How to Clean Your Leather purse
Leather purses are timeless accessories that can last for a long time as long as you take care of them and maintain them properly. Carrying them every day however can lead to them getting dirty and taking on all the dreaded crumbs and lint and getting stains, making your once beautiful purse look dull and worn. Cleaning your leather purse doesn’t have to be difficult though Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean your leather purse.
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Materials You’ll Need:
- Soft cloths (microfiber works the best)
- Mild soap or leather cleaner
- Warm water
- Leather conditioner
- Toothbrush (optional for those tiny crevices)
- Baking soda or cornstarch (can work well on stains)
- White vinegar (for those deep stains)
Step 1: Empty Your Purse
Before cleaning your bag you first need to empty it of everything that's in there. This is the perfect time to downsize your purse items at the same time! Shake out all those purse crumbs, dirt and lint. Empty it, turn it upside down and shake shake shake. After it is empty of everything try to go in there and try to clean it out with a vacuum. A mini vacuum that you can also use in your car or for other small areas is perfect, this one works great for both.
Use a lint roller to clean the inside lining of the purse once it is empty.
Step 2: Dust and Wipe the Exterior
Now that your purse is empty and ready to start cleaning, you can start on the outside of the bag. Use a soft microfiber cloth to dust off the surface of your leather purse to start with. For deeper cleaning, lightly dampen the cloth with water (make sure its not soaking wet) and gently wipe down the exterior. Dont get the leather too wet, as too much moisture can damage the material.
Step 3: Time to Clean the Leather
Create a gentle soapy solution using a small amount of mild soap (baby soap is great) mixed with warm water. Dampen your microfiber cloth with the mixture, then gently wipe down the purse. Always make sure to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the soap doesn’t discolor the leather.
Alternatively, if you have a dedicated leather cleaner (like this one), follow the product's instructions to clean the leather. Leather cleaners are formulated specifically for the material, making them a great option to avoid accidental damage.
Tip: For the really stubborn dirt or stains, use a toothbrush with soft bristles to gently scrub. Focus on crevices, corners, and zippers where dirt tends to accumulate and softly scrub in a circular motion.
Step 4: Spot Clean Stains
If your leather purse has a stain, address it quickly, the longer you let it sit the harder it will be to remove. For most stains, baking soda or cornstarch can help. Simply sprinkle a small amount onto the stain, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, and then wipe it away with a soft cloth.
For deep stains or marks that remain, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Lightly dampen a cloth with the mixture, then gently dab the stain, working from the outside in. Always check this on a small area first.
Avoid rubbing the stain aggressively, as this can damage the leather.
You can also use mail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to try to remove harder to remove stains, always test on a small area first though!
Step 5: Dry the Purse
After cleaning, NEVER dry your leather purse in direct sunlight or with a blow dryer, this can cause the leather to crack.
Instead, leave it to air dry naturally in a cool, dry place. Make sure it's completely dry before continuing with the next steps.
Step 6: Condition the Leather
This is a step most people dont always do, but it can help to maintain the life of your purse for years to come.
Leather is a natural material that can become dry and brittle over time if you don't take care of it. Conditioning your purse will help maintain its softness, flexibility, and appearance. Choose a high-quality leather conditioner (preferably one that is neutral or designed for your specific leather type) - this one is highly reviewed
Apply a small amount of conditioner onto a clean, soft cloth and gently rub it into the leather using circular motions. Pay extra attention to areas that show signs of wear or dryness. Let the conditioner sit for a few hours or as recommended by the product’s instructions, then buff away any excess with a clean cloth.
Step 7: Store Your Purse Properly
To ensure your purse remains in great condition, store it in a cool, dry place when not in use. You can use a dust bag to protect the leather from dust and sunlight. If you are not going to use it for a while and want to make sure it maintains its shape, consider stuffing the purse with some tissue paper or a fabric bag to help it retain its structure.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid Water Exposure: Leather and water don’t mix well, so avoid letting your purse get too wet. If it does get wet, gently blot it with a soft cloth and let it air dry naturally.
- Want to avoid Crumbs?: Toss one of our Clean Balls into your bag after cleaning - its sticky inside ball will trap all those crumbs and lint and keep your purse clean on the go!
- Preventive Care: Regularly clean your purse to avoid dirt buildup. Once every few months, consider conditioning it to keep the leather soft and supple.
- Professional Help: If your leather purse is heavily stained, scratched, or damaged, consider taking it to a professional cleaner or leather care specialist for repair.
Follow these steps and your leather purse will not only stay clean but will continue to look stylish and last for years to come. With the right care, leather only improves with age, developing a unique patina that tells a story of its own.
Want to make sure your purse stays clean on the go on the inside? The Clean ball is great to get rid of those pesky crumbs. Simply throw it in any purse or bag, and as it rolls around it helps clean up all those crumbs! With a sticky inside ball in a plastic honeycomb outer all those crumbs stick right inside! Easy to open up and featuring a washable inner ball for endless reusability.
