Firstly, ascertain whether the bags you’re aiming to prepare are genuine leather. Genuine and faux leather require different care and maintenance methods. A simple way to verify this is to compare your bag with another well-known leather product. If it looks, smells, and feels alike, your bag is likely genuine leather.
### Cleaning Process
Start with a mild clean. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe over the bag. Never submerge the bag in water or use a wet cloth, as this could potentially damage the leather. Do not smear dirty area harshly; instead, gently rub until the stain fades off. For stubborn dirt, use a gentle leather cleaner you trust, preferably a ph balanced leather cleaner.
In stubborn spots, like ink stains, or mold and mildew, special instructions apply. For ink stains, lightly rub it with a cuticle remover, but ensure it’s non-greasy. For mold and mildew, make a solution by mixing 8 parts water and one part liquid soap, dampen the soft cloth in the solution, and wipe your bag. Afterward, use a second damp cloth to rinse off the soap and mold. Then, wipe dry using a towel.
Despite our efforts to maintain cleanliness, during everyday use, dust, dirt, and oils can still build up on the surface of your bag. To minimize this, regularly wipe your bag using a dry, soft cloth.
### Reconditioning the Leather
Leather, much like our skin, requires moisturizing to prevent it from drying out and forming cracks. A popular product among many is leather conditioner, a prominent option due to its ostensibly mink oil content.
To revitalize your leather bag, apply a small dollop of leather conditioner to a clean, dry cloth, gently rub it onto the bag, spreading it evenly. Allow it to settle for about 30 minutes then buff off the excess with a clean cloth. Remember, though leather can handle occasional conditioning, overdoing could render the leather overly soft or greasy.
### Repairing Scratches
Scratches on your leather bag are repairable using either a leather touch-up pen or a leather dye in the color of your bag. Clean the scratched area with a leather cleaner and let it dry before applying any touch-up product.
Apply several thin layers of the product, with a drying time of one hour in between. Repeat until the scratch disappears. After the last application, wait for at least 48 hours before conditioning the bag again to ensure the touch-up or dye fully sets.
### Preparing the Interiors
Of course, the insides of your bag cannot be overlooked. Begin by emptying out its contents, then dust off any loose debris. For stubborn stains, a mild fabric cleaner is advisable. Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth and lightly rub the stained area until it fades. Be careful not to moisten the bag too much as it can lead to water damage.
### Polishing
Polishing is the final step and the one that renders your bag like-new again. There are two prominent products for this – wax or cream polish. Again, make sure to use a product in the same color as your bag. Apply a small amount of polish onto a clean cloth, gently buff it in a circular motion onto your bag.
For quick polish-ups, you can use a leather wipe but bear in mind it’s not as effective as a proper polish. Moreover, make sure to always test any cleaner or polish onto a hidden part of your bag to ensure it does not discolor or damage the leather before you apply it fully.
### Proper Storage
Your bag might need to sit for a while before it sells. Acknowledge this and never store your bag in a plastic bag, as it needs to breathe. Cotton dust bags are the best for this. If you do not have a dust bag, an old pillowcase will suffice.
Furthermore, ensure you store it where the temperature is moderate. Too hot and it will dry out; too cold and it may accrue mold.
### Regular Inspection
It’s always beneficial for your bag to be in its optimal condition when it sells, hence regular inspections are instrumental. Lightly dust it off and re-condition it if necessary. Remember, a well-cared-for product always sells.
Prepping your leather bag for resale might sound like a task, but with the right information, you can do the job with minimal error and maximum impact. Make sure the bag is clean, conditioned, shined, undamaged and stored correctly for maximum resale value.
