Do you love the look of a finely crafted leather bag? Are you uncertain how to keep that smooth material looking beautiful for many years to come? 

Without the right kind of maintenance, leather bags will eventually deteriorate. Leather is an organic material that requires ongoing nurturing to keep it functioning well for years to come. 

That's why it's important to know all the best ways to take care of leather. We've put together this leather bag care guide to help you every step of the way. Read all about it down below!

Wipe Down Often

One of the top things to remember when it comes to leather bag care is to wipe it down with a soft cloth every so often. The more you use it, the more often you'll need to do this. A good rule of thumb is to do it at least once a week for general use. 

This prevents dirt and dust from clinging to the leather and keeps the material looking vibrant.

A soft microfiber cloth or sponge is the perfect tool for this. It's strong but also gentle enough to not scratch the supple surface of the leather.

Never Overfill

Leather is made from skin, which means that it has stretching capabilities. The problem with overstretching is that it damages the leather, making it difficult for your favorite leather backpack to look its best. If you continue to stretch it many times, the surface of the leather starts to crack.

It's tricky to repair leather that gets damaged in this way. That's why you'll want to only fill your bag with the right amount of stuff. If you have too many things, it's a good idea to grab a bigger bag for the day!

Avoid Sharp Accessories

As soon as leather gets scratched or dented, it ruins the smooth look of the bag and is hard to fix. Over time, those scratches get deeper and more apparent.

To prevent this from happening, you'll want to make sure your accessories don't include any sharp edges that could get caught on the leather bag as you wear it.

If you know that you'll spend a lot of time outdoors walking past branches and bushes, you'll need to be extra cautious. Otherwise, a different material is a better option on your hiking adventures!

Minimize Exposure to Moisture

The weather has a big effect on a leather bag. Rain and snow are never good for the health of leather. If water sits on a leather surface for too long, it'll soak into the material and cause discoloration.

Even severe humidity can take its toll on a gorgeous leather handbag.

As soon as you notice any moisture on your bag, take a soft towel and dab the surface of the leather. Allow it to air dry in a protected space until all the moisture evaporates. Also use Chamberlain's water protectant for an added barrier of protection.

Many new leather owners feel that using a hairdryer is a great fix for any wet leather items, especially if they want to use that item right away. The problem is that hairdryers are too harsh and create too much heat. You'll end up drying out the leather, causing cracks and flakes.

Natural air drying is the best way to ensure your leather goes back to its original and supple state!

Use High-Quality Conditioner

Even though leather doesn't work well with water, it does need the correct type of moisture to remain soft and smooth. There are many ways to approach conditioning your leather, whether it's with an oil, cream, or spray.

No matter which method you prefer, always make certain that the conditioner is meant for caring for leather bags. Any other kind of conditioning agent may cause more harm to the leather, and you'll end up with stains and worn-out areas.

You only need to apply a leather conditioner once every couple of months. We suggest Chamberlain's Leather Milk.

Protect the Interior

The interior of your leather bag is as important as the outside. To keep it from getting damaged, you'll want to place certain objects in a sealed case before putting them into the leather bag. This way, if those objects leak, they won't coat the inside of the leather.

Things such as ink pens, makeup products, and food items all should have their own separate case. Objects with any sharp or pointy edges should also have an extra layer of protection.

You don't want them to poke right through your beautiful leather bag!

Store the Right Way

During those days when you don't use your leather bag, you'll need to ensure that it's stored in a way that keeps it looking beautiful. If you stuff it in a closet, there's a good chance that the bag will crumple in on itself. When you next go to take it out for a night with your friends, the leather will stay wrinkled and folded.

Instead, make sure to fill the bag with something soft to help it keep its shape while in the closet. A pillow, blanket, or even bubble wrap are all excellent options for this.

You'll want to store the bag in a place that's out of direct sunlight and far away from any heat sources. This stops the leather from drying out while you're not using it.

Give Plenty of Ventilation

Another important piece of leather bag care advice is to ensure your stored bag is in a place with good airflow. The leather needs proper ventilation to breathe and remain soft.

When you go to store it, don't place it inside of a plastic bag. This may prevent dust from getting on the surface, but it'll do more damage to the leather.

The best way to never worry about this is to use your stunning leather tote bag as much as possible!

Enjoy Your Leather Bag for Many Years With Proper Care

By following these leather bag care tips, you'll have no trouble keeping this gorgeous accessory looking its best. It makes carrying a leather bag a lot less stressful when you know how to take care of it once you get home.

If you're looking to dive into the world of sleek leather, check out our beautiful messenger bags. Also, for complete leather care, check out our leather care kit.