From hairbrushes to cereal bars – these everyday items could be causing more damage than you think.
With the bounce back of boho, suede has soared into fashion again this fall in the form of coats, skirts, and, of course, bags.
But whether you’re investing in a chic suede tote this season or are adamant about preserving an old luxury leather favorite – being mindful of what you keep in your handbag is crucial for the piece’s longevity.
Unbeknownst to many of us, everyday items can sometimes wreak havoc on our handbag’s interior, leading to stains, smells, and wear and tear that’s often impossible to reverse.
Want to keep your clutch in check? Handbag experts share the five things you should never keep in your handbag…
Loose make-up
Cosmetics, particularly make-up and perfume, are notorious for causing damage to handbags. “Lipsticks, liquid foundation, or perfume are prone to leaking if the lids aren’t secured tightly,” says Nia Davis, handbag design manager at Fiorelli.
The oils in makeup can leave permanent stains that are tough to remove, while potent perfumes can soak into the material, leaving a strong scent that can erode the delicate lining.
Clear Makeup bag -Beauty Pie
Always store your cosmetics in a dedicated pouch inside your handbag to prevent make-up mishaps. This minimizes the risk of spills and helps keep your bag organized (plus, it’s more hygienic for your products!).
“Make-up can be a particularly tough stain to remove due to the high oil content,” adds Davis, “so make sure to keep lipsticks, bronzers and blush in an enclosed make-up bag.”
2. Umbrellas
This may not be a problem if you’re always forgetting your umbrella anyway, but umbrellas—or any damp items in general—should never be stored in your handbag once used. Moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and even rot in the bag’s material.
“Suede is a delicate and porous material, made up of small hair fibers,” says the CEO of Clothes Doctor Lulu O’Connor. “Water, or wetness in general, can cause the hair bristles to become weak and thin, with time eventually tearing off and deteriorating the quality of the material.
“Specialist products, such as suede brushes and erasers, can be used to treat and protect against damage,” she adds.
If you must carry something wet, wrap it securely in a waterproof bag and separate it from the rest of your belongings. For added protection, investing in a water-resistant handbag cover can help prevent rain or accidental spills from penetrating the surface.
3. Food and perishables
Indeed, we’ve all had the experience of dusting off an old handbag, only to find a cereal bar from circa five years ago mashed up in the side pocket.
While we all occasionally throw ‘just in case’ snacks into our bags, this can be a recipe for disaster. “Perishable food and snacks are a definite no,” Davis warns. “Even sealed snacks, like a granola bar, can crumble and leave a mess at the bottom of your bag.”
When forgotten about, perishable items can cause bacteria to grow in your bag. This bacteria isn’t always visible but can remain lingering after removing the offending item. When throwing some snacks in your handbag, always store the food in insulated containers or separate cotton totes.
4. Sun cream and hand sanitizer
We’re coming out of sun cream season right now, but products that contain oils – such as sun cream, lotions, and hand sanitizer – can be complicated to remove from handbags.
“For greasy marks, blot immediately and follow up with a cleaner specifically designed for delicate materials,” Davis advises. Prevention, however, is always better than cure, especially with oils and creams.
O’Connor adds: “For leather, a simple wipe down with a soft, dry cloth is usually ample. If deeper cleaning is necessary, it’s important to use products specifically formulated for the unique handbag material.”
5. Hairbrushes
Sharp objects such as hairbrushes, hairpins, or uncapped pens can damage your handbag’s lining. “Be cautious with sharp items like pens (especially without lids) or keys,” advises Davis.
These can easily poke holes, tear the fabric, or scratch the interior. Similarly, clips, hairbrushes, and other sharp accessories can damage your bag’s lining, especially with delicate materials like suede, satin, or leather.
The solution? Store your keys in a key pouch, and always use a capped pen, ideally kept inside a separate pencil case.
Mango quilted makeup/storage bag
Don’t forget about storing with care…
Regarding long-term handbag care, O’Connor also advises storing things carefully and correctly: “Avoid storing suede or leather fabrics anywhere damp, hot, or in direct exposure to sunlight to prevent fading and general deterioration.”
As we all know, a handbag is an investment; proper care will ensure it stays a staple in your wardrobe for years.
