Good faux leather looks and feels close to the real thing, is lighter to carry and is easy to keep clean. With a little care, it keeps its colour and shape for years. Here are the habits that make the biggest difference.
Clean little and often
Wipe your bag with a soft, dry cloth once a week to remove dust. For marks, use a cloth that is only slightly damp with a drop of mild soap, then wipe again with a dry cloth. Never soak faux leather or put it in a washing machine, and avoid alcohol wipes, nail-polish remover and strong cleaners.
Keep it away from heat
Faux leather does not like high heat. Do not leave your bag in a parked car in summer or on a sunny windowsill, and never dry it with a hair dryer. Long sun exposure can fade colours and dry out the surface.
Store it the right way
- Empty the bag and stuff it with tissue paper so it keeps its shape.
- Keep it in its dust bag, or a cotton pillowcase, rather than plastic.
- Store bags standing up, not stacked, so the corners do not crease.
- Hang chain straps inside the bag to avoid scratches on the front.
Protect the hardware
Gold-tone hardware keeps its shine longer if you keep it away from perfume, hand cream and water. Spray perfume before you pick up your bag, and wipe the metal with a dry cloth after an evening out.
Watch the weight
Overloading a bag stretches handles and strap attachments. If your bag is often heavy, move to a tote with a wide base and sturdy handles, and empty out what you do not need each week.
Rain and spills
Most faux leather handles light rain well. Blot water with a dry cloth as soon as you can and let the bag air dry at room temperature. For oily marks, blot gently; rubbing spreads them.
Give it a rest
If you carry the same bag every day, give it a day off now and then. Handles and straps relax, the shape recovers, and you get a moment to wipe it down and check the stitching and hardware.
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