If you’re splurging on a designer handbag or simply have a basic bag with which you can’t imagine parting, it is important to give it some extra attention.

On a day-to-day basis, be careful not to over-pack your bag. The extra weight can weaken stitching and weigh down both the bag’s straps and your back. What you pack in your bag can make a difference, too – always put caps on pens, carry makeup in a cosmetics bag and make sure any liquids are in tightly closed containers to prevent spilling.

Much of the way you care for the exterior of your handbag is based on from what material what your bag is made:

* If your handbag is leather, you should treat it with leather conditioning cream to keep in moisturized and looking its best. To brighten dull-looking leather, use a neutral shoe polish. If you get caught in the rain, blot (don’t rub) it dry once you find cover and, if you get it dirty, you can clean it with an alcohol-free baby wipe.
* Fabric bags can be spruced up for the season with a lint brush, but if the bag gets stained, you will need to take it to a repair shop.
* For suede, a suede brush can spruce the bag up quickly, but again, see a pro for any major stains. Also, if you store the bag, cover any leather handles or straps so they don’t end up leaning on the suede and leaving marks.
* Patent leather is best cleaned with a piece of cheesecloth dampened with white vinegar. Never try to clean a snakeskin bag on your own – always take it to a pro.

It is also important to store your bags in an organized way. Hanging them can work as a temporary storage solution, but will put extra stress and wear on the straps after several days. Instead, stand them up on a shelf in your closet or wrap them in paper or their dust bags before placing the bags in boxes or bins. If you have either lost or never received a dust bag, use an old pillowcase instead. Chain handles should always be tucked inside the bag for storage. And don’t let your bags lose their shape – when not in use, stuff them with bubble wrap or crumpled up acid-free paper.