiators can cause leather to dry and crack
  • Don't use plastic bags, they prevent good ventilation
  • Use tissue paper or a drawstring cloth bag to avoid accidental scratches 

3. REGULAR CLEANING: 

Make sure to WASH YOUR HANDS before you start cleaning your bag. Grab a SOFT, DRY, or SLIGHTLY DAMP (not wet!) CLOTH and wipe down your bag. Then while the bag is evenly moisturized, massage a small (pea sized) dollop of saddle soap into the cloth and evenly distribute across the leather. Once a month is ideal, twice a year is sufficient. 

Photo of cleaning your bag with a damped cloth

4. CONDITIONING:

It is also crucial to regularly condition it to avoid cracking and fading. For our own skin, we use moisturizer, for leather we use a special leather conditioner. The effect is similar - without it, the leather will dry out over time.

Apply special leather conditioner to a soft cloth and gently rub over the entire bag. Once a month is ideal, to keep your bag as water & stain-resistant as possible.  

Photo of conditioning vegan leather bag

5. WHAT IF IT RAINS?

Do not let rain, snow, or other water absorb into the leather. If you stay under the weather and your handbag or gets very wet, wipe off excess moisture as soon as possible. Do not dry the leather with a hairdryer; let it air dry, and then apply a leather conditioner.

Remember that using cleaning products with alcohol will dry the skin and possibly discolor your tote bag or pouch. 

Drying leather bag

It might seem like a lot to remember at first, but don't obsess it, take it step by step, and allow it to become part of your bag routine.

Treat your bag with love and care and it will do the same.


4 comments


  • Patty M

    Thanks for the pointers on how to prevent genuine leather from cracking. These tips are just what I was looking for. I want to make sure my limited edition bag lasts a lifetime, so I’ll definitely invest in a good drawstring cloth bag for storage.


  • Lori

    I absolutely adore my Bossa Nova! It’s such a durable crossbody bag. I love this post because not only do you design a purse that lasts a lifetime, but you show us how to properly care for it. I never knew that you’re supposed to condition your leather. Looks like both my CK bag and I will need a self-care day!


  • Damara

    Awesome, just what I was looking for! I just bought a Crystalyn Kae hobo bag and will add a reminder to my calendar to moisturize it at least once a year. I will link this article there as well, so I can always come back to it when I have questions about storing my bags or treating them after rain. Thank you so much!


  • Susan

    This is fabulous! I’m so glad you created this detailed, step-by-step overview of how to take care of my leather bag. It’s so helpful! I truly want my XL Weekender tote to last as long as possible and this is perfect! These photos are explaining every step really well and make it look super easy.


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