We at Hills & West create timeless pieces that are made by hand making them all a little bit beautifully different. From a cross-body bag to a backpack, we have created all your everyday companions with a few fun ones too. We’re overwhelmed with joy with your contionous support and with your gorgeous response to our bags, knowing that with love and care, your investment into your Hills & West bag will only get better with age.

If you love your bag we have pulled together a list of the best handbag care and cleaning tips and tricks that will make your bags last even longer! Enjoy,

1. After each use, wipe it down

Wiping down your handbag with a cloth after each use is one of the best tips for maintaining and cleaning it. If the material allows, dampen the cloth slightly and gently wipe the entire bag. Do not rub too hard, but allow the bag to dry afterward. There are numerous products designed specifically for leather or cloth handbags, such as rain and stain repellent and cleaning agents.

2. Keep the shape with stuffing paper 

Another great way to keep your handbag in good condition is to fill it with newspaper or original filling after each use to keep the shape from changing. This is especially important for leather bags, which are prone to crumpling.

3. Place your handbags in a dustbag

Most handbags should come with a dust bag, which you should never throw away. After each use, stuff paper inside the bag and replace it in its dust bag. This shields them from scratches, dust, stains, and other types of damage while they are stored in the cabinet. These bags also aid in the preservation of the luster of leather bags.

4 Carry your liquids in a small purse or clutch separately 

If you intend to carry liquids in your handbag, make sure they are first placed in a smaller water resistant purse or clutch. This prevents stains and liquid damage to the interiors of the bags. This also allows you to quickly switch bags by shifting the clutch from one to the other.

5. Don’t hang your bags

If you hang your bags from the handles, be careful as it may cause wear and tear and damage the handles due to the weight. It is preferable to keep the bag a shelf and off the ground. This also reduces the possibility of damage when removing the bag from the hanger or hook.

6. Leather specific care tips 

How to Protect 

– Apply a leather protector to prevent water spots and stains 

– Avoid anything with wax or silicone; it will clog the pores in the leather 

– Avoid oil or other fats as they will darken the skin 

– Avoid cleaning products with alcohol, turpentine, or other mineral spirits

– If it gets dry and cracked use leather cream or conditioner 

– Leather, suede and nappa stretch out but not back. Be mindful of what you pack in your accessory, overfill will distort the shape

– Try to avoid touching your bags with recently sanitized hands, this will dry out the leather

How to Clean 

– Remove dirt and dust by wiping with a damp sponge dipped in lukewarm water 

– Don’t use direct heat/dryer for water damage, let it air dry instead 

– Don’t use cleaning products as they can cause discolouration and dry out the leather 

– Use specialized leather cleaning products or take them to a specialist 

– If the leather gets dry use leather cream or conditioner 

– Use a suede brush to clean the dust off the suede or ensure the grain all goes in the same direction

How to Store

– Store in a cool, dry place and/or in one of our dust bags. Never wrap it in plastic, leather is porous and always needs air.

– For straps and chains, if you’re storing them for a while, wrap them in soft tissue paper. This is to ensure the leather does not rub together or mark

 

However, for very stubborn stains, remember you can always have them dry-cleaned.

 

Caring for your bag is a must if you want to extend the longevity of your pieces. With our tips and tricks, your Hills & West bag will look as good as new.

Reach out to us at hello@hillsandwest.com if you have any questions at all, we are always happy to assist.

Big love

Aisha xox