Why does the color bleed from the handle of my bag? How to use and deal with it to keep your hands and sleeves clean

After I put my bag down, my palms turned slightly brown, and the cuffs of my white shirt had stains in the shape of the handle. In such a case, first check where the color is transferred from to where, rather than what to paint.

The handle is a part that is touched repeatedly by hands and sleeves, so even if the bag itself is clean, you may be concerned about the part that comes into contact with it. In order to enjoy the look of leather while using it, we will organize what you can do, including how to hold it and how to combine it with clothes.

Dirt on the handle and color transfer from the handle are two different issues.

The first thing to tell is whether the handle itself is darkened, or whether the color of the handle is on your hands or clothing. For the former, it is necessary to check for dirt or changes on the handle side, and for the latter, the material of the other side that came into contact must also be considered.

Even in cowmono,crazy horse leatherAs a precaution when using this product, we provide information on color transfer to clothing. Especially when you first start using it, you should be careful about pairing it with light-colored clothes, but it is not possible to make a general judgment that ``it will definitely transfer because it is genuine leather'' or ``it will definitely not transfer after you use it for a while.'' [1]

Reflect on the situation in which it happened

• Has it been there since you started using it, or has it changed recently?
• Is it noticeable on rainy days or when you sweat?
• Where is it attached, such as on the palm, cuff, shoulder, etc.
• Have you used any cream or spray just before?

This is not a test to determine the cause, but a clue when consulting with your dealer. If you take pictures of the colored parts and the condition of the handle, it will be easier to convey the situation than just words.

First, change the place and combination of touches.

If you've been holding it with the white cuffs wrapping around the handle, try holding it in a way that doesn't allow the leather and cloth to touch directly. It is also important not to try to solve the problem with care products alone, such as refraining from matching it with light-colored clothes while you are concerned about color transfer, and choosing a different bag on rainy days.

When converting to a shoulder bag, the straps and sides of the bag will touch your clothes in the same way. Even if the color stops coming from the handle, it may just be because the area that makes contact with your shoulder or waist has moved, so be sure to check how the entire bag is affected.

Use the handle cover as a supplement.

Another method is to put a cover between the handle and your hand/sleeve. However, color transfer may occur on the cover itself, and it cannot be completely prevented by attaching it.

When choosing a bag, make sure that it matches the thickness of the handle, that it is not too tight, and that you can check the material and discoloration warnings on the cover side. Please remove it from time to time and check for discoloration or dampness of the leather so that the condition does not disappear while you are wearing it.

Before trying to stop color transfer with care

You should avoid wiping your shoes too hard or polishing them with shoe cleaner just because they get colored. Columbus explains that the functions required of a cleaner for bags and small leather goods are different from those for shoes, and provides information on special care products for bags. Colored cream for shoes cannot be easily reused due to the risk of color transfer to clothing. [2]

Even if you wipe it lightly with a dry, soft cloth, there is no need to keep rubbing until the color disappears. If you notice any changes such as the surface becoming rough, the original color becoming lighter, or becoming sticky, stop working and check with your retailer.

Creams and waterproof sprays are not necessarily color-blocking.

Products that care for leather and products that reduce dye migration do not necessarily work the same way. Don't just look at the label "leather protection" or "water repellency" and think that it will stop the color from transferring to the handle.

Coronil also recommends checking the compatibility of care products with materials and finishes and testing them in an inconspicuous area before using them. Rather than piling up multiple supplies without knowing if they will be usable, it will be easier to decide what to do next if you tell the bag retailer the materials and current condition. [3]

If you already have some color on your hands or sleeves

Do not use leather cleaners on your skin to remove stains from your hands. Leather care products are not products for washing hands

If it gets on your clothes, check the washing label and choose the method that suits the material and stain. For important clothes or clothes that cannot be washed at home, it is a good idea to consult a dry cleaner before painting anything and tell them that the area was touched by the leather handle. Separating the leather side from the clothing side is the first step to avoid adding unnecessary work.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a defective product if it is new but has some color?

It is not possible to make a uniform judgment based on color transfer alone. Check the material characteristics and precautions listed on the product, and if the problem persists to the extent that normal use is difficult, please contact your retailer with photos and usage conditions.

If you use it, will it be safe to match with white clothes?

You can't judge by just the period of use. Even if there were no problems before, conditions may change, so when matching with important light-colored clothes, it is better not to rely solely on the previous condition.

Will it be solved if I just replace the handle?

It depends on whether the structure can be replaced or whether it can be repaired. Check to see if the strap or main unit have the same symptoms, and determine if the problem is only with the handle before consulting.

Choose a bag that suits your daily life, including how you carry it

Crazy horse leather camera bag_B

If you want to carry it in your hand or carry it on your shoulder, Camera Bag_B is also a good option. The product description is 22cm wide x 21cm high x 12cm thick, weighs approximately 1.25kg, and includes a removable shoulder strap and a cushioned divider. It is a bag that you should choose by considering the weight when it is filled with luggage and making sure that you can carry it comfortably.

*Dimensions and specifications are based on the description on the product page. This is not an introduction indicating compatibility with care products or non-color transfer.

View photos and specifications of Crazy Horse Leather Camera Bag_B

How to choose cowmono and why you can keep the price down

Crazy Horse Leather Waterproof Canvas Boston Bag_C

For those who want to pack their luggage for travel or the gym, there is also the option of waterproof canvas Boston bag_C. The waxed canvas body is combined with a leather handle, and the product description is approximately 50 x 25 x 25 cm, and the weight is approximately 1.35 kg. When choosing a bag, you should consider not only the shape of the handle, but also the weight when loaded and the distance traveled.

See photos, storage, and specifications →

Even when combined with canvas, the leather handle touches the hands and sleeves in the same way. Please check the precautions for each material.

Reference materials/annotations

1. cowmono | Precautions when using the product
2. Columbus | Caring for bags and leather accessories
3. Coronil｜Precautions for use

The care product descriptions are information about each manufacturer's target products. Please give priority to the display of your product and the guidance of the retailer, rather than indicating the effects common to all leather products.