7 Tips To Keep Your Ostrich Handbag Looking Gorgeous.

If you’re the proud owner of an ostrich leather handbag, you know that it’s a valuable investment. Ostrich is one of the most luxurious leathers available. With proper care, it will last for generations.

But the question is, how do you properly care for an ostrich handbag?

Read on for our top 7 tips to keep your ostrich handbags looking glorious.

What Is an Ostrich Leather Handbag?

Before we dive into how to care for an ostrich leather handbag, let’s first answer the question: What is ostrich leather?

Ostrich leather is made from the skin of an ostrich, a large flightless bird that is native to Southern Africa. The skin is unique in that it contains many tiny bumps or quills. It is these quills that give ostrich leather its distinctive look.

Ostrich leather is prized for its durability and beauty. It is one of the most expensive leathers available, and it only gets better with age.

How to Care for an Ostrich Leather Handbag

Now that you know what ostrich leather is, let’s take a look at how to properly care for an ostrich leather handbag.

1 – Keep It Clean

Keeping your handbag clean is one of the most important things you can do to protect it. Dirt, dust, and other debris can scratch the surface of your bag, and over time, these scratches will become more and more visible.

To clean your ostrich handbag, simply use a barely damp cloth. Be sure to avoid any harsh chemicals or cleaning products, as they will damage the surface of your bag. Always test in an inconspicuous area first to check the results.

As they say, prevention is better than cure. So it’s also a good idea to keep your ostrich leather handbag stored in a dust bag when you’re not using it. This will help to protect it from dirt and dust buildup. ​Our handbags come with a special breathable storage bag, but if you don’t have one, a natural cotton pillowcase will work.

2 – Protect It From The Sun

The sun is one of the most damaging elements for ostrich leather. Over time, it can cause the colour to fade and the surface to become brittle.

To protect your ostrich leather handbag from the sun, be sure to store it in a cool, dark place when you’re not using it. If you must leave it in the sun, try to limit the amount of time it’s exposed to direct sunlight.

You can also purchase a UV protector to help shield your ostrich leather handbag from the sun’s harmful rays.

3 – Avoid Moisture and Water

Ostrich leather is not waterproof, so it’s important to avoid getting it wet at all costs. If water comes into contact with ostrich leather, blot it up immediately with a clean, dry cloth.

It’s also essential to keep an eye on the humidity. If the humidity is too high it will cause mould and mildew, and if it goes too low it can cause the ostrich leather to dry out and become stiff and brittle. If you live in a humid climate, consider storing your ostrich handbag in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it. A good rule of thumb is to store your ostrich leather items in conditions of between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, and about 55% humidity.

During the cold and wet of winter a small sachet of silica gel, placed with your bag when you store it, will help to absorb some of the excess moisture.

Keeping your ostrich leather handbag away from moisture and water will help prolong its lifespan and keep it looking its best.

4 – Don’t Overstuff It

Ostrich leather is a very sturdy material, but it’s not indestructible. Overstuffing your ostrich leather handbag can cause the seams to stretch and the ostrich leather to tear.

To avoid this, be sure to only put as much in your ostrich leather handbag as it can comfortably hold. If you find that you’re constantly overstuffing your bag, consider buying a larger size.

Ostrich leather bags are better for lighter items anyway, so it’s not worth risking damaging your bag, just to save a few bucks on a bigger-sized bag.

5 – Keep It Away From Sharp Objects

When it comes to taking care of your ostrich leather handbag, one of the most important things you can do is keep it away from sharp objects. This includes things like keys, coins, and other sharp items that can scratch and damage the surface of your bag.

If you must put your ostrich leather handbag down somewhere, be sure to do so on a soft surface. Something like a pillow or blanket. This will help to protect the surface from scratches and other damage.

You may not even realize it, but the things in your ostrich handbag can also damage it. Be sure to empty your bag on a regular basis. Check for any sharp objects that could potentially scratch or damage the ostrich leather. Another option is to use a handbag organiser insert.

6 – Use a Leather Conditioner

Leather conditioners are a great way to keep your ostrich leather handbag looking its best. They help to protect the surface from scratches and fading, and they also help to keep the leather soft and supple.

There are many different types of leather conditioners available. Be sure to choose one that is specifically designed for ostrich leather. Apply the conditioner sparingly, less is more, at least twice a year (or more if needed). This will keep your ostrich leather handbag looking stunning.

Do not, in any case, use crocodile or alligator leather conditioners on ostrich leather, as it can cause the ostrich leather to crack. This means that you should have a separate ostrich leather conditioner and not use the same one for your other leather products.

7 – Get It Professionally Cleaned

If you want to ensure that your ostrich leather bag is always looking its best, it’s a good idea to have it professionally cleaned on a regular basis. A professional cleaning will remove all the dirt, dust, and grime that has built up over time. It will also help to restore the leather’s natural shine.

A professional cleaning can be done once or twice a year, or more often if needed. It’s a good way to keep your ostrich leather handbag looking new for years to come.

Be sure to shop around and find the best professional ostrich leather handbag cleaning service for your needs.

Bottom Line

An ostrich leather handbag is nothing short of a luxurious investment. And like any other luxury item, it needs to be properly taken care of if you want it to last. By following the tips above, you can be sure that your ostrich leather handbag will stay looking flawless for years to come.

If, unfortunately, your ostrich leather handbag gets damaged and needs to be replaced, be sure to browse African Ostrix’s collection of high-quality ostrich leather handbags. We have a wide variety of colours, styles, and sizes to choose from. You’re sure to find the perfect ostrich handbag for your needs.