7 TOP TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HANDBAG LAST LONGER

Your handbag is both an accessory and an assistant in one, helping you contain all the things you carry around with you while looking stylish. 

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Sometimes, we neglect the small things that help us in a big way. Like our handbags. They make fashion statements, match our outfits, keep everything we need on-the-go in one place and tag along everywhere we go. Taking care of our handbags is not always on top of the list but think about how they’d go the extra mile if we took good care of them. Whether yours is leather or synthetic material, here’s how you should take care of it.

1. DON’T LEAVE IT IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT 

Sunlight can deteriorate a lot of products, including handbags. Placing your bag in direct sunlight could affect the colour, the texture and the shape of your bag. So instead, store it on a shelf or inside a cupboard where the sun doesn’t reach. Cool and dry spaces preserve the quality of most products.

2. DON’T SQUASH IT AWAY 

Try to retain the shape of your bag because it goes a long way in how it looks, and as a result how long it lasts you. Once your bag loses shape, it becomes less appealing too. If your bag doesn’t quite hold shape after you’ve emptied it, stuff it with tissue paper, bubble wrap or even an old towel. This will help maintain its original shape for longer. You don’t have to do this for smaller, flat, sling bags.



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3. USE PRODUCTS DESIGNED FOR CLEANING BAGS
Products that are made for cleaning handbags maintain the quality of the material. Different cleaning products will specify which type of material they clean. So, know what your bag is made of and get the correct product to clean it. Avoid using just any cleaning product as it may be harsh on your handbag material. Don’t overclean your bag either as this may stress the material out too.

4. DON’T THROW AWAY THOSE DUST BAGS
Your bag came with a dust bag for a few good reasons, so don’t just chuck it away, use it to store your handbag. This will keep it clean and safe. You can also use your dust bag when traveling to store an extra handbag. Other uses for your dust bag include putting a pair of shoes in them when traveling – this will protect both your shoes and clothes. You can also use it to store old bags that didn’t come with dust bags.

5. PUT MAKE-UP IN MAKE-UP BAGS
Foundation and powder accidents inside a handbag are the worst, so if you have a few make-up essentials that you must carry with you, put them in a smaller make-up bag. Not only does this save you from unintended spills, but these make your life easier as well when changing bags.

Related article: How to pack your travel make-up

6. TAKE CARE OF SPILLS IMMEDIATELY
If something does accidentally spill on your bag, take care of it as soon as possible. Most shoe and handbag stores now sell wipes that you can carry around with you as a quick and convenient solution for small accidents.

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7. LOOK OUT FOR HANDCREAMS
Rich hand creams may take longer to absorb and as a result, may transfer onto the handles of your handbag. This will affect the colour of your bag and maybe even the texture. So, make sure your hand cream has been fully absorbed before you carry your bag or instead use the strap to hang the bag on your shoulder. If your bag doesn’t have a long strap to put over your shoulder, then hook the handles of your bag on the crook of your arm.

Extra Sources: toufie.com, shefinds.com, stylecaster.com, cosmopolitan.com

BY NTHABISENG MAKHOKHA