Caring for your Balenciaga bags – quick and easy tips for collectors
Balenciaga is known to produce exquisite luxury bags crafted with the finest materials. Plus, its bags have earned the reputation of aging well.
That, however, does not mean that you can take it easy when caring for your Balenciaga bag. Whether you have one or several, observing proper care of your collection is crucial to getting good returns on your investment in these fine fashion pieces.
Here are a few helpful tips that will help you keep your designer bags in excellent condition.
Store
Stuff your bags
Before putting your bags in storage, stuff these with either old scarves or acid-free tissue paper. Stuffing your bags before putting them away for later use helps the bags keep their shape. This is particularly important if the bag is unstructured and made out of soft leather.
However, do avoid overstuffing your bags. This can only lead to overstretching.
Remove all straps
If you are not planning on using your bag in the near future, it is highly advisable that you remove its detachable straps and place these inside the bag. This is particularly important if you live in a place with a warm climate.
Although most bags have a coating of wax on their surfaces, theis can melt upon reaching a certain temperature level. And when the wax melts, there is a risk that the straps will stick to the bag.
If you cannot detach the bag’s strap, you can simply tuck it into the bag.
Use the right covering
Do not, under any circumstance, cover your bag with plastic or vinyl. These materials are known to trap moisture and cause the growth of molds.
Instead of plastic or vinyl, use a dust bag or even an old pillowcase made out of cotton before storing them.
Dehumidifiers are not necessary. In fact, storing bags with dehumidifiers can cause damage to your collection. Instead of dehumidifiers, use charcoal, which does a better job.
Simply put a few pieces of charcoal in a plastic container and place it in your storage area. Just make sure that you punch a few holes in the container before placing it in your storage area.
Clean
It is normal for bags to accumulate dirt and even light stains while you carry them around as you go about your regular routine. What is essential is to act fast and clean your bag as soon as possible.
For light stains, use non-alcoholic wet tissue for quick cleanups. Do not use wet wipes which contain alcohol. Alcohol can permanently damage the bag’s leather.
If the liquid that stained your bag is oil-based, seek the help of a professional. Do not try to remove the stain with soap and water as this can only lead to smudges.
And speaking of professionals, it is an excellent practice to get your bags cleaned regularly by professionals. Regular cleaning will help extend the lifespan of your bags, and professionals have the expertise and equipment to clean and sanitize your precious collections.
If you have bags that have been severely discolored, there are also specialists who can breathe new life into them. These professionals can recolor bags without affecting the hardware.
Be warned, however – the leather can become stiffer due to the materials used for coloring. Do note that this does not have any long-term effect on the bag itself, and the leather will regain its normal texture after regular use.
Protect
No matter how careful you are with your bag, accidents like stains and scratches can happen. For greater peace of mind, consider investing in special protection for your bag.
One type of protection available for luxury bags is silicone coating. Silicone coating acts as an invisible barrier that protects your bags from scratches and stains. At the same time, this coating allows the leather to breathe.
Caring for your precious designer bags is not rocket science. But if you want to keep your bags in pristine condition, you will need to invest ample time and effort. By following these simple and easy tips, you can be sure to enjoy your collection for several years to come.
