Care Guide- Leather items

It is important to us that you know how to look after your NALAH pieces, in order for you to be able to enjoy them for longer, so we have listed a few tips based on regularly asked questions:
    • Keep the leather clean. Try to brush your leather down with a damp cloth at least once a week.
    • Start by brushing off any dirt or grime from the leather with your hand, then switch to a damp cloth and wipe the surface of the leather.
    • It is important to not use any soaps or cleansers.
    • Avoid getting your leather very wet.
    • Dry your leather slowly. Do not use heat or direct sunlight to dry the leather.
    • Do not store your piece in plastic containers/bags as leather needs to breathe.
    • Do not store in direct sunlight this will bend your bag out of shape or change your original colour.
    • Do not allow cosmetics, perfumes or hand creams to come in contact with the leather. In case of a spill, clean thoroughly with a damp cloth to avoid stains.
    • Do not use any chemicals such as scotch guard products unless tested and approved.
    • If hard friction or sharp objects are applied to your handbag, to the top finishing layer it will damage. This is irreparable as it is full-grain leather.

LEATHER SMELL?

Sometimes leather needs a bit of fresh air. Leave it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for a few hours. This can help dissipate surface odors without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Why does my leather bag smell of chemicals?

The chemical smell can have several causes, which we will now look at in more detail. The smells often come from tanning agents, binding agents or dyes , which can initially cause the smell of the new leather.

The smell usually disappears with proper airing.

Sometimes it is also the packaging in which the bag was packed, usually plastic bags.

Lastly, it is very important to remember that any genuine leather product will age with time. In other words it will change colour and get a character of its own during normal use. If you take good care care of your leather product and it will last you a life time. 

Care Products - Leather Goods

  • LEATHER CARE Products: Purchase Clear Oil Wax items on our website.

  • Other Suitable Options for Handbags (Ensure that products are suitable for Diesel Leather)

    • Clear Leather Conditioner

    • Clear Leather Treatment

    • Clear Leather Polish

Care Instructions for Full Grain Leather:

  • Use a soft cotton cloth to apply products in a circular motion (color may darken initially).

  • Let sit for 2 hours before returning to original color.

Maintaining Crazy Horse Leather:

  1. Clean Immediately: Use a damp cloth for stains and a dry cloth for moisture; prompt cleaning prevents permanent stains.

  2. Avoid Chemical Cleaners: Use mild soap and warm water instead of chemical cleaners to protect the leather’s natural wax.

  3. Apply Leather Creams/Conditioners: To restore appearance, use leather balm or conditioner for scratches and marks.

Care Guide - Inners/ Inserts

TAKING CARE OF YOUR INSERT AND INFORMATION:

  • All inserts are locally produced in South Africa.
  • Textile materials include: Cotton Canvas, Canvas, 100% Cotton, Poly Cotton, and Printed Velvets.
  • Nalah bags serve as stylish accessories designed for carrying small, lightweight items.
  • The maximum recommended weight capacity for the bag is 2kg.
  • Avoid overloading your bag with heavy items, as this can damage the inserts.
  • Excessive weight can also harm the Frame, Insert, and your handcrafted leather handles.
  • If too much strain is placed on the insert, the holes may stretch.
  • Overloading the bag can distort your insert’s shape.

ALWAYS CHECK THAT THE SCREW CAPS ON THE HANDLES ARE TIGHT. These are movable components and may occasionally become loose.

WASHING INSERTS:

  • Hand wash only
  • Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can cause fraying of the stiffener fabric in your insert.
  • Do not overload your handbag with heavy items, as this may stretch the insert, causing holes and handles to not fit properly, which could lead to them sliding out.

Overloading may also change the shape of your insert.

Care Guide - Canvas handbag

Cleaning Waterproof Canvas:

Wet a cloth or soft sponge and wipe the bag clean. You may use a small amount of mild 

soap. (dishwashing soap/ small amount of laundry detergent) 

Wipe it gently and let it air dry.

Do not submerge your handbag in water, leather items will be damaged.

Caring for you handbag:

Do not overload your handbag

Overfilling will also put stress on the stitching and will cause long term damage.

Kindly refer to our website for all info/ Terms and Conditions/ Returns

Care Guide - Laminated Bags

Important Laminated Fabric Care

  • Handmade items may show slight variations in stitching, color, and structure.
  • Clean your laminated bag with a wet cloth
  • No harsh Chemicals
  • Please note that any Sunscreen or harsh liquids spilt inside your bag and create a reaction and bubbling of PVC cover will result. Nalah bags will not be responsible for this type of damage to the bag.
  • When using as a beach bag, be careful to overload with drinks, this bag is not suitable as a cooler bag and is not sturdy enough for heavy objects.
  • Do not leave your bag in direct sunlight for long periods of time, this may cause a reaction and your PVC may bubble and cause permanent damage
  • Normal use may cause scratches, especially on frequently used items.
  • Store the bag carefully to avoid creases, creases may cause bubbling and the PVC to lift.
  • Laminated bags will naturally change shape, soften, or bend with use, a natural process, not a defect.
  • When your bag is wet, dry it with a cloth, leave it out to dry.
  • Once bag is completely dry you can store. If bag is not completely dry it will mold.

Leather Characteristics: An Overview

  • Handmade products may exhibit slight variations due to the artistry of human craftsmanship.
  • Genuine leather is a natural material that often reflects signs of the animal’s life, such as brand marks, bite marks, wrinkles, veins, threads, scratches, healed scars, and varying fiber density and color, all of which remain visible even after the aniline dyeing process.
  • Some items may have a shinier appearance than others due to differences in hides, and an exact match to images cannot be guaranteed.
  • Certain bags may display more texture based on the animal’s history.
  • Colors can vary in lightness or darkness across different hides, and slight differences are to be expected.
  • Leather colors may appear different depending on your screen’s brightness. Variations in hides can result from the animal’s background, natural hide tones, or the tanning methods used.
  • These features are not considered defects or Flaws in the leather items.
  • If you’re concerned about scratches or natural marks, consider conditioning or polishing your bag with a leather conditioner or treatment. Please refer to the care instructions below.
  • Our handmade leather items may have slight variations.
  • Proper leather care is recommended for all leather products.
  • Remember that leather may warp, bend, or lose its shape over time.
  • As leather is skin, it can scratch, dry, crack, stain, and warp over time due to usage and sunlight exposure.
  • The frames of bags may adapt to the items placed inside, taking on their shape.
  • These changes are not considered defects; they are natural traits of Diesel Full Grain leathers.

Our factory applies a wax layer to the bag that can be buffed with a soft, damp cotton cloth followed by a clear oil wax or leather conditioner

An Overview of Different Types of Leather

The various types of genuine South African leather used for handbags include:

  • **Diesel Leather**: Aniline effect leather that is buffed, oiled, and pressed for a two-tone, soft velvet touch. Full grain quality, resistant to peeling, and requires proper care.
  • **Crazy Horse Leather**: Full-grain leather that develops a unique patina over time. Made from entire cowhide, it showcases history through natural marks and is known for its durability.
  • **Piccadilly Leather**: Pure aniline leather with a glossy finish, featuring a textured look with natural scars enhancing its character.
  • **Metallic Leathers**: Corrected grain leathers that have been polished and buffed to remove imperfections, available in various metallic shades.
  • **Daytona Leather**: Distressed leather with a vintage two-tone effect.
  • **Texas Leather**: Full grain aniline leather with a smooth feel.

Variations in color and texture may occur due to natural hide characteristics and screen brightness. Proper care with wax or conditioners is recommended for longevity.

Care Guide - EVA Frames

The Nalah Bag EVA Frames offer stylish, lightweight accessories for carrying small items, with a maximum load of 2kg. Key care instructions include:

  • Clean with a damp cloth; avoid washing machines or microwaves.
  • Keep away from high temperatures and direct sunlight to prevent shape distortion.
  • Not suitable for open liquids, hot/sharp objects, or chemicals.
  • Frames are made from Eco-Friendly EVA Vinyl, are easy to clean, and may slightly vary in size.
  • Bags may change shape over time; reshaping is possible by removing inserts and adjusting the frame.