<p>A big worry with leather-users is the formation of fungus on bags, belts and accessories during the monsoon. The sight of a soft layer of green and grey on your favourite bag can be depressing.<br /><br />When you buy leather, ensure that you get a smooth-textured piece, be it a handbag, footwear or a belt. <br /><br />When you want to give your leather handbag a rest, keep it wrapped in newspaper and store it in a plastic bag. Likewise, wrap your leather shoes in newspaper and store them in a dry place. Dust some talcum powder inside leather shoes to ensure that the moisture is kept out.<br /><br />* Place naphthalene balls or silica sachets in your storage space (cupboard, attic) and between your clothes hangers to avoid moist air from ruining them. If the weather is clear with no possibility of rain, then air out your leather clothes and accessories.<br /><br />*Neem leaves or cloves can also be used to keep leather skirts and accessories dry.<br /><br />Care for leather handbags<br /><br />* Large, functional bags are in fashion. They serve as multipurpose kits as they offer ample room to stuff all your papers, umbrella, lunchbox and make-up essentials.<br /><br />* Avoid bags which cannot be clasped, zipped or shut completely. Make sure the straps do no t hang lower than your elbow.<br /><br />* Clean your bag with a dry, soft cloth once a week and hang it in a place that is well-ventilated.<br /><br />Leather footwear<br /><br />When you take your shoes off at the end of the day, allow them to dry under a fan or in a well-ventilated room. Clean them everyday to remove dust particles that cling to them. To get rid of stubborn particles, use a brush to forcefully remove the mud that usually collects on the heel. <br /><br />Use a shoe conditioner to retain the gloss on your shoes. You can also dab some petroleum jelly on a soft piece of cloth to wipe your shoes clean. Dry your shoes after a round of conditioning. Polish your shoes depending on how frequently you use them. <br /><br />Cure for fungus<br /><br />Here’s what you must do if your shoes have already been affected by fungal growth. You can take care of the problem as soon as you detect it. <br /><br />* Mix a tablespoon of Dettol in half a litre of lukewarm water. Wet a piece of cloth in this solution and wipe it over the affected area.<br /><br />*When it comes to leather bags, clean the lining of the bag as well. Allow the bag to dry naturally. You can also rub in a natural oil cream. This cream is available at most leather stores.<br /><br />*Use an old toothbrush and soap solution to scrub and clean your shoes. Pay special attention to the crevices. Make sure there is no trace of fungal infestation. Leather costs a small fortune and a little care is all you need to make your leather accessories last longer. <br /> </p>
<p>A big worry with leather-users is the formation of fungus on bags, belts and accessories during the monsoon. The sight of a soft layer of green and grey on your favourite bag can be depressing.<br /><br />When you buy leather, ensure that you get a smooth-textured piece, be it a handbag, footwear or a belt. <br /><br />When you want to give your leather handbag a rest, keep it wrapped in newspaper and store it in a plastic bag. Likewise, wrap your leather shoes in newspaper and store them in a dry place. Dust some talcum powder inside leather shoes to ensure that the moisture is kept out.<br /><br />* Place naphthalene balls or silica sachets in your storage space (cupboard, attic) and between your clothes hangers to avoid moist air from ruining them. If the weather is clear with no possibility of rain, then air out your leather clothes and accessories.<br /><br />*Neem leaves or cloves can also be used to keep leather skirts and accessories dry.<br /><br />Care for leather handbags<br /><br />* Large, functional bags are in fashion. They serve as multipurpose kits as they offer ample room to stuff all your papers, umbrella, lunchbox and make-up essentials.<br /><br />* Avoid bags which cannot be clasped, zipped or shut completely. Make sure the straps do no t hang lower than your elbow.<br /><br />* Clean your bag with a dry, soft cloth once a week and hang it in a place that is well-ventilated.<br /><br />Leather footwear<br /><br />When you take your shoes off at the end of the day, allow them to dry under a fan or in a well-ventilated room. Clean them everyday to remove dust particles that cling to them. To get rid of stubborn particles, use a brush to forcefully remove the mud that usually collects on the heel. <br /><br />Use a shoe conditioner to retain the gloss on your shoes. You can also dab some petroleum jelly on a soft piece of cloth to wipe your shoes clean. Dry your shoes after a round of conditioning. Polish your shoes depending on how frequently you use them. <br /><br />Cure for fungus<br /><br />Here’s what you must do if your shoes have already been affected by fungal growth. You can take care of the problem as soon as you detect it. <br /><br />* Mix a tablespoon of Dettol in half a litre of lukewarm water. Wet a piece of cloth in this solution and wipe it over the affected area.<br /><br />*When it comes to leather bags, clean the lining of the bag as well. Allow the bag to dry naturally. You can also rub in a natural oil cream. This cream is available at most leather stores.<br /><br />*Use an old toothbrush and soap solution to scrub and clean your shoes. Pay special attention to the crevices. Make sure there is no trace of fungal infestation. Leather costs a small fortune and a little care is all you need to make your leather accessories last longer. <br /> </p>
