How to Clean Your Leather Bag

Every fashionable woman owns at least one leather bag or leather accessories. Leather has been people’s favorite textile since time immemorial.

Everyone's leather preference comes from it being more durable, flexible, and withstands wear and tear better than other types of material.

However, regular usage demands a regular cleaning schedule. Your leather bag is your constant companion, and while you may take utmost care choosing your seating place, your bag most likely sits on floors, stairs or tables, most of which are dirty.

Taking regular care of your bag will ensure its longevity as well as keep it looking new.

Designer or vintage, leather can be elegant and stylish but needs special care in handling as well as cleaning.

For example, you cannot use saddle soap on your prized leather bag. It’s too harsh. Instead, you can clean your leather bag with simple household ingredients.

So, no need to add your favorite bag to the donation pile, just because it’s become too dirty. Follow these simple steps to clean it and restore its beauty.

Steps to Clean Your Leather Bag

Things you’ll need:

• Gentle hand soap or baby shampoo— 2 or 3 drops
• Distilled water— ¼ cup
• Mixing spoon
• Small spray bottle
• Brush with soft bristles
• 2 lint-free cloths
• Small regular towel
• Leather Bag

Step 1. Brush off the dry dust

Work a soft-bristled brush gently over the leather surface to remove any loose dirt. This will prepare the bag to make the cleaning more efficient.

Step 2. Shake off any loose dust or debris

Empty your bag. Now, unzip all the interior pockets and turn your leather bag upside down. Shake your bag vigorously to dislodge all the dirt and debris.

This is also a good time to throw out any unnecessary items, organize, and only keep the essentials. Also, keep all your makeup in a separate small bag to avoid contaminating your tools and harming your skin.

Step 3. Make the cleaning solution

Add 2 or 3 drops of a gentle hand wash or baby wash to ¼ cup of distilled water. Mix thoroughly to create a cleaning solution.

Step 4. Transfer the cleaning solution to a spray bottle

You’ll need to make sure your cleaning cloth doesn’t get drenched, or it will saturate the leather and cause permanent harm to the textile. For this purpose, a spray bottle comes in handy.

Since the spray bottle has a small opening, a water jar or a funnel is used to transfer the cleaning solution into the bottle in order to prevent any spills.

Step 5. Dampen a lint-free cloth with the cleaning solution

You must not spray the cleaning solution directly on the leather bag. Instead, spray it on a lint-free cloth.

Step 6. Use it to clean the leather bag

Use the dampened end of the lint-free cloth to gently wipe your bag. The mild cleaning solution helps remove the filth from the leather surface. You’ll see the dirt coming off onto the cloth.

Once you get the hang of it, proceed to clean all the surfaces of your bag. Make sure to clean all the straps, flaps and buckles, too.

Do not forget the bottom of your bag. Remember all the dirty places you put it down on. The bottom of your bag needs extra attention.

Step 7. Use a regular towel to dry and buff

After you are done cleaning your bag, use a small towel to dry and buff it. Then, allow your bag to completely air dry slowly for some time before using it again. Do not dry it in sunlight or use a dryer, blow-dryer, keep it away from heat.

If you feel as the leather has begun to dry out, began to crack, or looks brittle the leather is lacking moisture. Invest in a leather cream or spray, remember you can always use this product on other surfaces in your homes such as accessories, jackets, shoes, and even furniture.

Do not apply the crème directly unless the product sprays on. After the surface is completely dry, apply a small amount as it is usually concentrated and buff it with a soft cloth throughout the leather.

Applying moisture will restore the leathers natural shine and will make your handbag look like new.

Additional Tips

• All the steps should be tried first on a small, inconspicuous patch of your leather bag to determine if this method is compatible with the material of your bag. Leather material varies depending on many factors.
• Always use distilled water to clean your leather bag. The chlorine present in your regular water may damage the leather.
• Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals like a window cleaner on your leather bag, as well as baby wipes, vinegar, and other cleaning solutions. They may stain the leather.
• For ongoing maintenance, use a leather moisturizer on your bag. Do not use your regular skin moisturizer, which will surely result in grease stains.
• You can also clean the interior of your leather bag by turning it inside out and vacuuming it on low suction power.
• Use the upholstery nozzle of your vacuum cleaner as needed.
• For any persistent stain, engage the help of a professional.