If you're a purse lover, then most of your handbags probably spend more time on the shelf than in use. Many handbags are quite an investment, so you need to store them properly to protect their beauty and value and help them keep their shape when you're not using them. So, whether you're carrying Birkins or Wirkins, before you put that purse on the shelf and grab another, make sure you follow these essential handbag storage tips to keep them looking their best.
Always Clean Handbags Before Storing Them
Using your handbags leaves soil, oils, and dirt behind, and you need to remove the gunk before you put your purse in storage. Some experts recommend giving them a quick wipe-down with alcohol-free and fragrance-free baby wipes. For an even gentler cleaning solution, use a damp, soft towel to go over your bag to remove any accumulated grime. Don't forget to clean the inside, too.
For a leather bag, use a dry, soft cloth. This is especially important for untreated or natural leather bags, since water can stain the leather. Although most leather bags will recover from water stains, there's no need to risk damaging your purse. You can also use a commercial leather cleaning solution if you prefer. Just be sure you allow the handbag to dry before storing it.
Related: Unlocking the Value of Vintage Purses: A Collector's Guide
Never Hang a Handbag When You're Storing It
This one is a don't instead of a do, but it's super important if you want your bag to last and last. Never hang your handbag to store it. Doing so can warp your bag or misshape the purse handles.
Place Handbags on a Shelf or Flat Surface
Storing your handbags flat on a shelf can keep them from becoming misshapen. However, if you do store them on a shelf, make sure you have plenty of room so your handbags aren't touching. Storing them touching can cause them to discolor or scratch the finish. Make sure you have plenty of room for the bag's handles so they aren't squished, too.
Don't Store Them in the Original Box
We love a branded box moment and how cool they look in our handbag collection, but it's not a great way to store your purses. The problem is a lack of air circulation around the purse, which can create mold and mildew.
Follow These Instructions for Store-Flat Bags
Some designer bags, like Louis Vuitton purses, are intended to be stored folded flat. You want to properly fold the handbag. This will prevent any unwanted folds in the leather bag and prevent transference of the finish from handles onto the canvas. Some bags, like the Speedy, are designed to be folded underneath the bag:
- Zip the top closed.
- Turn the bag upside down.
- Press the air out of the center by pushing down.
- Allow both ends to collapse into the center of the bag.
- Press the ends further into the bottom center.
- Turn the bag over. The zipper is now in the center, with one handle on either side.
- Slip the folded bag into a dust bag.
Stuff Your Handbag
The majority of handbags aren't designed to be folded. The best way to store most handbags is to re-stuff them, the same way they were when you bought them. The easiest way to stuff a handbag is to save the original stuffing that came with it. You can use fabric remnants, acid-free paper towels, or tissue paper. Never use newspaper to stuff your handbag since the ink can easily transfer onto the purse lining. Avoid bubble wrap for stuffing your purse since the density of the bubble wrap blocks air circulation and can set up conditions for mold and mildew, especially if you live in a humid environment.
You can also use purse pillows or purse pillow inserts. These are designed to provide structure through firmness. Just slip a purse pillow insert inside your purse when storing it. You can wrap the hardware with acid-free tissue paper, making sure you wrap any exposed hardware, such as zip pulls, strap hooks, and buckles. The practice of wrapping hardware will prevent the risk of leaving imprints on the purse.
Store Handbags in a Dust Bag or Pillowcase
Most designer purses and some non-designer purses come with a dust bag. You want to take full advantage of this valuable storage tool. If you don't have a dust bag, you can use a 100% cotton pillowcase instead. It protects the purse but allows for maximum airflow to prevent mold and mildew.
Make Sure Your Bags Are Stored in the Right Conditions
When storing your handbags, avoid placing them in direct sunlight since this will damage the material and cause fading and cracking. Select a dark and dry closet with adequate ventilation to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Never store leather handbags in a high-humidity environment since the moisture can cause peeling as well as mold and mildew. In such instances, a small dehumidifier may be all you need to ensure your handbags aren't damaged.
Do a Three-Month Checkup
Every three months, give your stored handbags a quick checkup. Remove them from the dust covers to inspect for mold, mildew, any cracking, or other signs of deterioration. If you aren't using dust covers, then you'll want to dust each handbag. For leather handbags, you might decide to use a leather conditioner (allow to dry before returning to storage).
Store Your Handbags Properly so They Last
Storing your handbags properly can protect your investment. With proper storage, your handbags can last a lifetime looking just as good as when you got them.
