Cross Body Bags
Best Prices & Latest Cross Body Bags
A quality cross body bag costs money. Proper care extends its life by years. Yet most people treat their bags terribly. They stuff them in cupboards, ignore stains and wonder why they look worn after six months. This guide shows you exactly how to maintain your bag so it looks good for years.
Good maintenance takes minutes per week. The payoff is a bag that stays attractive and functional. Think of it as protecting your investment. Would you buy a car and never service it? Your bag deserves the same attention.
Empty your bag completely once per week. You'll be amazed what accumulates. Receipts, wrappers, crumbs and dust settle at the bottom. Turn the bag upside down and shake it out. Wipe the lining with a damp cloth. This simple habit prevents stains from setting and keeps compartments functional.
Where you place your bag matters. Floors are dirty. Hooks and shelves keep bags clean. Avoid placing bags on restaurant floors or public transport seats. These surfaces transfer dirt and grime onto your bag's base.
Keep a small microfibre cloth in your bag. Wipe away marks immediately before they set. Most stains come off easily when fresh but become permanent if left for days.
Leather needs regular cleaning but gentle methods. Harsh chemicals strip natural oils. Use a barely damp cloth for light cleaning. Specialized leather cleaner handles stubborn marks. Apply cleaner to a cloth, never directly onto leather.
Work in circular motions with light pressure. Test any product on a hidden area first. Some leathers react badly to certain cleaners. Let the bag dry naturally away from heat sources. Never use a hairdryer or radiator to speed drying.
Leather dries out over time. Conditioning replaces natural oils and prevents cracking. Quality leather conditioner costs £10 and lasts ages. Apply conditioning cream every three months for bags used daily. Twice yearly works for occasional-use bags.
Use conditioners designed for handbags. Shoe polish contains dyes that stain.
Less is more. Too much conditioner leaves greasy residue that attracts dirt.
Wait 24 hours after conditioning before using bag. Oils need time to penetrate.
Pale leather shows marks more readily than dark leather. Apply leather protector spray to light-coloured bags before first use. This creates a barrier against stains and makes cleaning easier.
Canvas handles rougher treatment than leather. Most canvas bags tolerate spot cleaning with mild soap and water. Mix a few drops of gentle soap with warm water. Use a soft brush to work the solution into stained areas.
Check label first
Use gentle cycle
Cold water only
Air dry completely
Lukewarm soapy water
Soft brush for scrubbing
Rinse thoroughly
Stuff with paper to dry
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Soap left in fabric attracts dirt. Pat with a clean towel to remove excess water. Stuff the bag with newspaper to maintain shape whilst drying. Change the paper when it becomes damp.
Act fast when spills happen. Blot, don't rub. Rubbing spreads stains and damages fibres. For oil stains on leather, sprinkle cornflour on the mark. Leave overnight to absorb the oil. Brush off gently in the morning.
How you store your bag matters tremendously. Never fold leather bags. Creases become permanent. Stuff bags with tissue paper to maintain shape. This prevents corners collapsing and sides caving inward.
Store bags in dust bags if provided. Otherwise use old pillowcases. Avoid plastic bags which trap moisture and cause mildew. Keep bags in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV rays fade colours and dry out leather.
Metal hardware tarnishes over time. Polish zips and buckles with a soft cloth. For stubborn tarnish, use a tiny amount of metal polish. Avoid getting polish on leather or fabric. Apply petroleum jelly to zip teeth if they stick. This lubricates without attracting dirt.
Never use WD-40 on bag hardware. It stains fabric and leather. Stick to products designed for fashion accessories.
British weather tests every bag. Waterproofing spray protects against rain and snow. Apply spray outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Hold the can 20cm from the bag and spray evenly. Let it dry for 24 hours before use.
Apply waterproofing spray before wet weather, not after bag gets soaked
Protection wears off. Reapply every few months during wet seasons
Stuff with newspaper, dry naturally. Never use heat to speed drying
If your bag gets soaked, don't panic. Blot excess water with a clean towel. Stuff the bag loosely with newspaper. Change the paper every few hours until the bag dries completely. This process takes days but prevents damage.
Address small issues immediately. Loose stitching unravels quickly if ignored. Many shoe repair shops fix bags too. They can reattach hardware, repair zips and restitch seams. These repairs cost £10-30 and extend bag life significantly.
Deep cleaning by professionals costs £30-50 but transforms tired bags. Consider professional cleaning for expensive designer bags or bags with sentimental value. They have specialized products and techniques that achieve results impossible at home.
Consistency beats intensity. Five minutes of care each week prevents hours of deep cleaning later. Empty, wipe and store properly. These three habits keep bags looking good for years. Most damage comes from neglect, not use.
Rotate your bags. Using the same bag daily wears it faster than rotating between two or three. Each bag gets rest time to recover its shape. This simple strategy doubles bag lifespan.