You put a lot of thought, care and money into buying a new purse and you want to make sure your purchase lasts. What’s the best way to keep your bag looking new year after year? Here are five steps to keep it looking good longer.

• Treat It.
  Consider treating a new purse with scotch guard or with weatherguard spray made specifically for leather and suede. These products will help to keep your bags cleaner and will protect them from water and sun damage. Always test a product on a hidden spot before treating the entire bag.
• Edit It.
  Think about what you put in your bag. Make-up, pens, and lotions can all mark or stain the inside of a purse. Consider keeping these items in separate containers within your bag for an extra layer of protection. Also, don’t put more in a purse that it can reasonably hold. Overstuffing your bag can distort the shape and can cause unnecessary wear to the inside.
• Stuff It.
  When not in use, stuff your bags with tissue paper (not newspaper!) or clean t-shirts. This will help them keep their shape and will keep dust out of the inside. This is also a good excuse for your husband to give up some of those holey t-shirts that are no longer suitable for wearing in public.
• Protect It.
  If your purse came with a dust bag, use it. If not, you can buy dust bags or use pillowcases or another breathable material. These will keep your bags from getting dusty but also protect against scuffs from kids, pets or random flying shoes. Dust may still get in so periodically pull out your bags and wipe them with a microfiber or damp cloth. Fabric bags can be sponged with water and lemon juice to freshen them up.
• Store It.
  Store your bags in a cool, dry place and always out of the sun. Sunlight can fade your purses, can cause the leather to dry out and can deteriorate other fabrics. It is also best to store purses on shelves or in a drawer or basket rather than hang them, which can stretch the straps.

A well-made bag will last for years or even generations if properly cared for. It’s worth taking a few extra steps to protect your investment.