Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Caring For Your Beloved Bags


Keep your favourite and most functional accessories in top shape with these easy tips from the experts.


INTERIORS

Many bags are lined with canvas, nylon or pig suede. To clean, gently pull the interior insides out and use a standard lint roller to pick up debris. Or try the fabric-brush attachment on your vacuum.


ZIPPERS

Keep these fasteners working smoothly by running a piece of natural beeswax (found in hardware stores) over a zipper's open teeth.


HANDLES AND STRAPS

Residue from lotions can discolor and age material.... another good reason to keep hands clean. Also, don't overstuff a bag: too much weight can weaken stitching or damage straps.


HARDWARE

Deep scratches or cracks on metal are virtually impossible to repair. But bag and shoe repair shops can replate hardware to hide finer flaws.


EXTERIORS

Leather, of course, is a skin, so keep it happy and moisturized with a leather conditioning cream. There's no reason to treat it with a protectant or a silicone spray. Caught in the rain? Run for cover, then dab- don't wipe moisture away


BASE

Structured bags with stiff bases/bottoms often have "feet" (metal rivets incorporated into the base) to protect the leather against scratches and stains.

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