Storing leather bags in Jakarta’s humidity

Leather is a natural material, and it reacts to the air around it. In Jakarta, where the air is warm and humid for most of the year, a bag left in the wrong place for a few weeks can come out with a musty smell, a dull surface or white spots of mould. The good news is that a few simple habits make a big difference to how you store leather bags at home.

Why humidity is hard on leather

Leather absorbs moisture from the air. Warmth plus moisture plus darkness is exactly what mould likes, and a closed cupboard or a bag sealed in plastic gives it all three. Damp can also soften leather so it loses its shape, and it can loosen edge paint and linings over time.

How to store leather bags day to day

1. Empty it first. Take out receipts, tissues, snacks and cosmetics. Leftovers hold moisture and can stain the lining.
2. Wipe it down. A soft, dry cloth removes dust and hand oils before they settle in.
3. Let it breathe. Use a cotton or fabric dust bag, never a plastic bag or box that traps moisture.
4. Hold the shape. Fill the bag so it does not slump and crease. A Bag Puff is made for this, and it is cleaner than newspaper, which can transfer ink.
5. Stand it upright. Keep bags standing on a shelf with space between them. Do not stack them or hang them by the handles for long periods.

Choosing the right spot

• Pick a cool room with moving air. An air-conditioned bedroom is better than a closed storeroom.
• Keep bags away from bathroom walls, windows and direct sunlight, which can fade colour.
• Moisture absorbers in the cupboard help, but keep them from touching the leather.
• Open the cupboard and take your bags out every few weeks, even the ones you are not using.

If you find mould

Move the bag away from your other bags straight away so the spores do not spread. Avoid scrubbing it with household cleaners, which can strip colour and damage the finish. Our Cleaning treatment works on the outside and inside of the item and is matched to its leather or fabric. It starts from Rp400.000 and usually takes 1–2 working days.

After a clean, a Coating adds a waterproofing layer that helps protect the bag from water, which is useful in the rainy season.

Not sure what your bag needs? Send us a photo through our free consultation and we will reply on WhatsApp with a recommendation and an estimate.