Ladies we all do it drop nail polish, lipstick or have a dark color transfer onto our white or light colored leather handbags. After you have got over the shock of the accident lets think logically how we can solve this problem.

Firstly before we can clean our leather handbag we need to know a little bit about what leather is before we can put any products on our handbag to get a stain, dirt or color transfer out of the light colored leather.

Leather is a unique, natural product and should be treasured. Leather will improve in appearance with age and give lasting service if cared for properly.

What is leather?

(a) As leather is a skin, there will be variations in each hide. These variations can be found both within a hide and from hide to hide. They are completely natural and normal, and should be expected in leather.

(b) Leather may stretch with time.

(c) Leather is absorbent and needs regular care and cleaning.

(d) By using recommended products you can retain its beauty and ensure lasting wearability.

Care Tips

To keep your leather products looking their best, please follow the steps below. For repairing minor damage to leather such as scuffs and scratches, etc. use a Leather repair and touch up pen there are no messy cloths or brushes the one step application, quick drying and this hard wearing product makes it an affordable and easy to use.

1. Protection

All leather should be protected before wearing. A good protector should also be applied regularly to help resist the effects of daily soiling. A protector can be used on most leather and suede items including shoes, bags and wallets. Remember to cover any embellishments such as metal and beading when spraying the protector. Spraying with the protector will help to prevent light color leathers absorbing unstable dye stuffs such as denim. Always take extra care when wearing light colored bags with dark denim.

2. Cleaning

Most leather can be cleaned but it is important to find the correct cleaner for your leather item. You will need to visit your local shoe repairer to find the most suitable product. Always test it first and remember to protect your item again after cleaning.

3. Conditioning

Leather conditioners/gels are only meant for occasional use. They contain fats or oils that help to lubricate the leather and replenish the suppleness. A conditioner can be used on most smooth leathers but should NOT be used on any suede, metallic, pearlized, embossed or patent leathers. Please test it first on an inconspicuous part of the leather before applying.

4. Polishing

Polishing is a great way to remove fingerprints and dust from your leather items, particularly high shine leathers such as patent. We recommend using your cover bag to polish your item.

5. Storing

We recommend storing your leather items in a cover bag when not in use. Never store any leather items in plastic as they cannot breathe and always store them in a cool, dry place away from heat.

Do Not Use the following on Ink Stains:

• Hairspray - This is very risky as it can make the matter far worse by spreading the ink over a bigger area and can sometimes then be impossible to fix.

• Nail Varnish remover/solvents - will remove the finish on the leather even if you cannot tell it is doing so and this will then need replacing, and alcohol may do the same depending on the strength of the finish on the leather.

• Baby wipes - just about the worst thing you can use on a leather as they break down the finish and will eventually ruin it.

• Milk or Toothpaste - these are just silly ideas that will leave sticky residues on the surface which will help to break down the finish on your leather.

• Silicones/furniture polish - should not be used on leather. They will form a coating on the surface of the leather which will not allow any moisture to get to the leather itself and will eventually break all the finish down and cause it to crack.

• Hide food - will not remove ink and will leave residues on the leather which will attract dirt and oils.

Most leather cleaners will not remove ink unless a very good leather protector has been used on a regular basis.

Jean and Dye Transfer Removal Kit

What is Jean and Dye Transfer? Dye transfer is the dyestuff from clothing, newspapers etc. which transfers to the surface of the leather. It is more usually seen on light coloured, protected leathers.

This kit is specifically formulated for the removal of dye transfer. Jean and Dye Transfer Removal Kits are available for this problem. Only use this product on the areas affected by dye transfer and not as a general cleaner. Dye transfer can be permanent.

If this product does not completely remove the dye transfer it is not because the products are not effective but because the dye has penetrated too deeply into the surface to be removed and will require more technical restoration processes to resolve the problem.

In conclusion, when you have a white or light colored handbag or bag you need to be careful when wearing jeans or other dark colors because they can transfer onto the light coloured bag. But also to keep your leather bag in good condition it is necessary to take regular steps to care for the leather to keep your bag at its best.

Remember this simple fact"Leather is a unique, natural product and should be treasured. Leather will improve in appearance with age and give lasting service if cared for properly."