How To Take Care of Your Faux Leather Bag To Last Longer?
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How To Clean Leather Bag
Are you an eco-conscious person who is also pro-life but loves fashion and good accessories? If the answer is yes, then you will definitely have faux leather bags. Faux leather, also known as PU leather, has become more than just an accessory and a necessity in this day and age.
However, the item often faces problems such as the PU leather peeling off, fading, or cracking. But not anymore. We will give you the perfect solution on how to make your faux leather bags last long with a few simple habits and cleaning steps. It will keep your bag protected and keep it looking polished for years.
In this article, we will provide you with a small brief on what is faux leather is, how is it different from real leather and most important part, how to take care of it.
Let’s Breakdown What’s Faux Leather?
Faux, meaning imitation, hence faux leather is an imitation leather. It is an animal-friendly alternative to original leather. Faux leather is made from artificial materials like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The material is processed in a way that gives the impression of genuine leather. It can be textured into different types of leather like snake, crocodile, rabbit, etc.
Unlike original leather bags, which are often heavy and expensive, faux leather is pocket-friendly and lightweight. It has hence become a trending item that is perfect for everyday use. The best part is that no animal is killed or used for making the bags, hence it is a sustainable product.
What’s The Real Difference Between Faux and Original Leather?
Before you purchase a bag, it is best to know the differences between faux leather and real leather. Here is a brief comparison between the two.
Differences: Faux Leather
- Made from synthetic and artificial materials.
- Bags are lighter in weight.
- Requires low maintenance.
- Can resist drizzle and small spills.
- Maintains shape and doesn’t change form with time.
- Affordable product.
- Material is dense and not breathable.
- Less processing time.
- Ideal for daily rough use.
- Can be given different textures and colours.
- Non-biodegradable
Original Leather
- Made from animal hide.
- Heavier to carry.
- Needs regular conditioning and maintenance.
- Not waterproof and absorbs moisture easily, thus it can stain too.
- With age, the material softens, hence the shape changes.
- Expensive, and the price increases depending on the type of hide it uses.
- It is a breathable material.
- Long processing time.
- Luxury product, so for average Indian women, using it daily can be a challenge.
- Textures are based on the animal hide; no artificial textures can be given.
- Biodegradable
Types: Faux Leather
- PU (Polyurethane) – Most popular and is a softer material.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – durable and hard material
- Microfibre leather- Lightweight, flexible and durable
- Printed – Patterned and embossed.
Original Leather
- Top grain leather
- Full-grain leather
- Genuine leather
- Suede
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Faux Leather Bag At Home
Follow these steps to clean and maintain your faux leather bags at home. They will stay polished and beautiful for years.
Things You Need For Cleaning
● Soft clean cotton or microfibre cloth
● Baby shampoo or mild liquid shampoos. Do not use harsh chemical shampoos.
● Lukewarm water (300 ml)
● Soft toothbrush for cleaning the stitching and the corners
● 2 Small bowls
● Few tissue paper or dry towels
Never use hard cleaners, nail polish removers or bleach to remove any stain. It will damage the faux leather.
Steps For Cleaning a Faux Leather Bag
● Remove everything from your bag and empty it.
● Shake away all the crumbs and dust by lightly patting them.
● Wipe it clean with a dry cloth; it will remove any loose dust that is sticking to the surface.
● In the small bowl, mix 3 to 4 drops of baby shampoo or mild liquid soap with 250 ml of lukewarm water.
● Dip the microfibre or cotton cloth in it and wring it well. Remember to keep the cloth damp, but water should not be dripping from it.
● Start wiping the bag gently with circular motions. Keep the circles small.
● Take time to clean the bottom, handles and the areas that are stained. Do not rub hard to remove the stains; it will damage the material.
● Dip the toothbrush into the solution and start cleaning the edges, zips and the seams. Once again, do not be rough; use it gently so there are no scratches.
● Take a fresh towel or tissue paper and dip it in the lukewarm water to make it damp
● Clean the bag to remove the soap residue
● With the dry towel, pat it dry.
● Let it air dry in shade. Do not put it in the sun or use a hair dryer to dry it.
How To Keep Faux Leather Bags Last – Dos and Don’ts?
Apart from regular cleaning, there are a few other things that you should do, which would ensure your PU bags last long.
● Don’t expose the bag to direct sunlight, as it will prevent the bag from peeling, cracking and fading.
● Do not use rough clothes to clean the bag as it will scratch it.
● Never ignore spills and stains; try to remove them as soon as you can.
● Clean regularly, or else the fabric will weaken, and the dirt will be hardened
● Avoid using any harsh chemicals on the bag
● Try to protect it from water as the material will get damaged to over wetting.
● If you have to be in the sun or outdoors, then use faux leather protective spray, which will protect the material against the UV rays and accidental spills.
● If it gets wet, then use baby oil or petroleum jelly to condition it.
● When not using it, store it in a dust bag and never fold it when storing.
● Never soak them in water for cleaning.
● If possible, rotate bags to avoid daily wear and tear.
Keep Your Leather Bags Stylish For Years
Faux leather bags are practical, affordable, animal-friendly and a perfect accessory with utility for everyday use. But keeping them for years can be a challenge, but not anymore. Just follow the above steps to clean them, and the storage solution, and your bags will last for years. If you are looking for stylish, elegant, and trendy faux leather handbags, then visit PRD Crat to find the right match for you.