How to Take Care of Your Handbag

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Keep your Handbags Looking Brand New Forever with these Handbag Care Tips!

You've made your big purchase, you've saved up, and now you have your designer handbag! Now, it's time to keep your bag looking like a million bucks (or however much you paid) for a long time. It doesn't take much work, and an ounce of prevention is much cheaper than a new designer handbag. Learn here how you can take care of your handbag so it will look brand new forever!

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Leather 

Taking care of leather handbags

If the bag is leather you may want to treat with a leather protectant.
BE CAREFUL though! you want to test the protectant you purchase on a small piece of the bag which is preferrably not visible. Some protectants will CHANGE THE COLOR of your leather! Therefore, by testing the protectant on a small piece of the bag (like the interior) which is not visible you will not be doing any damage to your bag. Protectant is important because it will protect your bag from the elements-including rain, snow or even if you (or most likely someone else :) happens to spill something on your new designer favorite. Some designers such as Coach will sell leather protectant in their stores.

Leather Cole Haan Bags 

Leather Cole Haan Bag

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Keep it High, Keep it Dry!

Keep your bags off the floor and you're less likely to have your bags get wet from flooding. You're also less likely for dogs, cats and kids to get into them! Consider adding some simple shelving to a closet wall.

Suede Handbag Care 

Use great care to make these soft bags looking new all the time

Suede Care Kit


If your new bag is suede you may want to consider a suede protectant or a Suede Care Kit. Coach provides suede care kits on most of their suede bags, which includes a suede brush and an eraser which will help remove any stains or dirt build-up. When using a suede brush you want to be careful that you do not exert too much pressure on the bag as it is possible to take off some of the suede in the process. The brush should be used to gently brush the suede to take out the stains.

Canvas Bag Care 

Keep your delicate canvas bags like new!

Canvas Bags


The best solution currently out is to stain protect your bag by using a scotch-guard type product. This will protect the canvas from staining. Though as mentioned with the leather this product should be tested on a small area of the bag before spraying the entire bag, as it is possible to change the color of the canvas. Also, be careful to not get any spray on the leather or suede on the bag, if applicable.

Shout Wipes, which can be found in every local grocery store work great! But again, TEST on a small portion of the bag before using, as it is possible to change the color of the bag. When using a Shout Wipe, ensure that you stay directly on top of the stain and that you do not spread the stain to the remainder of the bag. Wait until the bag dries and you will see your true results. If the stain is deep it may require a second cleaning with a new Shout Wipe." />

Natural "Feed" Bags 

They Help End Hunger!

World Food Programme Feed Bag,Natural,one size

Amazon Price: $35.00 (as of 12/16/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $35.00

Made of natural burlap and cotton materials, this bag is more than unique. It's one of a kind! It also helps to benefit 7 nations in need of food assistance, so your dollars will be hard at work. It also happens to be one of the best selling bags on Amazon!

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The "Feed" Tote

Dry Cleaners 

Though dry cleaners are an effective way to clean your bag, please make sure you go to a reputable place that is used to dealing with handbags. I have had several friends drop off their suede, leather, and canvas bags to dry cleaners only to pick up the bag in an entirely different shade. The solution offered in most cases is that the dry cleaners will color your bag back to the original color, which realistically will not be the original color. SO, take all the steps you can to prevent having to bring your bag to someone else for a cleaning.

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Dooney & Bourke Bags on eBay 

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Storing your Handbag 

Tips on proper handbag and purse storage

Dustbag



When it comes to storing your handbag there are several key tips to keep in mind. A majority of the designers will provide a dustbag or storage bag for their products. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
If the bag comes with a storage bag (sometimes called a sleeper bag), ensure that you use the storage bag at all times when the bags are not being used.


  • NEVER store your handbag in a plastic bag. Leather and suede bags will dry out, and the plastic bags will not allow your handbag fabric to breathe. Don't be alarmed, some sellers will ship the bags to you in plastic bags, which is fine if the bag is only in the plastics bag during shipment. Upon receiving the bag you will want to remove your new Designer Bag from its plastic bag and move it to a more suitable storage.

  • If you bag DOES NOT come with a storage bag you will want to use a fabric storage bag. A great item to use to store your bags is Pillow Cases. They are large enough to store most bags, are reasonably priced and are easily accessible. There are also several cloth storage bags which can be purchased from various stores.



Cole Haan Taran Tote

Village Pocket Tote,Lacquer Red,one size

Amazon Price: $378.00 (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now
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Cole Haan Village Sunshine Travel Zip Wallet

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $175.00

Cole Haan Village Slim Zip Wallet

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $175.00

Cole Haan -- Village French Purse Leather Wallet Dark Auber (brown)

Amazon Price: $99.00 (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $150.00

Dustbags on eBay Right Now... 

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Make Sure It's Authentic! 

Never Store them Outside!

If you have to do long-term storage for your bags, find a way to keep your bags indoors. Outside elements, condensation, high temps, low temps, and critters can do a number on your prized possessions.

Suede Burberry Bags  

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Suede Coach Bags  

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Watch the Weather 

Your expensive bags shouldn't be exposed to the elements!

Time for the Weather Protected Bag!



If you see that the weather for the day is stormy, consider taking out a less expensive bag that you always keep on hand. It is worth it to switch out to a cheaper bag, then to have to go through the above steps of removing water stains or other stains from your bag if something in your purse "bleeds" through from the rain/snow/or inclement weather.

Unique Victoria's Secret Bags Ending Soon... 

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Suede Cleaners on eBay 

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Having Trouble Finding a Deal?

eBay can be one of the best places to find deals on anything from computers to cars, and of course handbags...you just have to know what to look for! See our eBay Deals lens to learn how.

Suede Prada Bags on eBay Right Now... 

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Reusable Bags 

Why not start using reusable bags? They're better for the environment, and they look cool!

BAGGU Baggu X5 Reusable Shopping Bag

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now
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BAGGU Baggu X3 Reusable Shopping Bag

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Avenue Plus Size Reusable Tote and Gift Set

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Green Bee 3pk Reusable Shopping Bags w/ Pouch

Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now
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And the Hunt is on... 

...hunt down your favorite bag without breaking the piggy bank open. All it takes is a little eBay knowledge!

Leather Wallets & Bags  

Cole Haan Village Sunshine Travel Zip Wallet

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Cole Haan Village Slim Zip Wallet

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Cole Haan Leather Medium Flap Wallet

Amazon Price: $54.99 (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Any More Handbag Care Tips? 

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Leather & Suede Cleaners on eBay 

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Suede Handbags 

Tianni Faux Suede Slouchy Hobo

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Elaine Turner Kendall Suede N/S Tote

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Elaine Turner Ella Suede Satchel

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Lauren Merkin Lotte Disco Suede Flap Clutch

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

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by HandbagDiva

If you're paying top dollar for your designer handbag, why let it get wrecked? Keep it looking brand new with these tips! (more)

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