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Problems with peeling handbags

(38 Posts)
62Granny Tue 31-Mar-26 19:43:08

I have had two handbags over recent months that when I have gone to use them have started to deteriorate, the leather/ patent coating has started to peel away from the handel and side of bag, I must admit they were not ones I use on a regular basis and I had them stored on a shelf in my spare wardrobe I don't think it is very warm or they were damp I see others saying they have "vintage" handbags , any advise to stop it happening again.
They were mid price so I don't mind replacing I know things don't last forever but would like to have one nice plain one that can be pulled out for the odd "special" occasion. My everyday one is a nylon fabric so don't have any problems with that.

Allira Fri 10-Apr-26 22:59:23

Nightsky2

crazyH

Best place for real leather bags etc is Rowallan, in my opinion

Mulberry is even better😁.

They sell Rowallan in TK Maxx. Or used to.

Allira Fri 10-Apr-26 22:57:30

RosiesMawagain

I still have my «going away outfit» black leather handbag, from 1970, suede lined and in mint condition.
In 1970 I believe it cost £25 - which was the equivalent of 2 weeks rent in our first flat !
(Kept in a dust bag, like Mum’s beautiful bags- sadly not the sort I would use.)

I can't remember my "going-away" handbag at all!

However, I still have an tiny evening bag which I bought when I was going to a ball aged 18. It's silky fabric interwoven with silver thread which has unfortunately tarnished over the years, with a short chain to go over the wrist! Only large enough for a lipstick, handkerchief and a little money in case.

Hardly used since but I've never had the heart to throw it away.

FranP Fri 10-Apr-26 22:20:04

Lucky to have a Radley outlet nearby, but bought my latest in Gunwharf Quays shopping outlet.

FranP Fri 10-Apr-26 22:12:25

RosiesMawagain

You've made me think- it probably was guineas- "luxuries" often seemed to come in guineas rather than pleb ££££- I think our rent was 10guineas too!
How that dates me!

Your comment took me right back to my first flat - 5 guineas

Faxgran Thu 09-Apr-26 12:40:57

I had to throw away a Fiorelli backpack, well used but developed awful peeling, despite claiming ‘leather’ on an inside label 😡

Nightsky2 Fri 03-Apr-26 15:45:40

crazyH

Best place for real leather bags etc is Rowallan, in my opinion

Mulberry is even better😁.

Davida1968 Fri 03-Apr-26 15:19:12

Not handbags but I've found the inner lining to be peeling/crumbling within certain shopping bags. This is particularly noticeable in two "tapestry" style shopping bags, which have zips and useful pockets. I keep them for when I go to activities (e.g. Pilates) so they aren't in daily use for shopping. Such a pity - both were gifts, and I really like the designs. I guess that (over time) the plastic linings simply deteriorate.

grannybuy Fri 03-Apr-26 10:43:43

Just went to check my Tula bag! It’s in the wardrobe in the cotton bag it came in. It’s fine, thankfully. I can’t remember when last I used it. Not many occasions to use a nice bag these days, sadly.

Mamar2 Fri 03-Apr-26 10:34:08

You won't believe this but my DH put on a pair of shoes from his wardrobe that he'd not worn for ages & the soles fell off! Months later I slipped on a pair of sandals I'd not worn for ages from my wardrobe & the exact same thing happened. All we could do was laugh. Don't know why this happened to this day.

StoneofDestiny Fri 03-Apr-26 03:44:17

Yes - horrified to find this with a very expensive leather bag. I have lots of cheaper leather bags and never had it happen.

ruthiek Thu 02-Apr-26 23:29:39

My faux leather biker jacket which was kept in a wardrobe that is warm has started peeling away in three places I use it monthly but that’s it

Rocketstop2 Thu 02-Apr-26 18:15:47

Georgesgran

I took a big white leather bag - never used it for years - bag away with me, as a cabin bag last July. Every time I put it down, it left white flakes and dust everywhere. I was starting to look like a major cocaine dealer, so I dumped it in the hotel room bin.
I’m currently going through a bag sort out and none of the others have flaked like that.

'Major cocaine dealer' ..Made me laugh grin

Chrissie7 Thu 02-Apr-26 15:34:55

Does anyone remember using Renovating Polish for leather shoes? Available in different colours, it made old, scuffed shoes look almost new again!
I bought some recently and it worked wonders on a crossbody handbag that was on its way to the bin. It's worth using on leather items like shoes, handbags, belts to perk them up.
For goodness sake, though, use very little at a time and rub it off thoroughly so it doesn't mark you or your clothes!

suelld Thu 02-Apr-26 15:12:51

All leather needs to be fed. I use products from
www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/leather-care-products?utm_source=Furniture+Clinic+UK&utm_campaign=a8773965d4-Decking-Oil-Kit&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-12e899b2d1-239399546&mc_cid=a8773965d4&mc_eid=036631f906

Other brands and types available
Depending on how far gone the leather is, it can be brought back to life with care.

N4nna Thu 02-Apr-26 15:07:47

We bought two light tan coloured leather Klausner sofas about 20 years ago did an occasional wipe with a wet wipe, due to jeans staining…they’re now in the conservatory after having purchased nearly 4 years ago a couple of Stressless sofas (not even a wet wipe has touched these)… we were asked when buying all the sofas what grade of leather we wanted…so it all depends on the grade of the leather.

MT62 Wed 01-Apr-26 22:04:07

Georgesgran

I took a big white leather bag - never used it for years - bag away with me, as a cabin bag last July. Every time I put it down, it left white flakes and dust everywhere. I was starting to look like a major cocaine dealer, so I dumped it in the hotel room bin.
I’m currently going through a bag sort out and none of the others have flaked like that.

😂

Esmay Wed 01-Apr-26 20:48:05

Recently I fished out a forgotten black patent bag which is embroidered with pink flowers and the whole thing has peeled .
I've thrown it away .

Lovetopaint037 Wed 01-Apr-26 19:08:49

When we bought our Parker Knoll leather suite I asked them to provide me with care instructions. They were clear that no creams should be used and only cleaned with pure soap flakes. This is all we have done and after 9 years all is well. However, my parents bought an expensive leather suite which they lovingly cared for with leather creams. The leather gradually flaked all over it. Whereas my aunt bought a cheaper leather at the same time and was given the same advice as we were. Her’s went on for years with no flaking.

J52 Wed 01-Apr-26 16:18:53

crazyH

Best place for real leather bags etc is Rowallan, in my opinion

Yes, I’m using one today, very roomy.

J52 Wed 01-Apr-26 16:18:25

RosiesMawagain

J52

Some leather products are made up of slithers of leather bonded together and then glued to a background, dyed to look like a whole skin. I suspect it is these products which eventually shed.
As MT62 has said leather products need to be conditioned with balm, otherwise they dry out and crack. I have several vintage handbags that I treat this way.
The beautiful calf skin bags of the past are very costly now. Does anyone remember Enny and Tula makes. I still have several in excellent condition and use them regularly.

The word is sliver

Slithers/slithering are what a snake does across a floor.

Of course! I know that. Thanks for pointing out my error/ typo

crazyH Wed 01-Apr-26 15:51:59

Best place for real leather bags etc is Rowallan, in my opinion

RosiesMawagain Wed 01-Apr-26 15:45:44

J52

Some leather products are made up of slithers of leather bonded together and then glued to a background, dyed to look like a whole skin. I suspect it is these products which eventually shed.
As MT62 has said leather products need to be conditioned with balm, otherwise they dry out and crack. I have several vintage handbags that I treat this way.
The beautiful calf skin bags of the past are very costly now. Does anyone remember Enny and Tula makes. I still have several in excellent condition and use them regularly.

The word is sliver

Slithers/slithering are what a snake does across a floor.

petra Wed 01-Apr-26 15:27:02

MartavTaurus

My very best ones are kept in cloth bags with a draw string. I assume deterioration is to do with the atmosphere.

A friend of mine collects expensive bags. They are kept in a temperature controlled room.
It’s either temperature or the bag isn’t leather.

J52 Wed 01-Apr-26 15:20:16

Some leather products are made up of slithers of leather bonded together and then glued to a background, dyed to look like a whole skin. I suspect it is these products which eventually shed.
As MT62 has said leather products need to be conditioned with balm, otherwise they dry out and crack. I have several vintage handbags that I treat this way.
The beautiful calf skin bags of the past are very costly now. Does anyone remember Enny and Tula makes. I still have several in excellent condition and use them regularly.

Georgesgran Wed 01-Apr-26 13:13:56

I took a big white leather bag - never used it for years - bag away with me, as a cabin bag last July. Every time I put it down, it left white flakes and dust everywhere. I was starting to look like a major cocaine dealer, so I dumped it in the hotel room bin.
I’m currently going through a bag sort out and none of the others have flaked like that.