Interview
For a leather accessory
Your leather bag or small leather goods are as robust as they are fragile. It is therefore recommended to maintain them regularly to keep them in good condition for a long time. Here are 3 steps to follow to restore your leather to its former glory:
Step 1: Clean
It is essential to start caring for your leather by cleaning it, choosing the right product for the material:
For smooth leather: using a slightly damp soft cloth, apply Marseille soap or make-up remover milk to the surface in circular motions.
For oily leather: clean the surface with soapy water.
For suede or nubuck: dust the surface with a soft brush.
Step 2: Nourish
Nourishing leather is essential to preserve its beauty. Over time, the material naturally develops a patina, giving it that very particular character we know. Whatever the type of leather, it is important to nourish it with shoe polish or special leather moisturizing cream... or not. The moisturizing cream in your bathroom is just as effective. Note: to nourish patent leather, apply a drop of cooking oil to the surface and dry it immediately.
For a canvas accessory
To clean a canvas bag, hand washing is preferable to machine washing, which can be harsher.
For hand washing, follow the steps below:
1. Dust your bag by shaking it and/or using a dry cloth.
2. If there are stains, rub the surface with a brush or soft cloth, Marseille soap, and lukewarm water, then rinse with clear water.
3. Air dry your bag on a flat surface. It is not recommended to hang it with clothespins as it could deform.
For machine washing, follow these recommendations:
- Choose a "hand wash" program.
- Remove the shoulder straps and bag accessories before putting it in the machine.
- Protect your bag with a mesh bag or pillowcase.
- Use a small amount of detergent and a short cycle.
- Do not spin your accessory in the machine, as it may get damaged. Let it air dry.
For a nylon accessory
Nylon is a water-resistant material. However, be careful not to use water that is too hot, as this could leave marks on the surface. As with canvas, it is best to clean your nylon bag and/or small leather goods by hand. To do this, use a "homemade" product to pre-wash your accessory; for example, mix one cup of cold water with 30 mL of dish soap. Then follow the steps below:
1. Rub the stains on the nylon surface with your "homemade" product and a toothbrush. Make circular movements; foam should form to remove the stains.
2. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
3. Gently pat the nylon dry.
Please note: if your nylon bag and/or small leather goods have leather elements, wash them by hand. These should not be immersed in water; to clean them, rub them gently with a cotton pad soaked in cleansing milk or shoe polish.
For machine washing, follow the advice below:
Use a "cold wash" program. Use very little detergent (about half the amount usually used for a machine wash). Program a normal cycle, just as you would for a load of clothes. To remove a grease stain: if it is fresh, apply talc or flour to absorb it. If it is an older stain, apply slightly damp Marseille soap, let it penetrate for an hour, then rub, rinse, and dry.
For a synthetic (or faux leather) accessory
Bags and/or small synthetic leather goods require little maintenance. To clean your accessory, wipe it with a damp cloth and a little pH-neutral soap, then dry the surface with a dry cloth. Never rub your synthetic bag or small leather goods, as this could damage them.