Purchasing a new leather bag? It’s important to keep in mind that not all leathers are the same.
Some types of “leather” are in fact faux leather made from synthetic material. One of the most common types of faux leather is polyurethane (PU) leather.
Many people dismiss PU leather as an inferior knock-off, but in many ways it’s a great alternative to genuine animal leather. They make great travel bags, purses and fashion handbags, toiletry kits, and much more.
What is Polyurethane Leather?
Polyurethane leather is made from an industrial material (polyurethane) that’s meant to look and feel like animal leather. Polyurethane is a high-quality plastic.
The term “PU leather” is used to distinguish synthetic leather from genuine leather, but there are actually different versions of PU leather.
Some leathers contain a mixture of animal material and synthetic material. Although they are sometimes marketed as simply “leather”, bicast leather is distinct from genuine animal leather.
But in general, PU leather refers to leather that is entirely synthetic.
Why Should I Buy A PU Leather Bag?
There are several reasons why you might consider getting a PU leather bag.
Less expensive: Thanks to lower production costs, bags made of PU leather are less expensive than genuine leather.
Waterproof: You can bring customized pu leather handbags outside in the rain without worrying about it ruining your bag.
Appearance: Since they look just like genuine leather, PU leather bags are fashionable and go great with casual or formal outfits.
produced in a more sustainable fashion. This is because it does not require use of livestock, which is one of the major sources of global pollution and deforestation.
Cruelty-free: Pure synthetic PU leather is free from animal products.
Easy cleaning: Cleaning a pu leather tote bag is simple – just use soap and water. No special solutions are necessary.
Sustainable production: Compared to genuine leather, PU leather is
Are PU Leather Bags Durable?
In most cases pu material bags are less durable than genuine leather bags, which can last 10-20 years. PU leather is more pliable and starts to wear down with a lot of use.
That said, some types of PU leather are more durable than others. The difference comes down to the quality of the resin used in producing it.
A PU leather bag made of high quality polycarbonate resin can last for 7+ years if properly cared for. These bags are generally more expensive than those made of polyether or polyester, which may last only 1-5 years on average.
Notice of Storing PU Leather Bags
The most important thing about storing a leather crossbody purse is to not fold it or compress it too much. That’s especially true if you are going to be storing it for an extended period of time. The material is fairly pliable and is sensitive to too much pressure.
It’s also best to avoid light, heat and humidity when storing your bag. Your bedroom shelf will be fine if it’s a bag you use frequently. Or if you are storing long term, a shelf inside a clean closet will work.
Make sure to occasionally remove the bag from storage to air it out and dust it off. And place balled up old newspapers inside to maintain the shape.
Cleaning a PU Leather Bag
In addition to proper storage, you have to keep your bag clean.
You should clean any dirt or blemish off of it as quickly as possible to avoid staining. A lot of messes can be cleaned with a wet sponge. You can also use bar or liquid soap for tougher cases. Be sure to rinse and wash the soap out before letting it dry to avoid staining.
Air drying either inside or out is sufficient. Don’t put a PU leather bag in the dryer as they are susceptible to heat damage.
There are leather cleaner solutions that you can also buy. While these are effective, they aren’t necessarily superior to soap and water.
You will also need to lightly dust your pu tote bags on a regular basis. Daily dusting is recommended if you use it a lot. Even if you don’t see any accumulated specks it is best to dust anyway – it can sometimes be difficult to spot all the dust.
Maintaining a PU Leather Bag
If you properly store and clean your pu handbag, you’re already doing a lot to maintain it. But there are more simple ways you can keep your bag working well and looking good.
Avoid moisture. Even though PU leather is fairly water-resistant, it’s better to avoid water as much as possible. If it’s raining, it’s better to bring a different bag along. Humidity can also be damaging, so try to avoid prolonged exposure.
Keep it out of the light. Don’t bring your PU leather bag if you’re going to be out in the sun for hours. Also be aware of light shining through windows. It’s easy to not notice if your bag is sitting in sunlight inside your car. You can cover your bag with a blanket if sunlight is unavoidable in your car.
Be gentle. If your bag is usually stuffed to the brim it will wear down more quickly. Keep from stretching or putting pressure on your bag, and it will maintain shape and usefulness longer.