Leather bags are a staple in every wardrobe, regardless of gender. They are classy and pretty much go with everything, not to mention their practicality. However, their upkeep is a hit or miss.
Today, we'll take you through the step-by-step guide on how to clean leather bags. We'll also tell you about the materials that are safe to use on leather bags. Along with that, we'll also be covering how you can remove stains from your leather bag without damaging it.
Create a soap solution using warm water and a couple of drops of mild soap or leather cleaners. Avoid using aggressive chemicals because these can harm the leather. Then wipe down the bag with soaked soft cloth and then wring to get rid of excess water.
So, it's safe to say you are in for quite the ride. Stick around, and let us take you through the world of leather bag maintenance!
Materials You Will Need to Clean Your Bags
You will need the following materials to clean your bags-
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Leather cleaner or mild dish soap (easily available in fabric and craft stores)
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Two cleaning cloths
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Lint roller
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Leather conditioner
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Metal polish
How to Clean Leather Bags?
Now that you know about all the material you need to clean leather bags, let's get right into the step-by-step guide on how to clean leather bags -
1) Empty out the purse
Empty the purse and make sure you take out everything from the small pockets and the nooks. Once you take everything out, shake the bag upside down to get rid of all the dust and debris.
You can pull the bag's lining out and use the lint roller to get everything stuck to the fabric.
2) Wipe it down
Next up, get your hands on a good quality leather cleaner or a mild soap diluted with water. Clean the outside of your bag with the cleaner of your choice and a soft white cloth.
Make sure to steer clear of colored clothes as they can transfer their color onto your much-cherished bag.
3) Dry out your purse
Once you are done cleaning your bag with a soft cloth and the cleaning solution of your choice - pat it dry with another soft white cloth. You should start seeing a change in your bag at this point.
4) Clean the hardware
Now that the purse is cleaned and dried, it is time for the hardware. To brighten up your bag's hardware, dip a cotton swab in metal polish or a brass cleaner and go about cleaning the hardware.
Keep wiping the polish as you go on, and at all points, avoid contact with the brass cleaner with the leather, as it can cause discoloration to the leather bag.
5) Dry thoroughly
Now that the whole bag is clean, allow it to dry naturally. Here it is important to note that you're not supposed to use any heat like a hairdryer as it can damage the leather bag. Set the bag aside to air dry naturally.
6) Condition the leather handbag
Once the handbag is dry, apply a small amount of leather sealant and massage it all over the leather bag to nourish it, keep it from drying out, and protect the leather. This not only conditions the leather but also provides a barrier against stains and dirt.
Use a soft pad to apply the sealant, and allow it to dry naturally. You can also polish it if you like a semi-matte finish, or you can leave it as is for a matte look.
7) Buff the surface
Go for a clean and dry cloth to buff the leather, giving it a polished look. If you prefer, you can skip the buffing to maintain a natural, subtle matte finish.
Buffing enhances the leather's shine while leaving it unbuffed and keeps a more understated appearance. Choose the finish that suits your style the best and also goes with the look of the handbag.
8) Store it properly
Avoid placing the handbag into storage right away, as the dampness in some areas can lead to mold growth. Ensure the handbag has air-dried thoroughly for at least five days before storing it in a breathable dust bag, preferably the one that comes with it.
When not in use, keep the handbag in a cool, dry place. Always look out for good purse storage ideas. Make sure to avoid hard direct sunlight and humidity, as these can damage the leather and affect its quality over time.
Additional Tips
Other than this, let's look at some additional tips to keep your bag in top-notch condition -
Regular maintenance
Regularly clean and condition your leather handbag, especially if you use it often. This helps keep dirt from building up and keeps the leather strong and looking good for long.
Avoid extreme conditions
Avoid exposing your leather handbags to sunlight, heat sources, or rain to protect them from heat and water damage.
Handle with clean hands
Make sure you handle your bag with clean hands to avoid transferring oil and dirt onto your bag.
How to Remove Stains on Leather Bags?
It's important to quickly remove stains like ink, blood, food, and wine from your leather handbag as soon as possible. Different types of stains need different cleaning methods.
If your leather purse is unfinished, take it for professional cleaning and stain removal. If you're unsure if it's unfinished, sprinkle a few drops of water on it. If the water doesn't soak in, the leather is unfinished.
A dry cleaner can handle these stains, as well as stains on finished leather purses if you prefer not to do it yourself.
Here are some easy ways to clean various stains from leather:
Ink stains and scuffs
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) works well for this. Use a cotton swab to gently rub alcohol on the stain, then blot it until the stain is gone. Dry the spot with a clean cloth. Repeat if needed.
Grease, food, and oil stains
For oil or grease stains, use talcum powder, baking soda, or cornstarch. Sprinkle the powder on the stain, pat it in, and let it sit overnight. Brush off the excess powder with the help of a soft brush. If any powder remains, gently wipe it away with a clean cloth.
Wine stains
Mix cream of tartar along with lemon juice to form a thick paste. Gently massage the paste onto the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then wipe it off. Repeat if the stain doesn't come off easily.
Best Leather Cleaners for Bags: What to Use and What Not to Use
Let's look at some of the best leather cleaners for bags -
1) Soap and water
You can clean your leather purse with soap and warm water. Make sure to use mild dish soap or hand soap. Mix a little amount of the soap in a bowl of warm water. Dip a white cloth into the soap solution and wring out most of the water. Wipe the leather with the damp cloth, next take a dry cloth to wipe it again and buff it until it's completely dry.
For very stubborn stains, put the soap directly on the leather and wipe with a damp cloth until the stains are gone. Then, use a dry cloth to buff the surface dry.
2) Cream of tartar and lime juice
You can also clean your leather purse with a mix of cream of tartar along with lemon juice. Just mix equal parts of both until you get a paste. Spread the paste on the leather and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, wipe it off with a damp cloth. Remember, lemon juice can slightly bleach, so don't use this on dark leather.
3) Nail polish remover and alcohol
You can also get rid of scuffs and ink stains on your leather purse with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Dip an earbud into the alcohol or nail polish remover and gently blot the stain with tissue paper afterward. Don't rub, as this could cause the stain to spread.
4) Vinegar and olive oil
You can easily make your own leather cleaner by mixing white vinegar and olive oil. Dip a paper towel into the white vinegar mixture and apply it to the leather. After that, wipe the area with a dry towel to remove any extra oil.
Final Words!
Real leather handbags are a great investment cause they are timeless pieces, and if you keep them well, they last a long time. Today we covered all the ways you can keep your bag clean and looking new.
By using gentle methods such as mild soap and water, cream of tartar with lemon juice, or rubbing alcohol, you can effectively remove dirt, stains, and scuffs. Remember to try out cleaning solutions on a small area first and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the leather.
We also covered all the precautionary tips in this article to help you elongate the life of your leather bag, getting you the most out of the money you invested in the handbag.
So, what are you waiting for? Let's get buffing!
FAQs
Can I clean a leather bag with water?
No, you should not wash any leather goods as they can cause water damage, stiffen the leather surface, and lose its natural shine.
How often should I clean my leather handbag?
For daily care of a leather purse, just wipe away dust and surface dirt with a soft, clean cloth. However, for a deeper cleaning, do a more thorough cleaning every 3-6 months, or more often if your leather purses get very dirty or are exposed to humid conditions.
