Saddle soap will most likely be too strong for the leather on your bag and could cause discoloring. There is an easier way to preserve your leather and maintain its original condition for decades. It involves the use of leather conditioners, cleaners and protectants. To find the best crossbody bags for travel, we considered our staff’s personal favorites from the dozens of styles that we’ve tested in our Lab and personally tried out in real life. A GH analyst that carries this bag while traveling said it’s especially useful if you’re going to be shopping so you don’t have to carry around extra bags as you explore new cities. It’s also ideal if you need to carry a bulky load, like an umbrella, water bottle and layers of clothing, but be aware that there’s no zippered closure for protection. Ray notes that while leather ages gracefully on its own, a little protection and nourishment go a long way.
Open the windows to increase airflow and decrease dry times. Although if your item is expensive or made of hard leather, a professional cleaner might be the safest cleaning method. Pour a capful of castile soap into a bowl of distilled water, then use the solution to dampen a lint-free cloth. The layer of protection insulates the leather and prevents oil, grease and dirt from clogging the surface pores. For those with sensitive noses and skin, the Universal Salve is an all-around solution to condition all your leather products. The combination of waxes and conditioners protects and feeds the leather, bringing back the original color. This cream polish contains wax and conditioners which give leather a soft, satin feel and shine.
Estarer Computer Messenger Bag
Read more about soft leather bum bags here.
How are Leather Bags Made?
However, saddle soaps can strip the tanning agents used on the leather, which makes the surface hard and causes cracks to appear much quicker. The beeswax formula in the Sno-Seal Original Beeswax Waterproofing protects leather from water, heat, snow and salt. The beeswax application dries to a solid wax that forms a protective layer on the surface of the leather. A fruitless search to find an all-natural conditioning product for leather boots prompted the founders of Armstrong’s All Natural to create their own grooming solutions. Let the cream sit for a few minutes before buffing the leather with a shoe brush. The light consistency of the conditioner makes it easy for leather to absorb it quickly. This tried and tested formula conditions and revives dull leather while protecting and softening new leather.
Idaho-based Craft and Lore was founded in 2014 and offers wallets, belts, bags and more. The brand offers a large leather Dopp kit with a solid brass YKK zipper that will develop a beautiful patina after years of use. Bags, gloves, a pencil case, dog toys, dog collars, coasters, guitar pick holders… You name it, and Portland-based leather goods store Ship John probably sells it. Plus, it’s all made in the back of the shop, where plenty is prototyped before reaching the shelves.
It’s even formal enough to use as an everyday laptop bag if your work environment requires it. The high-quality grosgrain leather has a beautiful texture, adding depth to the minimalist silhouette.
Dagne Dover Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag
The great thing about this duffel is it has an additional shoe zip bag, a mesh pouch for cables and earbuds, and a detachable key leash to help you stay organized. Then, absorb the oil residue by sprinkling some amount of baking soda or talcum, or cornstarch. Pat the grease removal powder and let it remain on the stained area overnight. Employ a soft-bristled brush to remove the powder, and employ a damp cloth to wipe and obliterate the stain. However, the key lies in acting fast, as the sooner you treat this issue, the better your chances of successfully ridding the ink stains.
Follow the grain of the leather with your cloth as you wipe. In areas where there is caked-on dirt or a tough-to-remove spot, rub using a light, circular motion to remove the debris. Always test your cleaning solution on an out of sight spot on the leather before using it to clean more visible parts. Pour a small amount of castile soap into a bowl of distilled water.
However, some companies treat the exterior canvas with a water-proof coating that adds a water-resistant, easy-to-clean layer. This style comes in five sizes, but only the medium, large, and extra large can fit a laptop. The top zipper opens wide so packing is a breeze, and inside are multiple pockets for smaller items.
Though the style looks and feels substantial, it’s surprisingly lightweight thanks to its performance fabrics that also happen to be water-repellent. Each bag features a quilted design and is easily packable so it doesn’t take up valuable space in your suitcase. One tester told us, “I love how lightweight it is and how much I can fit inside it!” Beyond that, the curved shape helps it feel comfortable at your side, even when you’re walking for miles. Though its materials aren’t quite as luxe as pricier bags, it still looks sleek and neutral enough to wear with a variety of outfits. Use the damp cloth to wipe each area you work on to help it become cool.