If you own designer shoes and bags, you know how much of an investment these items are. It’s vitally important to make sure that you’re storing your designer accessories in the right way so that you keep them safe and protected from damage. Designer products are a big investment, and that’s why caring for them is so crucial. The more you take care of your beloved shoes and bags, the longer they’ll last so you can enjoy them for years to come. From closet organization to simple storage tips, read on to learn the best ways to take care of your favorite designer bags and footwear at home.
Daily Use and Care
If you wear your designer shoes or carry your designer bags with you every day, proper care is crucial. Even if you don’t use your bags or shoes daily, taking good care of them will ensure that they last a long time into the future. Here are some tips to help you keep your items safe and well cared for.
Weather protection: Moisture, humidity, heat, and sunlight can damage your designer bags and shoes. Most designer products are made of leather, and this material is especially vulnerable to weather-related damage. Protect your bags and shoes by storing them out of direct sunlight. If it’s raining outside, avoid using them since any contact with water can cause discoloration or water spots. Use a quality leather conditioning product to keep your bags and shoes pliable and beautiful no matter what the weather brings.
Dust exposure: Dust buildup can make your beautiful bags and shoes look dirty and may even cause minor scratches. Always store your items in their original dust bag or the box they came in whenever possible. A clear shoe display box is another great way to store your shoes while protecting them from nasty dust.
Easy and quick cleaning: Always wipe the interior and exterior of your handbag before every use. If you wear hand lotion, avoid handling your leather bag, as it can transfer onto the handles. Gently turn your bags and shoes upside down and shake them before you use them to get rid of any dirt or dust that might be sitting inside. Use an alcohol-free baby wipe to clean out the interior and exterior before you use them.
Odor removal: If your designer bags or shoes happen to have an unpleasant odor, place a small bag of baking soda inside, then close the bag. The baking soda will absorb the odor and leave a fresh, pleasant scent behind. You can also place a dryer sheet or herbal sachet inside of your designer shoes in-between wears.
Stains: It’s essential to remove stains the right way to avoid damaging your designer shoes and bags. Always gently blot spills or stains away with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. For food stains, use crushed white chalk, apply it to the affected area, and let it sit overnight. The next day, gently wipe the chalk away with a clean, dry cloth. Ink stains can be tricky, so it’s best to consult with professionals if you need this type of stain removed.
Storage and Organization for Shoes and Bags
Proper storage of your shoes and bags is key to keeping them in excellent condition. Start by creating the perfect space in your closet that will keep everything neatly organized and away from direct sunlight. Here are a few tips to help you organize your designer shoes and bags.
Categorize: Arrange your shoes and bags by color, style, or designer, so it’s easy to find them whenever you need them. Not only does this look better, but it’s the best way to find what you need fast. You can arrange them by style by placing clutches, mini bags, and maxis together. Shoes can also be categorized by type, placing your boots, sandals, heels, and flats together.
Shelves: The right shelves will make your closet organization easy. A sturdy shoe ladder will keep your shoes off the floor, while lots of hooks are a perfect way to hang your handbags inside your closet. Sturdy wood shelving attached to the walls of your wardrobe is the best way to organize everything and keep it in sight for easy access. Clear storage boxes won’t just protect your shoes from dust – they’ll also make it easy to see each pair at a glance.
Fill them to keep their shape. Some shoes may lose their shape over time, so use special shapers to keep them looking their best. Shoe molds or boot shapers are perfect for your designer shoes. Fill your designer bags with tissue paper or some other stuffing material so that they continue to hold their shape until you’re ready to use them.
Keep items separated. Always store your handbags and purses separately so they don’t rub against each other, which could cause scratches. Use shelf dividers or a shoe organization system to keep everything apart while still having everything readily available in your closet.
Use covers when needed. Many designer handbags and shoes include dust covers to protect them. If you don’t have a cover, gently put your shoes or bags in a soft cotton pillowcase. Never use plastic bags to store these items, as they can cause condensation to build up inside.
Cleaning is Caring
Certain stains and types of material can be cleaned on your own. However, sometimes it’s best to leave the cleanup to the professionals. Here are some tips for cleaning different materials just in case you run into trouble.
Leather: Always use a leather stain remover to get rid of marks from your leather bags and shoes. Never scrub stains using abrasive products since they’ll leave scratches behind. If you run into a stubborn stain, consult with a professional cleaner who can remove them for you safely.
Suede: This material is sensitive to water, so never use water to clean suede shoes or bags. Instead, gently rub a soft cloth over the stain that is damp with white vinegar. After removing the stain, use a suede brush to fluff the material back up and give it a soft feel.
Cotton canvas: Some designer bags are made of cotton canvas. To clean this material, make a mixture of warm water and gentle detergent, then gently wipe it away. You can also apply talcum powder or cornstarch to help absorb the stain first, then follow up with a gentle wipe down.
Nylon: Nylon is quite durable and tends to resist stains fairly well. However, if you need to clean a nylon bag, mix eight ounces of cool water (never hot) with an ounce of gentle dishwasher soap. Gently scrub the stain out using a soft-bristled toothbrush, then blot it with a dry cloth and let your nylon handbag air dry.
Tweed: To keep your tweed bags or shoes clean, blot spills immediately. Treat tweed the same as you would wool, and always follow the cleaning instructions carefully or bring your bag or shoes to the pros for help.
Keep your bag organized. Another easy way to practice good care of bags is to keep them clean and organized. Always throw trash away that you may have placed inside the bag during the day. Clean it with a damp towel if you notice any stains inside to help keep your bags nice and clean.
Use a small vacuum. A handheld vacuum is a great crumb and dust remover. Use this tool to gently vacuum out the inside of your designer bags before you put them away in storage so they’ll be clean and ready to use again later.
How often should you clean them? You should clean your designer bags and shoes after every use. A simple, quick cleanout with a washcloth and water should do the trick. You may also use a special shoe cleaner, as long as it’s made for that specific material.
Design Your Dream Closet
Everyone wants a fabulous closet that we’ve seen in the movies or those that popular celebrities own. You can create your own dream closet with a few simple steps. With the right accessories closet, you’ll have everything beautifully organized for an awesome space. Here are some tips to help you achieve your dream closet:
Use lots of lights. Install an overhead light or hang string lighting to brighten up your closet. Not only will this make it look glamorous, but it will be much easier to see your shoes and bags so you can find what you need.
Keep it clean and decluttered. Remove clutter from your closet and keep things in order the best you can. A nicely organized closet will look beautiful, and a clutter-free space keeps your precious designer items from getting damaged.
Add mirrors. A beautiful, full-length mirror is a must-have for any dream closet. You can use the mirror to see your outfit or to decide which pair of shoes or which bag you want to bring along for the day.
Drawers. A dresser or some built-in sliding drawers can be perfect for shoe and bag organization. This also protects your items from dust and too much direct light.
Hampers and baskets. If your closet is filled with clothing, add a hamper or basket to keep everything organized. Toss your dirty laundry in the hamper so that it’s separated from your clean clothes and your designer bags and shoes.
Taking proper care of your beloved designer bags and shoes is vital to keep them looking new for years to come. Design your own dream closet to help you keep everything neatly organized, separated, and in its place for easy access. If you can’t clean a stain or you’re worried about how to repair your bags and shoes, consult with a professional who can help you restore your investment back to its original glory.
