8 Ways to Keep Your Bags in Good Condition
Give it the right dose of TLC and make sure you store it properly

How often do you buy a new bag? Many of us only have two to four bags and there are those who have a cabinet filled with designer picks, outdoor bags, and clutches they use when attending events. Whether you own only a few handbags or you have an envy-worthy collection, one thing’s for sure—we all want to keep our precious bags in good condition. Aside from trying out hacks and looking into different ways on how to organize your favorites, it’s also a must to care for each bag and make sure it’s stored properly. Spend a weekend organizing your collection and consider working on these ideas:
1. Know and understand the material of your bags.
The same way we care for clothes and shoes, it’s a must to know the material you’re working with so you can use the right products and avoid damaging the bag. Wipe up spills and dirt immediately. When cleaning your bags, remember that there are specific products you can use for suede and another set for leather. For easy cleaning, you can use a damp cloth when wiping leather bags and a dry cloth when working on suede. Clean your bag on a weekly basis.
2. Use pouches and bag organizers.
Some bags have small pockets inside perfect for storing extra pens, lipsticks, and other knickknacks. These essentials often cause stains that are difficult to remove. Keep this from happening by having a pouch for your makeup and another for your pens. You can also keep these in one bag organizer to protect the lining of your bag from stains and dirt.
3. Don’t forget to give it daily TLC.
Simple things can help keep your bags in mint condition. Aside from giving it a good wipe down regularly, it also helps if you avoid holding your bag if your hands are dirty or greasy. As much as possible, keep it out of direct sunlight to preserve its material.
4. Keep it free from clutter.
Let’s be honest, our bags are like black holes where you can find just about anything—USBs, hair ties, candies, cookies, pens, and tons of receipts. These things add to the weight you’re carrying on a daily basis so make it a habit to declutter and organize your bag every week.
5. Use plastic as stuffing.
Before you keep them, you may want to stuff it with plastic. Make sure the form of the bag holds so you can store it in an upright position. Avoid using newspaper as stuffing as it can cause stains.
6. Store your bags in an upright position.
I’m guilty of stacking all my bags into one pile and keeping them inside one cabinet. If you’re guilty of this as well, stop the habit and start storing them properly. Make sure you place the bags in an upright position inside a cabinet or on a shelf to maintain its shape. Clutches can be laid flat to maximize the available space.
7. Keep the dust bags that came with your bag.
Once you purchase a bag, it comes in a dust bag to protect it from dust and dirt. Make sure you keep it so you can reuse it when storing your bags. If you don’t have one, you can use a cotton pillowcase as an alternative. Don’t store your bags in plastic or vinyl as these trap moisture inside.
8. Use cubbies and bins with partitions.
Cubbies and bins come in different sizes—you have the freedom to choose depending on the space allotted for storage and the number of bags you have. A container with partition comes in handy when storing tons of bags as it will allow you to create a captivating display. As much as possible, don’t fill one container with too many bags to avoid damaging your favorites. Make sure you can spot and get what you need easily.
Need to know more about how you can store, display, and organize your bags? Click on the magnifying glass at the upper right corner and type in bags in the Search box.
Sources: Who What Wear | Designer Vintage | The Spruce