Tsuchiya Kaban's Diario 2Way Tote in Brown with a white dust bag and two boxes is placed on a wooden bench, next to a green leafy plant, against a light wall.

Leather Care Lesson 3

How to Store Leather Bags

Proper storage is often overlooked but essential for prolonging the lifespan and enjoyment of your leather bags. Preserve their shape and prevent mold or other issues by following these simple steps.

What You'll Need

・Leather care brush
・Clean cotton cloth (for dry wiping)
・Towel
・Newspaper
・Non-woven fabric bags for storage

※ Note on the choice of cloth: to avoid scratching or zippers catching onto the fabric, we recommend using a cloth made from natural materials such as cotton. Do not use pile fabrics.

A flat lay shows Tsuchiya Kaban's Diario 2Way Tote in brown leather, partially visible on the right with its strap and tag. To the left, a folded newspaper is next to a white towel. Another white dust bag is partially visible near the top right of the frame.

Frequent vs. Infrequent Use Items

A person in a light blue shirt is placing a light blue notebook on it into a spacious Tsuchiya Kaban's Diario 2Way Tote in brown. The bag, which has two top handles and a hanging leather tag, sits on a dark surface. To the right of the bag, a small yellow notebook and a black pen are also visible.

Whether it’s a daily companion or an occasional-use piece, these storage tips will help keep your leather piece in its best condition.

[Storing Frequently Used Items]
Leather fibers naturally stretch with frequent use. During periods when you’re not using your item, it’s helpful to temporarily remove all contents so the leather can “rest.” If needed, gently stuff your piece with towels or crumpled newspaper to prevent dampness and maintain its shape.

[Storing Infrequently Used Leather Items]
Remove all contents and fill the bag with towels or crumpled newspaper to help retain its form. Place the bag inside a breathable, non-woven fabric bag to protect it from dust. Avoid using plastic bags, as airtight materials can trap moisture and lead to mold. If you’re storing your bag away for a longer period, take your bag out of storage periodically and place it in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight, for a few hours so the leather can breathe.

How to Store Your Piece in 3 Steps

1. Gently brush away any dirt with a leather maintenance brush

A person's hands are polishing a Tsuchiya Kaban's Diario 2Way Tote in brown leather with a small, light-bristled brush. The bag, which features visible white stitching and a long shoulder strap with a buckle, is lying on a dark, textured wooden surface.

Before storing the bag, use the leather maintenance brush to gently brush the surface and remove any dirt. If you have the time, we strongly recommend wiping the bag as well with a soft dry cloth.

2. Stuff the bag with soft dry fabric or crumpled newspaper

A pair of hands, wearing a light blue long-sleeved shirt, is holding and crumpling several sheets of newspaper. The background is a dark, textured surface, with more newspapers partially visible in the upper left.
A person wearing a light blue button-up shirt is inserting crumpled newspapers into Tsuchiya Kaban's Diario 2Way Tote in brown leather. The large, rectangular bag has two top handles and a small hanging leather tag.

Stuff your bag with soft clean fabric or towels, or crumpled newspaper to prevent your bag from losing shape. Newspaper can absorb moisture which helps keep moisture away from the leather, and the ink has insect repelling properties which is also beneficial for storage purposes. To prevent the ink from staining the inside of your bag, wrap the newspaper balls in towels or other fabric before placing them inside the bag.

3. Place the leather bag inside a non-woven fabric bag

A person wearing a light blue long-sleeved shirt is carefully placing Tsuchiya Kaban's Diario 2Way Tote in brown leather into a white cloth dust bag. The rich brown bag features white contrast stitching, two top handles, and a small hanging leather tag.

Place your leather bag inside its original non-woven fabric dust bag to protect it from dust and accidental damage.

Do not store your leather items in plastic bags, as they are not breathable, and may contain paint or coatings that can degenerate and become sticky, causing damage to your leather piece.

A person wearing a light blue shirt and khaki pants is holding a rich brown Tsuchiya Kaban's Diario 2Way Tote, which sits on a rustic wooden bench. Next to the bag is a white dust bag cinched with a brown drawstring, also on the bench. A green leafy plant is visible on the right against a light-colored wall.

Once your piece is in a dust bag, store them in an upright position to prevent deformation.

Items should not be stored in direct sunlight or under strong lighting as this can cause discoloration or fading, even if the piece is inside a dust bag.

Make sure to store it in a well-ventilated place to prevent mold. It's good practice to take your bag out regularly to make sure it is in good condition.

【Additional Note】

Do not store your pieces alongside insecticides or desiccants as contact with these items can damage the leather.

A close-up shot of a person's hand gently touching the side of a Tsuchiya Kaban's Diario 2Way Tote in brown leather. The bag showcases fine white stitching along its edges and handles, highlighting its craftsmanship. The rich, smooth texture of the leather is visible, and a subtle light reflection suggests the quality of the material.

Just like us, leather bags need time to rest. Even occasional downtime helps them age beautifully, and proper storage will allow you to enjoy your leather companions for years to come.

Lesson 1

Leather Care Lesson 1 – How to Use Leather Oil for Basic Leather Care

Lesson 2

Leather Care Lesson 2 – Waterproofing Leather: How to Effectively Prevent Water Stains and Dirt