Leather Tote Bags are a stylish and robust choice for Women. A tote bag is meant to seamlessly blend your work and casual duties, so you can hop between effortlessly.
Leather is a durable and resilient material that is made to last, but the Australian climate may be harsh for leather if a proper care and maintenance routine is not maintained.
The right caring regime for your favorite tote bag is pretty challenging for Aussies, thanks to the marked deviation in climate all over Australia.
From scorching sunny days in Queensland to unpredictable rains in Melbourne, each location has a unique weather pattern. Humidity, heat, and even salty air near the coastal areas can damage leather.
In this guide, we have sorted area-specific leather cleaning and caring guidelines for Australia.
Protect your Leather Tote in a Humid Environment
Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane are among the most humid areas of Australia with humidity ranging between 50% to 70%.
With such high humidity, the leather surface is a favorite place for the growth of mold or white dew if you don't bother to maintain your favorite office leather tote bag.
Caring Tips
In humid climates, proper storing of leather tote bags makes a difference.
- Always store your leather tote bag in a dry place covered in a dust bag. If a dust bag is not available a cotton pillow cover will also serve the purpose well.
- Place Silica Gel Pouches when storing your leather tote bag for a long time.
Cleaning Guide
Moisture buildup is an open door to the growth of mold on leather surfaces. After cleaning drying your leather tote bag properly is necessary. Following are the cleaning guidelines:
- Wipe the bag with a clean soft dry cloth first to remove any dirt from the leather surface.
- Take a mild soap (avoid harsh washing detergents) in water and damp a clean soft cloth (preferably microfiber cloth) in solution.
- Wipe the surface of the leather and airy dry the bag in a shaded area
- Repeat this care routine once or twice a month to keep your bag in the best shape for years.
Protecting Leather against Dry and Warm Climate
Perth, Adelaide, and the Outback Region of Australia are known for their harsh summers with temperatures up to 50 °C.
Direct sunlight exposure for a prolonged time can damage the leather surface by vaporizing the inherent oils that keep the leather moisturized.
Caring Tips
- Keep the leather surface moisturized by using leather conditioners regularly (once a week will be pretty sufficient).
- You can use natural oils (like olive) as a conditioner instead of commercially available leather conditioners in the market.
- Avoid long-term exposure to direct sunlight or excessive heat (leaving your leather tote in the car on a hot summer day for hours).
Cleaning Guide
- Clean any dirt buildup on your leather tote bag using a soft cloth.
- Cleanse the leather surface with a mild soap solution with a clean white cloth (colored clothes can leave color stains).
- Dry the bag in a well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight exposure.
Taking Care of Leather Tote during Rainy Season
Melbourne and Hobart are notorious for their unexpected rains and that is not good news for your leather tote bag.
Although leather is somewhat water resistant inherently, that doesn't mean you should let your leather bag be soaked in drizzling rain. Some of the caring tips for your travel and outdoor tote are as under:
Caring Tips
- Avoid long exposure of leather to rain as it can soak water which may eventually destroy the leather.
- Always dry your leather bag after taking bag out in the rain as it can get nasty water stains and be more prone to the growth of mold on the leather surface.
- Use water-repellent sprays available in the market to avoid soaking water deep into the leather.
Cleaning Guide
- When your bag is wet let it dry in open air before cleaning.
- Use a mild soap solution and clean any stains on the leather surface.
- Let it dry again and finally nourish the leather surface with the leather conditioner of your choice to give it a a sparkling new-like shine.
Protect against seawater and sand.
Summers in Australia are incomplete without visiting a beach on at least one day (Especially on weekends).
While you are enjoying your beach party at Byron Beach or taking a relaxing sun bath at Bondi Beach, you should not forget your favorite small handy leather tote is prone to get scratched from the sand at the beach.
Also from direct sunlight exposure and salty air at the beach, the leather surface can lose moisture that can eventually crack up.
Caring Tips
- Take your dust bag along with you at the beach and store your leather bag in a dust bag to protect it from scratches.
- Place your leather bag in a dry and cool place and avoid prolonged direct sun exposure as it can damage the leather surface.
Cleaning Tips
- After each beach visit with your leather tote bag, do not forget to thoroughly wipe out your bag from the inside out.
- Take a mild damp cloth soaked in mild soap to remove any stain you got on the leather surface.
- Let your bag dry for a while and condition it with natural oil (like olive oil) or leather conditioner available in the market.
Final Wording
By following the right caring guidelines for specific climate conditions, You can keep the charm of your leather alive for decades and leather bags will surely not disappoint you.
Keep the aura and luxury of your leather tote bag alive whenever you step out with your bag by simply taking care of your bag against climate!