Let rains not dampen your "Leather"

bag

It's not just your hair and skin, your leatherwear too needs attention in the rainy months. You might have the most enviable collection of leather bags, but the best of leather can turn lacklustre when it rains cats and dogs.


Contrary to popular belief, caring for leather is a breeze, and with a little bit of effort you can restore it to top-of-the-world condition. Leather aficionado and founder-president of Hidesign, Dilip Kapur shares some valuable notes on handling leather in monsoon.

" Getting your leather bag wet is not such a huge issue especially when it is a vegetable tanned leather bag. Natural oil and extracts from barks and seeds replace the original fats in the hide giving a unique look to vegetable tanned leathers with deep colours, good body and long lasting strength. The age old technique also ages your leather bag beautifully. Rain water just becomes another element and the leather reacts in a natural way, it lets the water evaporate on its own," explains Kapur.

The best way to save a rain-soaked vegetable-tanned leather bag is to empty it out and leave it in a dry but airy place for a few days. Even better, leave it before an air-conditioner as it dehumidifies the bag. Kapur warns never to leave your bag anywhere near a heater or under direct sunlight as it will dry out the natural oils in the leather, making the bag look dull. He adds, in the long run this could make the leather hard and develop cracks on the surface.

Did you know that like your skin, your leather too needs moisturising? "You should buy an appropriate cream or wax for your leather bag that contains natural oils. The oils seep into the leather and nourish it. Unfortunately, the ones available in the market only manage to gloss the surface, and not nourish the leather. After drying the bag, gently rub some cream with a soft cloth," says he.


In the rains, a light rub so much as every other day will keep your leather supple and prevent the growth of fungus. Exclaims Kapur, "If you've already started giving your bag a light rub, by the time you are done you'll notice, it looks as good as new."

Ready reckoner


- Pat your wet leather with a soft dry cloth.


- Leave it in a warm dry place to dry naturally. Never leave your bag near a heater or under direct sunlight.


- Use an appropriate leather wax after drying your bag to restore the balance of natural oils and enhance its natural shine.


- Always store your leather bag in a cloth bag to protect it from dust and moisture especially in a humid environment.


- Periodically take out your leather bag and air it.



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