This One Trick Will Extend the Life of Your Bags
Hint: A tiny tool can make all the difference
Whether your beloved bag collection is made up of reasonably priced boutique finds or over-the-top designer splurges (or maybe a little bit of both), the same rule applies: In order to keep your totes and purses in tip-top shape, proper storage is crucial. This means never leaving them in a haphazard heap in your closet, and absolutely no to flinging them just about anywhere—especially in areas where they’re easily exposed to dust, heat, and humidity.
But don’t fret. You don’t necessarily need to shell out extra cash for fancy storage solutions. In fact, you probably already have the one thing you need to protect your favorite bags from damage.
The secret? We’re talking about those small silica gel packets that usually come with your new leather goods like bags and shoes, and sometimes even food items.Â
What they do:
These tiny sachets contain silica gel, which act as a desiccant—meaning, they absorb the humidity in the air, inducing or sustaining a state of dryness within its vicinity. In case you didn’t know: Moisture is the top cause of deterioration in bags—especially the leather kind—since humidity fosters the growth of mold and bacteria. Plus, it can turn your precious purse’s material brittle, and more easily breakable.
How-to:
Just toss a packet of silica gel into your bag and place it back into its original dust bag—usually made from a light, breathable fabric like cotton—before storing in your closet. Aside from protecting from dust, color transfer, and other elements, the dust bag provides a more enclosed space for your silica gel to work its wonders.
Bonus benefit: The silica gel also keeps odor at bay, so you can also use it to instantly deodorize your gym bag!
Where to buy:
Silica gel packets come with your new bags and shoes. If you're planning to buy in bulk, check out these links:
You can also visit these stores:
