How to Keep Your Leather Tote Looking Brand New
Posted by ALISON PANDEV
When you invest in a high-quality leather bag, it is important to take the proper care and precautions to ensure its longevity. With routine maintenance and proper cleaning, a timeless leather bag can easily be carried daily for decades. A classic leather tote bag is the most iconic and desired handbag style for most women. It can act as a briefcase, gym bag, large carryall, diaper bag, or farmer's market tote, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Invest in a Good Leather Cleaner
While there are some subtle differences in how to clean your leather totes depending on the type of leather used to construct the bags, there are some universal and basic steps you should take with all leather bags to ensure their longevity. The first step to cleaning a leather tote is to use a mild leather cleaner that is specifically designed for the type of leather used to make your bag. You should give your leather bag a gentle scrubbing with a leather cleaner at least once every couple of weeks. If you carry your leather tote daily, you should opt to clean it once a week. Every other day or so, wipe down your leather bag with a soft cloth to remove dust and surface debris.
Properly Condition Your Leather Bag
We only use the most supple and high quality leather to make a Floto bag, but depending on your climate and conditions it may be prone to cracking over many years if used untreated, so it is important to condition your bag at least annually. Think of conditioning oil like a moisturizer for your face; it prevents drying, cracking, and peeling. Chamberlain's Leather Milk products are the best that we have come across for restoring old leather and maintaining Floto full grain leathers. Chamberlain's Leather Conditioner Formula No. 1 is a natural, water-based concoction of vital oils, nutrients, and a few secret ingredients. This environmentally friendly recipe absorbs gently, replenishing natural oils and bringing your quality leather back from the dead to near new condition. Rich and pleasantly scented, Formula No. 1 will keep your leather healthy, supple and soft for decades to come. This recipe may be used as often as desired to clean, condition and refresh your leather briefcase or messenger bag.
Final Tips
Storing your bag in its original dust cover is another important step to properly caring for a leather tote bag. Spray protectants and beeswax creams can help protect your bag from rain, dust, and snow. When you choose a top-quality leather tote bag in a neutral color, like black or tan, it will complement just about any outfit in your wardrobe and add the perfect amount of polish and sophistication to any outfit. However, you must invest the time to clean and condition your bag to keep it looking refined and not dingy. With a little extra time, attention, and investment, you can keep your favorite leather tote bag looking like new for many years.