F.A.Q
* Handbag
* Shoes
* Watch
* Apparel
* Accessories
Handbag
* Wash and Care for backpacks
* Why leather handbag easily affected?
* What is the dermis?
* How to clean the cotton canvas bags?
* How to clean the white handbag?
* How to store your bags in dust bag covers or pillow cases?
* I just got my handbag, what is the best way to keep it clean?
* I have been using my handbag heavily since I received it and it has gotten pretty ¡¡dirty. Is there a way to clean it?
* Do you recommend any specific cleaners for spot treating your handbags?
Wash and Care for backpacks:
Water is the best sources to clean you backpack. Simply, rinse the dirt away with your hands or lightly scrub using a sponge and/or soft brush. If you believe that further washing is necessary, you may use mild detergent or pure soap. Do not use a washing machine, and do not soak the backpack. To dry the backpack, please hang the pack and allow to air dry in a cool and dry location, out of direct sunlight. Do not place your pack in a drying machine.
Why leather handbag easily affected?
The major component of the hides, sheepskin, and pigskin is protein. So it's easily affected with damp, fungi and insects. The best way is to avoid contact with such as oil, acid and alkaline substances.
What is the dermis?
The dermis is the second of the three major layers of skin. The dermis varies in thickness depending on the location of the skin. It is .3 mm on the eyelid and 3.0 mm on the back. The dermis is composed of three types of tissue that are present throughout - not in layers. The types of tissue are collagen, elastic tissue, and reticular fibers. papillary layer contains a thin arrangement of collagen fibers. The lower, reticular layer is thicker and made of thick collagen fibers that are arranged parallel to the surface of the skin.
The dermis contains many specialized cells and structures. The hair follicles are situated here with the erector pile muscle that attaches to each follicle. Sebaceous (oil) glands and porcine (scent) glands are associated with the follicle. This layer also contains echini (sweat) glands, but they are not associated with hair follicles. Blood vessels and nerves course through this layer. The nerves transmit sensations of pain, itch, and temperature. There are also specialized nerve cells called Meissner's and Vater-Pacini corpuscles that transmit the sensations of touch and pressure.
The two layers of the dermis are the papillary and reticular layers. The upper,
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How to clean the cotton canvas bags?
Cotton canvas bags easily fade when washing; please do not use the washing supplies containing bleaching or fluorescence. If not oil and other stubborn stains minimize use the washing supplies. Soak in cold water washing, dry up without sunshine. Initial wash soak in clean water with salt about 30 minutes to prevent fading.
How to clean the white handbag?
There are many over the counter products made to clean white leather, however most of these cleaners were made to clean grimy leather sneakers, not fine leather handbags. You also run the risk of damaging the leather of the purse by using water based products like baby detergent. So my advice is to try the saddle soap and for any scuffs use the liquid shoe polish in the squeezable plastic bottle. But remember to proceed at your own risk and next time remembers to scotch guard your leather purse!
How to store your bags in dust bag covers or pillow cases?
Don't use plastic bags to store your best bags. When your precious bag is not on display, protect it with the dust bag. There is no reason why you cannot just drop your handbag into your dust bag even when you are at home and the bag contains your worldly goods. This way, a bag is less likely to get scuffed or scratched by pets and family or have odd spots of coffee dripped on it as others pass by.
If you have to store your bag in your desk or filing cabinet at work, check the drawer first for rough splinters or sharp edges that could damage and scratch your bag. Consider keeping a spare pillow case in the drawer to cover your bag.
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I just got my handbag, what is the best way to keep it clean?
We suggest the first thing you do when you receive your handbag, is to scotch guard it. Apply one layer and then let dry. Then go back over it again with one more layer. When not in use, keep your handbag in your complimentary dust bag.
I have been using my handbag heavily since I received it and it has gotten pretty dirty. Is there a way to clean it?
Yes. Your handbag is pretty durable but does need some cleaning maintenance from time to time. We suggest spot treating your handbag with your basic soap and water. Use a wet towel and dab the dirt of the bag. Let dry and then scotch guard. Some handbag users have brought them into professional handbag cleaners as well.
Do you recommend any specific cleaners for spot treating your handbags?
Yes. We use and recommend Carbons-Stain Devils for spot removing on our fabrics. Please understand that does not guarantee any faults of use or cleaning defects which may come from using this cleaner. Please use at your own risk and discretion.
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Watch
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What's the difference between quartz and mechanical/automatic movements?
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How do watches work?
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Are watches really waterproof?
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What's the difference between a chronograph and a chronometer?
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How long should the battery in my watch last?
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What's a crystal?
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Is it better to get a leather band or a metal one?
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What's the best way to clean my watch?
Some of the questions we receive from our customers regarding watches are answered below. If you cannot find an answer to your question below send us an Online Inquiry and receive a prompt reply from our trained experts.
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What's the difference between quartz and mechanical/automatic movements?
The movement, or inner workings, of the watch are what make up the main timekeeping mechanism. Most watches have either a quartz movement or a mechanical movement. The type of movement you choose depends mostly on one's taste. Mechanical movements are a tribute to the watchmaker's art and monitor the passage of time by a series of gear mechanisms. When a mechanical movement does not have to be wound, it is known as an automatic movement. These self-winding movements are wound by the movement of your wrist. (No, you don't have to shake it to work! The normal, everyday movement of the watch on your wrist charges the winding reserve.) When this type of watch is removed from your wrist, the movement winds down in 10 to 72 hours, depending on the size of its winding reserve.
Quartz movements, on the other hand, are powered by a battery and do not stop working once removed from your wrist. When activated by a battery or solar power, the thin sliver of crystal very predictably vibrates at an extremely high frequency (32,768 times per second), thus providing very accurate timekeeping. The battery in a quartz watch generally needs to be replaced every 1.5 years.
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What's the difference between quartz and mechanical/automatic movements?
The movement, or inner workings, of the watch are what make up the main timekeeping mechanism. Most watches have either a quartz movement or a mechanical movement. The type of movement you choose depends mostly on one's taste. Mechanical movements are a tribute to the watchmaker's art and monitor the passage of time by a series of gear mechanisms. When a mechanical movement does not have to be wound, it is known as an automatic movement. These self-winding movements are wound by the movement of your wrist. (No, you don't have to shake it to work! The normal, everyday movement of the watch on your wrist charges the winding reserve.) When this type of watch is removed from your wrist, the movement winds down in 10 to 72 hours, depending on the size of its winding reserve.
Quartz movements, on the other hand, are powered by a battery and do not stop working once removed from your wrist. When activated by a battery or solar power, the thin sliver of crystal very predictably vibrates at an extremely high frequency (32,768 times per second), thus providing very accurate timekeeping. The battery in a quartz watch generally needs to be replaced every 1.5 years.
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How do watches work?
Watches essentially tell time by the integration of three main components: an energy source, a time regulating mechanism and a display. The energy source can be electronic (as in a battery) or mechanical (as in a wound spring). A watch's main timekeeping mechanism is called its movement. Today's watches fall into two categories: Mechanical movements and Quartz movements. Mechanical watches are made up of about 130 parts that work together to tell time. Automatic mechanical movements mark the passage of time by a series of gear mechanisms, and are wound by the movement of your wrist as you wear it. The gear train then transmits the power to the escapement, which distributes the impulses, turning the balance wheel. The balance wheel is the time regulating organ of a mechanical watch, which vibrates on a spiral hairspring. Lengthening or shortening the balance spring makes the balance wheel go faster or slower to advance or retard the watch. The travel of the balance wheel from one extreme to the other and back again is called oscillation. A series of gears, called the dial train, and then turns the hands on the watch face.
Quartz watches work with a series of electronic components, all fitting together in a tiny space. Rather than a spring, a quartz watch relies on a battery for its energy. The battery sends electrical energy to a quartz crystal, which vibrates at an incredibly high frequency (32,768 times a second), providing highly accurate timekeeping. This energy is then transmitted via a stepping motor, which transforms the electrical impulses into mechanical power, turning the gear train, which moves the hands on the watch face. For more detailed information on how watches work, along with descriptions of their parts, visit our Learning Center.
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Are watches really waterproof?
No. In fact, they aren't. It is actually illegal to represent a watch as being "water-proof". Watches, however, can be water-resistant. In fact, most watches have some sort of water-resistance. A watch marked as water resistant without a depth indication is designed to withstand accidental splashes of water only. Do not submerge such a watch. Higher levels of water resistance are indicated by increasingly higher acceptable depths, usually indicated in meters.
There are a variety of ways to make a watch water resistant. All such watches use rubber gaskets or "O" rings to seal the case back. A watch with a back that screws onto the case provides a higher degree of water resistance. Some crowns (the "winding stem") actually screw into the case to further increase water resistance.
Usage Recommendations
The following usage recommendations are suggested by the Seiko Corporation of America.
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Water-resistant to 30 meters (100 feet). Will withstand splashes of water or rain but should not be worn while swimming or diving.
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Water-tested to 50 meters (165 feet). Suitable for showering or swimming in shallow water.
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Water-tested to 100 meters (330 feet). Suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
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Water-tested to 150 meters (500 feet). Suitable for snorkeling.
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Water-tested to 200 meters (660 feet). Suitable for skin diving.
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Diver's 150 meters (500 feet). Meets ISO standards and is suitable for scuba diving.
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Diver's 200 meters (660 feet). Meets ISO standards and is suitable for scuba diving.
Please note that we do not recommend swimming or diving with your watch unless it has a screw-down crown (also known as 'screw-lock' or 'screw-in' crown) and is water-resistant to at least 100 meters.
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What's the difference between a chronograph and a chronometer?
A chronograph is a name given to a multifunction sport watch with a stopwatch function. Most have two or three sub-dials, or mini-dials, for measuring minutes and hours. A chronometer, on the other hand, is a precision watch that has been rigorously tested by the Control Official Suisse de Chronometers (COSC), an official watch testing laboratory in Switzerland, to keep accurate time in various temperatures and positions over a 15-day period. The watch must lose no more than five seconds per day in order to be designated a chronometer.
How long should the battery in my watch last?
Generally, the battery in a quartz watch will need to be replaced every 1.5 years.
What's a crystal?
The clear cover over the watch face is called the crystal. Three types of crystals are commonly found in watches: Acrylic crystal is an inexpensive plastic that allows shallow scratches to be buffed out. Mineral crystal is composed of several elements that are heat-treated to create an unusual hardness that aids in resisting scratches. Sapphire crystal is the most expensive and durable, approximately three times harder than mineral crystals and 20 times harder than acrylic crystals. A non-reflective coating on some sport styles prevents glare.
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Is it better to get a leather band or a metal one?
Strap watches may have bands made from a variety of materials, including leathers, exotic skins and synthetics. In general, it's best to avoid fine leathers if you will expose the watch to water or perspiration from physical activity. Rubber straps are a little more durable against water and perspiration. Do keep in mind, that if you do not like a certain strap on a watch, it's relatively inexpensive and easy to replace the band with one of many varieties, textures and colors. Metal bands are called 'bracelets', and are available in various metals, including gold, platinum, stainless steel and titanium. Some manufacturers have styles that combine two kinds of metals, such as gold and steel, which are known as two-tone bracelets. The choice is really a matter of personal taste. Generally speaking, strap watches are viewed as a more casual fashion statement, although they can be very attractive and quite costly.
What's the best way to care for and clean my watch?
The best way to clean your watch is by using a lint-free cloth and a toothpick. Use the toothpick to clean out any dirt buildup in the bracelet or casing of the watch and the cloth to wipe it clean. If it is water-resistant, give it an occasional cleaning with a mixture of warm water and a mild soap. If the strap is leather or non-metal, clean only the case. For more information, visit our Learning Center.
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Shoes
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How do I get the smell out of my shoes? / How do I clean my shoes?
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How can I resole / repair my shoes myself?
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My new shoes are too tight. How can I stretch them?
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How do I wash my rope?
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How do I mark the middle of my rope?
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What can I do with my old rope? / How do I make a rope rug?
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How can I remove glue marks on the shoes?
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How can I clean a shoe in patent material that has been on display and collected dust?
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What is the difference between Patent, PU, Stretch and Leather material?
How do I get the smell out of my shoes? / How do I clean my shoes?
Let your climbing shoes air out and dry before storing them - this is probably the single easiest way to avoid stench. Loosen the laces all the way and clip them on the outside of your pack as you hike out from a climb and drive home. Just make sure to shake out all the leaves, scorpions, etc. before putting them on the next time. Put them in front of a fan (no heat) at home as well. Or you can throw them in the washing machine on cold with a bit of normal washing powder. Let them go through all cycles and then prop them up to dry somewhere out of direct sun or heat.
How can I resole / repair my shoes myself?
Some people obtained a Five Ten kit for the purpose of putting some rubber on a pair of kids' boots; Procrastinated so long outgrew the boots. In the mean time used the glue in the kit to put one of the soles back on my Guide Almighty's. (The infamous Five Ten delaminating problem) Since then put on some rough miles with no further problems. That's the extent of my experience. Personally think it would be hard to fix small areas with Barge Cement. It would be hard to contain the heating process to the areas you're trying to fix. Too much heat in the surrounding areas could undermine the part you don't want to work on. Tools you need: Pliers
sharp long exacta blade
electrical tape
rough sandpaper and block
wire brush (optional)
electric stove burner
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Peel of old sole. Follow instructions. Don't pull rand loose.
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Cut new rubber based on old sole but about 1/4" bigger all around.
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clean, sand, apply glue as per instructions (lightest coat of glue possible is key here)
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Heat surfaces and stick together with even overlap all around.
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Pinch on with pliers and/or hammer on.
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Stuff sock or paper into shoe.
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Wrap tightly and extensively with electrical tape.
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Leave overnight.
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Remove tape.
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Trim with exacta knife. This is the key step. Except for maybe some texturing, you can achieve a finished product at this step. Cut so that the knife cuts into the glue bond and just touches the rand. Leave no unglued rubber (it will peel off if you do). Watch your angle (cut it the way you want it to be when you are done). You have to do it in one pass. You can't shave a little away at a time. The key to a smooth cut is to grab the 1/4" excess rubber and pull it away from the blade as you cut (a partner can be helpful here). If you do this the blade literally slides through the rubber.
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Sand to add texture and blend sole and rand.
This has worked well for me on probably 10 resoles. Total working time is about 1 hr. per pair(less if you do multiple pairs).
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My new shoes are too tight. How can I stretch them?
We surmise that by not fitting them quite so tight, the shoes don't need to stretch, aren't getting stretched every time put them on and so last longer and fit better through their lifetime. It only took about ten years and god knows how many pairs of climbing shoes to fogger this out. For you, climbing shoes will fit better longer if you don't buy them super tight. We sincerely suggest you buying the right size.
How do I wash my rope?
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Rope-brush like two halves of a plastic tube that clip together, with rotating brushes in both halves. Immerse the rope in warm soapy water (usually used bath-water), place it in the middle of the two halves, clip them together and pull the rope through (several times). Amazing how much grit & grime you can extract, even from "cleaned" ropes.
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Put the rope in a pillow case or washing bag and use a front loading machine with cold water only to prevent shrinkage. It is acceptable to use a mild soap to remove oil or grease but avoid harsh detergents. DO NOT USE BLEACH OR BLEACH SUBSTITUTES. Make sure to rinse thoroughly. Small amounts of fabric softener may be used to give better flexibility and a softer hand as a rope stiffens with use. Your rope should be air dried away from direct sunlight. It will not harm a rope to store it wet. Nylon is not affected by water and will not rot or mildew.
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How do I mark the middle of my rope?
You have several options:
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use Blue Water marker
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whip thread thru and round middle
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trade it in for a bicolor/be pattern
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Cut the rope in the middle so you don't forget where the middle is.
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Learn to measure rope so you can find the middle in the dark.
To mark the midpoint of your rope, tests show that the following markers will not weaken the fibers of the rope: Carter Marks-a-Lot, Sanford Sharpie and Bonny-Smith Magic Marker.
What can I do with my old rope? / How do I make a rope rug?
As long as there are no obvious and visible damages to the rope, you can safely assume it has not had too much abuse. Especially for top roping you can use the rope until it nearly falls apart. The only times when modern ropes break is on extreme falls or if they are hanging over a sharp edge. Top roping takes away the falls, and the age won't change the edge-issue.
Good scheme for ropes you think are a little passed it for walls, high fall factor leads etc. Rotate them.
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New rope=main lead rope
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Worn but structurally ok rope=top roping rope
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Mostly ok but one or two core shots=cut up and use as rigging/anchor rope
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Mandy/dodgy/shag pile carpet rope with tufts of core sticking out everywhere=car tow rope (you'll be amazed how much static strength it probably still has!) or washing line in the garage for drying out all your gear after a wet weekend.
How can I remove glue marks on the shoes?
Use lighter fluid. Ordinary lighter fluid applied to a white rag will remover the glue. You can also use glue thinner which can be purchased from any shoe repair shop.
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How can I clean a shoe in patent material that has been on display and collected dust?
Use Patent Glow, which is one of the accessory items we sell. Do NOT use water or alcohol as they may rid the material of its shininess.
What is the difference between Patent, PU, Stretch and Leather material?
Patent, either patent leather or patent PU, the latter being a man made material, has a very shiny, almost mirror like appearance. PU, short for polyurethane, is a semi-shiny to non-shiny man made material designed to be less expensive than leather. Stretch, either patent or PU, is a thin, stretchable material, which allows it to fit to the contours of the feet or legs. Leather, usually having a supple and comfortable feels and with a texture pattern, is the highest quality material of all used in shoemaking.
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Apparel
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How to maintain cheongsam?
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Wash and Care for Down Jackets and Vests
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Wash and Care for synthetic insulation
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How to prevent clothing fade?
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How to wash the Man-made fibers material?
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Why denim materials fade?
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What is the silk?
How to maintain cheongsam?
Now a day most cheongsam women wear are made of brocade, which can't be washed with water, nor can it be washed by washing machine. You'd better send it to the special laundry.
Be careful when you wear it. Don't let oil, coke or lipstick stain your clothes, for it's difficult to clean such substance and even the laundry can't clean it completely. Don't wear the same cheongsam for several days. Be careful of the sharp-pointed objects so as not to make hole or hook silk out of the cheongsam. Don't roll the sleeves up for convenience. If you smear your new cheongsam carelessly, you can iron the stain with a wet cloth under it. The dust will cling to the cloth and in this way the cheongsam can not only be cleaned but also ironed.
Cheongsam should be hung up with a wide hanger if you don't wear it. Make sure that the shoulders should be propped up properly. Before putting it into the wardrobe, remember put moth-resistant pills. But the camphor balls, which will make the bleached light-colored silk clothes become yellow, shouldn't be applied.
Wash and Care for Down Jackets and Vests:
Regular cleaning of your down apparel will optimize its performance advantages and thermal properties, while maintaining its amazing warmth to weight ratio. If machine washing, wash on cold and gentle settings. Remember to always use a front-loading washer, as the agitator in a top-loading washer may damage the apparel.
It is important to wash your items with a down specific soap. Never use liquid detergents or fabric softeners, as detergents may leave residues that will not rinse out and may wash away the natural oils of the down.
To dry your down apparel, place the items in the dryer and set the dryer for tumble dry on the lowest setting. Check the apparel often to make sure that nothing is overheating, and that the down is not clumping, If you detect the down is clumping, gently massage the item to redistribute the down.
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Wash and Care for synthetic insulation:
Regular cleaning of your synthetic insulation apparel will optimize its performance advantages and thermal properties, while maintaining its amazing warmth to weight ratio. If machine washing, wash on cold and gentle settings. Remember to always use a front-loading washer, as the agitator in a top-loading washer may damage the apparel.
It is important to wash your items with a down specific soap. Never use liquid detergents or fabric softeners, as detergents may leave residues that will not rinse out and may wash away the natural oils of the down.
To dry your synthetic insulation apparel, place the items in the dryer and set the dryer for tumble dry on the lowest setting. Check the apparel often to make sure that nothing is overheating, and that the insulation is not clumping, if you detect the insulation is clumping, gently massage the item to redistribute.
How to prevent clothing fade?
The effectiveness way of prevent the color clothing washing fade is sock in the water contain salt before wash.
How to wash the Man-made fibers material?
Man-made fibers material lightly knead only when washing in water, Don't forceful. Tumble dry with the washing machine is ok.
Why denim materials fade?
Because the specificity of the denim material, fade is normally.
What is the silk?
A fine glossy fiber produced by cultivated silkworms. It is creamy white in its natural state and extremely desirable due to its smooth, flat and flow nature and also its excellent absorption of color.
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Accessories
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Nylon, velvety faux suede, supple faux Napa & other man-made materials
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Leather goods
Nylon, velvety faux suede, supple faux Napa & other man-made materials
all of the materials and fabrics are designed for long-lasting enjoyment. the handbags and small leather goods (wallets and mini's) are made using durable, water resistant materials. However, none of them are waterproof.
Please take note of the following care suggestions when your handbag becomes a little dirty:
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Handbags are not machine washable
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It may be wiped with a clean damp cloth or towel. Light soap and a small amount of water are ok, but no strong detergents.
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Stubborn stains may be rubbed, but use a light hand. Excessive scrubbing will likely damage the fabric and is not recommended.
Leather goods
For our leather goods, we suggest the use of a leather conditioner for cleaning,
Protect and to polish.
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