Some Care Tips for Luxury Travel Bags
Many people believe that luxury travel bags are only another accessory, or just a fad. But, that is clearly not true. Leather travel bags for men are investments in durability, style, and elegance. Did you know that a high-quality leather bag can last a lifetime if it is cared for correctly? Moreover, it will develop a patina that will only make it more beautiful and unique. However, leather requires maintenance to ensure beauty and functionality even after years of frequent use. This article will tell you all about it!
Understanding the Leather: Characteristics and Types You cannot get into the tips and the tricks if you don’t understand the types of leather. It’s important to know the types of leather available for travel bags for men, which one you want or have, and only then can you learn how it can be properly cared for. So, what are the types? ● Full-grain leather – This is the highest quality leather that you can find. It is durable and it ages beautifully. It gives the bag an unique character thanks to the fact that it retains the natural grain of the hide. ● Top-grain leather – This one is slightly thinner than full-grain; it is sanded and therefore has a smoother appearance. And while it is less prone to staining, it will not develop the same rich patina as the full-grain leather. ● Genuine leather – Lower in quality compared to both full-grain and top-grain, it is still very durable, but it will surely not age as beautifully as the other two. ● Suede and Nubuck – Softer and with velvety texture, these kinds of leather are the most susceptible to stains and scratches out of all the mentioned types.
Even if it might seem excessive to have knowledge about leather types, this is actually the first step into knowing how to provide the appropriate care for luxury travel bags.
Cleaning Luxury Travel Bags Regular cleaning is more than essential to make sure that the appearance and condition of leather travel bags is maintained. But, which are the exact steps to cleaning your bag effectively? Well, first of all, daily maintenance. Even if it seems like a lot of work, it is not that complicated. Use a soft, dry cloth (or a microfiber cloth) to wipe off any dust or dirt. If you do this after each use, you can prevent buildup. Now, more of a tip, make sure to always wash and dry your hands before handling your bag. Leather is porous, and therefore absorbs oils and dirt. The next step is the one you should do once every few months, and it’s deep clean leather travel bags. Start with a leather cleaner and a soft cloth (or a small and soft brush). If you don’t have leather cleaner, you can use a mix of soap and water. Gently wipe the surface of the bag with circular motions. Do not soak the cloth, and excess moisture can cause damage to leather, make sure it’s only damp. Another tip would be to test the cleaning product only on a small area first, this can prevent using a product that will cause any kind of damage or discoloration. After cleaning, wipe away any moisture with a dry cloth, and let the bag air dry completely. As for Suede and Nubuck leather, you can use a suede brush (flexible boar bristle and wooden body), to lift dirt and restore the leather’s texture. If there are any stains, you can use a special suede cleaner. And, the last tip would be to avoid water with this type of leather as it can cause damage (and discoloration).
Conditioning Leather Travel Bags for Men As everyone probably knows, leather can dry out over time, which can lead to cracks and loss of suppleness. But what can you do about that? Well, conditioning keeps the leather moisturized, therefore preventing the cracks and loss of suppleness. But, leather travel bags for men are not like any other bag; so, what are some things you need to know about conditioning leather? ● Choose the right conditioner – Use a high-quality conditioner; you can also use a cream specifically designed for the leather type of your bag. Do not use products with petroleum or harsh chemicals! ● Work the conditioner into the leather with circular motions. Apply a small amount on a soft cloth, and do not be harsh with your movements. Focus on handles and corners, as those areas experience the most wear. And last but not least, let the conditioner absorbs for a few hours, or overnight if you can. ● Depending on how often you use your bag, and the climate you live in, this process should be done once ever 3 or 6 months. As an example, if you live in a dry climate, your bag surely requires more frequent conditioning. Travel bags are luxurious because you can take care of them in this way, and you can extend their life. This is exactly why they are so worth it.
How to Protect Luxury Travel Bags? Luxury travel bags cannot be maintained if they are not protected first! First, you can use a leather protectant spray, which will make your bag resist to both water and stains. Secondly, even if you applied the spray, it’s better to just avoid liquids. Thirdly, if you spilled something on it, blot the area with a dry cloth; do not rub! And lastly, avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight will ensure that the bag won’t dry, and the color won’t fade. Always remember to use cleaning products that are compatible with your leather type. Also, store your bag in a cool and shaded area. Following the manufacturer’s instructions can be a life-saver for your bag, so make sure to check those too! Luxury travel bags are like friendships, protect them and they will last all your life.
Conclusion Leather travel bags for men, or just luxury travel bags in general, can tell a lot about the person wearing one of them. By following these simple steps, you can make sure that your bag will only say good things about you! Allow your leather bag to age gracefully; take care of it using the simple tricks you learned today.
