Cleaning and care of leather handles and bag handles
A lot depends on them. They are the classic feature of a handbag. Nonetheless, they are always neglected: leather handles. And this is despite the fact that bag handles are regularly subjected to hand sweat, weather conditions and weight. Anyone who loves their bag should clean it from top to bottom several times each year. Just like the bag itself, the handles also require intensive cleaning and regular sealing. This ensures that they can withstand the elements long-term.
You know the feeling: you rummage in your wardrobe and grab a stiff bag handle. Maybe it’s an heirloom or a bag that you only use occasionally. Now, cleaning and care are in order, so that nothing tears and everything looks as good as new again. Impurities on leather handles arise mainly thanks to a combination of hand sweat and dirt. You can remove rough dirt using a soft brush. A more sensible solution, however, is a dirt eraser, used either dry or damp. Once the leather straps are clean, we can turn to the next step: care.
Caring for old and new leather handles
Once the leather handles have been thoroughly cleaned, the right care procedures can return elasticity and tension to the handles. Particular attention is required for bags from Aunt Hilda or flea market finds. Vintage models can be turned into real treasures if rich and moisture-giving care products are used.
An old handbag has many stories to tell. Marks, impurities and scuffs are the signs of an eventful existence. For some, such an attic discovery triggers wonderful memories of a family. For others, a flea market find completes a unique and individual outfit. But before the vintage bag is ready for use, it must be lovingly perked up. Any marks on old treasures can be carefully removed using Collonil’s cleaning spray. The aim is to eliminate streaks of grease and dirt completely. Smooth leather is more suited to this procedure than porous leather handles. For the latter, we recommend our cleaning cream.
The care of leather handles guarantees the suppleness and durability of the material. Smooth leather can be made soft and supple once again with the use of a nourishing leather cream. Apply the cream to an absorbent, lint-free cloth. The leather handles have been sufficiently greased when they no longer take up any more cream.
To ensure that leather handles remain on top form even in the rain, an impregnation product is a good solution. If the bag is made completely from leather, you can use sprays over the whole item. If, on the other hand, only the handles are leather, use a fluid impregnation product instead. This can be easily applied and penetrates deep into the bag handle, without any residue reaching the bag itself.
Correct storage of leather handles
Whether you are storing the leather handles of your favourite bag, a fashionable belt, a bridle or a dog leash: the more care you take, the longer these leather products will last. Leather accessories can last forever if you care for them and store them correctly. Apart from the fact that leather handles can become hard and blotchy, mould can also form.
The storage of leather is actually fairly simple. Kept at cool room temperatures, with adequate ventilation and medium humidity, leather products can last for generations. But once mould has formed, you must act quickly. Medical alcohol is your last resort in this case. This treatment has a strong degreasing effect: rich leather creams and nourishing care products must therefore be used afterwards and left to work intensively.
It may be the case that that white film on your leather handles isn’t actually mould. Be sure to check carefully, as it may be fatty spew. You can use a hairdryer to test whether it is mould or spew: unlike fatty spew, mould won’t disappear with the application of heat.
Once you have successfully removed mould from dog leads, leather handles and other such items, you need to ensure correct storage. Kept in a soft, opaque cotton bag, leather accessories and clothing will remain as good as new.
Care tips for smooth leather handles
Step 1: cleaning
Dry cleaning
Rub the bag with a soft cotton cloth such as the POLISHING CLOTH. Light marks can be removed with our SOFT GUM.
Damp cleaning
You can remove more stubborn marks with our CLEANING CREAM. Use our CLEANING spray to get rid of persistent grease stains.
If mould has formed due to incorrect storage, remove this with medical alcohol.
Step 2: impregnation
Renew the impregnation after every cleaning. Use impregnation sprays outside or in well ventilated rooms. Spray 1909 SUPREME WAX spray onto the handbag evenly and at a distance of approx. 30cm. Repeat this step after a drying time of at least 20 minutes.
Step 3: Care
Apply the 1909 LEATHER CREAM to the bag with the sponge applicator. This ensures that the leather remains supple and maintains luminosity. Don’t use colour care products, as these can discolour clothing.
Care tips for suede handles
Step 1: cleaning
Dry cleaning
Brush the suede or buckskin with our SUEDE-BOY. Get rid of bare spots and marks with our intensive dry cleaning CLEANER.
Damp cleaning
Use our SUEDE-BOY before and after damp cleaning, to ensure that the leather fibres don’t stick together. You can remove stubborn dirt with our BAMBOO LOTION. This cleans and cares for the material simultaneously. Our CLEANING spray helps to combat substantial grease stains.
Step 2: impregnation
Renew the impregnation after every cleaning. Use impregnation sprays outside or in well ventilated rooms. Spray 1909 SUPREME PROTECT spray onto the handbag evenly and at a distance of approx. 30cm. Repeat this step after a drying time of at least 20 minutes.