1. GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Leather is a natural material obtained from the skin of an animal. It lives, evolves, moves and softens with use. These skins can show small marks that are not defects. In full-grain leather, these distinguishing marks are even considered an added value.
Full grain leather: A leather that has not been treated to remove its imperfections. The natural, original grain has not been modified or adapted.
Grained leather: The natural grain of the leather is enhanced by fulling (rubbing the hides together). If necessary, it can be accentuated using presses that print the leather.
Suede: Obtained by separating the hide into several layers, suede has a velvety appearance on both sides. This term in no way indicates the origin of the hide (i.e. it does not come from this animal).
Nubuck: Leather that has been lightly sanded to give it a velvety appearance.
Patent leather: A leather whose surface is covered with a flexible, waterproof film that shines like a mirror. In the past, patent leather was made by applying oils, varnishes and lacquers.
2. THE GOLDEN RULES OF HANDBAG CARE
Full-grain or crust leather, suede or nubuck: how do you care for these different types of skin, which are more or less fragile? Here are a few tips.
STORING YOUR HANDBAGS
If your handbags are properly stored, that's a good start to keeping them in good condition for a long time. Keep your leather bags in an airy room away from direct light. Never store them in a plastic bag or bin. Hang them on hooks or hangers in your dressing room. If space is limited, store them in cloth bags without crushing them. Tissue paper or newspaper will help them keep their shape.
LEATHER BAGS
The first thing you need to know is that most leathers are already treated and require no special protection.
Use only products specially designed for leather. Treat your leather handbag with a nourishing product to protect the leather from drying out, staining and cracking. Always test cleaning products on a hidden part of your handbag first. Never dry leather with a direct heat source.
Leather does not like water. Wipe up a wet handbag immediately. You can waterproof your leather (or canvas) bags to protect them from stains. Leather is naturally waterproof, and waterproofing with a product will not prevent stains. Sprayed too closely, it can leave marks, and sprayed too far away, it's useless. We advise you to have it done by a professional.
For routine care, wipe your leather handbag with absorbent cotton and body lotion or even make-up remover. Leave to dry and wipe with a clean cloth.
If it's crust leather, there's no need for special care, other than to clean it with a little soapy water and soft absorbent cotton.
LIGHT-COLORED LEATHER HANDBAGS
Soak your wool cloth in stiffly beaten egg white and polish your leather handbag with circular movements. Result: your leather handbag regains its original cleanliness and shine. This tip also applies to patent leather handbags.
GRAINED LEATHER HANDBAGS
Dust regularly with a soft brush or slightly damp cloth. Once or twice a year, the surface should be cleaned with a very dilute solution of white spirit and a slightly damp cloth, to remove dirt and grease.
WOVEN WICKER BASKETS
If you find pen stains on your wicker beach baskets, you can use acetone on absorbent cotton, available from chemists. Test beforehand in an inconspicuous area. You can also try soap and water.
CANVAS
For canvas bags, a gentle wash with a soft brush and natural soap is recommended. However, your canvas handbag should not contain any sensitive parts, such as leather. In any case, don't wait too long before intervening. In case of heavy wear, a re-dyeing product may be necessary. Choose a color as close as possible to that of your handbag, to avoid marks.
PATENT LEATHER HANDBAGS
Clean with a clean, slightly damp cloth. Dry completely with a soft cloth before storing.
SUEDE, LEATHER, NUBUCK... WHICH IS THE MOST FRAGILE?
All leathers that are not smooth are fragile, such as suede, nubuck and velvet crust. These materials absorb stains much more than smooth, tanned leather. So you need to be particularly careful: avoid rubbing them against darker clothing, avoid stains, protect them from the rain...
To maintain them, brush regularly with a soft suede brush. Minor marks and stains can be removed with a suede eraser.
If your suede bag is stained, you can clean it by sprinkling it with talcum powder. Leave overnight. In the morning, brush it with a soft suede brush.
If your suede bag is stained, you can gently wipe it with a flannel cloth soaked in methylated spirits, then leave it to air-dry.
If your suede handbag has shiny patches, you can remove them by rubbing gently with sandpaper. Choose the finest grit.
Use a special spray to waterproof this type of leather and preserve its color.
3. WHICH PRODUCTS FOR WHICH USES?
Your leather handbag is protected and well cared for, but then an accident happens: what should you do?
LIQUID STAINS:
Always blot up as much liquid as possible with blotting paper.
Water: soak a cotton pad in cold water and soap, then rinse with a damp cotton pad. Remove the stains concerned, dabbing well around the edges to avoid rings.
Milk: Use a cloth soaked in 28% ammonia water.
Ink: Dab with a cloth soaked in hot milk or 90° alcohol. If stains resist, spray with hairspray. Wipe off the ink with a clean cloth as soon as it dilutes. Repeat the operation until the stain has completely disappeared.
MUD/TERRA: First let the mud dry, then remove it with a fine bristle brush.
CANDLE : Remove as much candle as possible with a spatula, then place on absorbent paper and iron. Apply some Terre de Sommières, wait 12 hours and brush. The candle residue will have disappeared.
MOLD : Remove mildew from your leather handbag by dabbing it with a cloth soaked in glycerine.
GREASE: Sprinkle talcum powder or terre de Sommières over the grease stain. Wait several hours, then brush with a soft brush. Repeat if necessary.
GLUE : Scrub with a fine-bristle brush soaked in lukewarm water. Once the glue has completely disappeared, wipe well.
WATER-BASED PAINT : Water-based paint can be removed with a cloth soaked in soapy water.
SOLVENT-BASED PAINT : Remove with turpentine.
BLOOD : Blood stains are removed with white vinegar or acetic acid diluted in water.
CIGAR BURNS:
If the burn is superficial, you can soften it with a pumice stone or very fine sandpaper, then dab with an oil-soaked cloth. All that's left to do is polish the damaged leather with a shoe polish in the same color as your leather handbag.
Please note that this care requires a certain expertise, and we recommend that you take your handbag to a professional if you have the slightest doubt.
4. HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR COSTUME JEWELRY?
Avoid wearing perfume with your jewelry, as stones don't like it.
Alternatively, you can clean them with soap and water from time to time, taking care to dry them thoroughly.
In any case, do not use detergents on gold, silver or semi-precious stones.
Silver jewelry can be rubbed with a suitable cloth to restore its shine and remove oxidation.