How to protect white handbags from dirt & discolouration
Has this ever happened to you that you go to purchase a handbag online. Browse through all the colour options and end up loving the beige or the white handbag option? But then there's a thought in your mind that stops you from buying light colours because you are convinced you will stain it in a week?
Yeah well, you are not alone. It happens to all of us. For every girl who has fallen in love with a beautiful white crossbody or an ivory tote handbag or a cream shoulder bag; there's always this thought at the back of the mind
”It looks amazing and it will go well with all my outfits but how will I keep it spotless?”
But the real truth is, light coloured handbags are not as high maintenance as they're made out to be. Most stains, discolouration or transfer of colours don't happen because the bag is delicate. It is because of the sma everyday habits that we don’t even think about.
The good news is that a few simple changes to the way you use, clean and store your light coloured handbags can make a huge difference in keeping it clean and in original form for years.
So before you decide that light-colored bags are "too risky," here are the simple care tips every handbag lover should know.
1. Your handbag does not like sunlight.
Nothing can beat the feeling of carrying a white or light coloured handbag on a sunny day. The subtle light colours make every outfit feel summer appropriate.
However, there is something that most people do not know about; prolonged exposure of the bag to direct sunlight causes color change over time.
Due to the oxidation process brought about by exposure to sun and heat, the surface of the bag starts degrading. This normally causes a yellow tint to appear on light-colored handbags. In addition, the degradation can occur more easily where the handbag stays in one position for a longer time.
The oxidation process is a slow one and people only come to realize that there are changes on their handbag after some time. You start realizing that the bag is no longer white as before.
It also happens when the bag is not being used. Most people store their handbags on shelves next to windows or areas receiving direct sunlight every day without even knowing. So if you store your handbags near the window or in an area where sunlight can reach your handbags, here is what you can do:
Store your light coloured handbag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If possible, keep it inside the dust bag it came with or in a breathable cotton bag. This helps protect the colour while also preventing dust from settling on the surface.
Think of sunlight as something your handbag should enjoy in moderation, not every single day.
2. Prevent Stains from "Setting" into Your Handbag
What people who own handbags fail to see is that the stain itself is not the problem but the duration. Whether it is a stain caused by a drop of coffee, foundation or even invisible dust containing skin oils, the longer it will be sitting on the surface of your handbag, the more difficult it will be to clean it.
After some time, the stains start to bind to the surface of your bag and heat, sun exposure, and daily usage only help them to "set". That is why professional handbag cleaners always note that time and product are equally important.
How to protect your handbag?
You should develop a habit of checking your handbag every couple of days to see if it needs cleaning. When you notice a new spot on your handbag, try to gently clean it with a microfiber towel before it "sets".
I would personally recommend cleaning your light coloured handbag after every use. This is so that the stains do not get the chance to set.
3. Don’t use plastic bags for long-term storage
Even though it appears to be the most secure method to keep your handbag from damage, using a plastic cover for extended periods of time can cause more damage to your light-colored bag than you think.
A plastic cover retains humidity and blocks out any airflow. In the long run, it might lead to mold growth, unpleasant odor, and discoloration of your bag due to high moisture levels, especially in the monsoon season.
The light-colored material is particularly sensitive, since the smallest changes in color would become clearly visible.
How to protect your handbag?
Instead of plastic cover, always use a breathable cotton or textile dust cover to store your handbag. And if no cover was included with the purchase, then a clean cotton pillowcase does the job just fine.
Storing it in a cool and dry place with proper ventilation is sure to preserve the color and finishing of your bag for many years to come.
4. Handle the placement of your handbag with care
All it takes is seconds to place your handbag down on a restaurant floor, a shopping cart or even the seat next to you. However, within these same seconds, the surface might transfer its dirt and stains to the handbag – and cleaning them off will prove a challenge.
The lighter-colored handbags, as well as the ones whose bases are made of fabric, are prone to collecting dirt and grime far more quickly than the darker ones. The corners of the handbag's base are always the first to collect all sorts of impurities.
Most people try to preserve the front of their handbag while ignoring its base altogether despite the fact that this is the area that touches all sorts of surfaces most often.
How to protect your handbag?
In order to preserve the integrity of your handbag's base, use a chair, a handbag hook or even your lap instead of placing it on the floor. In case your handbag has already been placed on the floor during the day, take a minute and wipe its base with a soft microfiber cloth upon returning home.
Final thoughts
No matter how much attention a light-colored bag will require compared to the dark one, don't let this thought prevent you from purchasing it.
In fact, it is important to realize that the reason why bags become dirty and lose their color is not one significant stain or any other incident. These are regular habits which influence the condition of your bag over time.
And the best thing about it is that it is very easy to alter such habits.
Avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight, proper storage of your handbag, immediate clean-up when necessary, and avoiding certain places will help to preserve the color of your bag for a long time to come.
