How to clean a leather bag at home

Rules of care

Like human skin, natural leather needs regular hydration. Treating the bag with petroleum jelly, glycerin, castor oil or hand cream will help prevent creases and cracks. If you use too much moisturizer, it will leave streaks on your bag. Excess should be removed with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Washing or washing a leather bag is not a good idea, as getting the product wet can cause it to lose its shape and properties of natural leather. When wiping the bag with a rag or sponge with a cleaning agent, it must be thoroughly wrung out.

Do not dry leather bags in direct sunlight or using heating devices (hair dryers, heating radiators). Drying is carried out at room temperature in a well-ventilated area.

Do not remove stains from the skin with aggressive chemicals such as refined gasoline, acetone, or turpentine. It is better to use gentle methods.

Features of cleaning leather products

To maintain the good condition and appearance of the natural material, you need to regularly care for your leather bag.
Even if there is no particular visible dirt on it, you should wipe it once a week with a damp sponge. For this purpose, you can purchase special wipes that are designed for cleaning leather products. And also, do not forget to periodically use special protective equipment. The skin does not tolerate moisture well. Therefore, it must be cleaned as quickly as possible so that moisture does not have time to be absorbed. Please note that this is a rather sensitive material. In order not to damage its integrity, you should refuse:

using hard brushes that can leave scratches;
machine washable;
use of solvents: gasoline, acetone and kerosene;
drying products on or near a heating device.

Washing a leather bag at home is not that difficult. You just need to follow all the recommendations and a clear algorithm of actions:

You need to start cleaning your bag with the lining. It can be turned out and washed by hand.
Before you begin removing stains, it is recommended to treat the material with a solution of ammonia and soapy water.
Excess moisture should be immediately removed with a dry cloth; it should not be absorbed into the skin.

When choosing a cleaning product, you need to focus not only on the type of contamination, but also on the appearance and color of the leather itself.
Otherwise, streaks may remain or the color of the product will become less saturated. After cleaning, the bag should be dried naturally. If you dry it on a heating device, the leather may crack. The last stage is the treatment of the leather product with a special water-repellent cream. It can be either universal, colorless, or to match the natural material.

How to clean a leather bag - general rules

Laundry soap is one of the universal and most affordable products that can be used to clean a bag at home. To prepare a soap solution you need:

pour warm water into the container;
grate a small amount of soap;
mix the solution well;
soak a cotton pad or cloth in the resulting mixture and squeeze out excess moisture;
wipe contaminated surfaces.

Using a brush destroys the structure of the bag's leather, especially patent leather. A sponge will replace hard bristles.

After cleansing, moisturize the skin with any emollient composition (see “Care Rules”) and remove its remnants with a lint-free cloth.

Fighting stains

Dirty areas can ruin the look of the most expensive branded item. Cleaning them at home will help you with products that can easily be found in every home.

Fresh stains can be sprinkled with talcum powder or chalk. After waiting 30-40 minutes, remove the powder and wipe with a damp cloth.
For some problem areas, it is enough to apply aftershave lotion for 5-10 minutes. Avoid contact with clean areas of the product. Remove the lotion with a damp swab and wipe the accessory with a dry cloth.
Dishwashing liquid will carefully remove stains from suede, lacquer surfaces and laser-treated items. Apply the product directly to the problem area and cover it with polyethylene. Wait 30-45 minutes and wash the application areas with a damp sponge. In some cases, the procedure must be repeated several times.
Grapefruit juice helps remove problems on accessories. Apply it to the tampon and lubricate the stain. If the stain is stubborn, you can combine equal amounts of lemon and grapefruit juice. The test is carried out on inconspicuous areas. After the procedure, wipe the cleaned areas with a damp cloth.

It should be remembered that patent leather totes and shoppers are less resistant to aggressive agents. The surface of such products can only be washed with damp wipes and polished with a cloth made of wool fibers. You can clean stains on a varnish backpack or clutch using regular onions. Wipe the problem area with the cut and remove any remaining juice with a damp cloth. You should not experiment at home with alcohol-containing cosmetics and solutions on patent leather.

How to clean a dark leather bag

Dark and black bags are also susceptible to contamination. Strong tea or natural ground coffee is used to clean this leather bag. One spoon of it is mixed with a small amount of water, then the mixture is applied to the damaged area with rubbing movements and washed off with clean water. This method also applies to brown suede bags.

Coffee beans can also rid your bag of unpleasant odors. The grains are poured onto the surface of the bag and left overnight. We described in detail how to remove smell from a bag in our article.

Cleaning from dirt without damage

Every person should think about how to clean the surface of a thing so as not to damage its structure. It is allowed to use laundry soap, ammonia and ordinary clean water. All components are thoroughly mixed together and applied to the surface of the bag using a sponge.

It is important to perform all manipulations quickly. The skin should not have time to become saturated with this composition. The handbag will look new if you finish cleaning by applying a small amount of rich cream to the surface.

How to clean a light leather bag at home - 7 ways

The white range of accessories gives the image a special chic, but sometimes girls have to give it up because it gets soiled. Renewing a white or light-colored bag made of genuine leather is a difficult task, but possible. There are many available tools in your home arsenal that can cope with the task. But the question of how to clean a light leather bag requires a careful and careful approach, so we recommend testing the chosen method on a small and inconspicuous area of the material.

Soap solution + ammonia

This option is similar to the basic method of cleaning leather bags. Drop a little ammonia into warm water with the addition of laundry soap to whiten the skin and wipe the contaminated surface with a cotton pad, sponge or soft cloth.

Starch and other bulk substances

A greasy stain on a light-colored bag can be removed using starch, talcum powder, baby powder and other products that absorb grease. The fresher the stain, the more effective its removal will be. The fatty area is sprinkled with starch, replacing it as the fat is absorbed. When the desired result is achieved, the coating is removed with a cloth moistened with soapy water and the material is wiped dry.

Eraser

A regular eraser can also clean light and white skin from minor stains. A clean (necessarily white!) eraser is good for erasing recent traces of pen, ink, and varnish. This method is not suitable for soft, thin or embossed leather.

Onion

A simple and gentle method for cleaning light leather bags. Onions, previously peeled, are cut into two halves. Cut off one of the parts of the onion and apply it to the bag and rub it. After treatment, wipe the area with a dry cloth. The smell of onions disappears in a couple of days.

Lemon juice

This product has whitening properties. To clean a white leather bag from yellowness, squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a bowl, moisten a cotton pad with it and wipe the yellowed area. You should not work on the stain too intensely, as the tone may turn out lighter than the main one.

Hydrogen peroxide

As with the previous method, caution is required. Hydrogen peroxide is great for small, less stubborn stains. Clean the contaminated surface with a cotton pad soaked in peroxide, and then wipe it with a dry cloth.

Milk

An unconventional and effective way to update the color of a white or light-colored bag. 3 tablespoons of store-bought or homemade cow's milk are mixed with egg white, stirred until smooth and applied to the stain. After the mixture has dried, it is removed with a damp sponge. The advantage of this method is that it is safe for soft skin.

Popular means

There are nine products that are often used when cleaning leather handbags.

Glycerol

A popular product used in the care of bags is glycerin. To clean the coating from dirt, apply a little glycerin to a cotton swab and then wipe the dirty surface with it. If the dirt is not wiped off, the procedure is carried out again.

Petrolatum

To clean handbags made of white leather, use Vaseline. This product is applied to the dried stain and left for three hours. After this, the treated area of skin is washed with a damp cloth, which is soaked in warm water.

Castor oil

Many experts advise using castor oil when working with leather surfaces. This is a unique product that will help remove dry and old stains. You need to rub the liquid in slowly so that it is better absorbed into the dirt. After treatment with castor oil, the skin becomes clean and shiny.

Laundry soap

Laundry soap is considered the most affordable means for cleaning handbags. You can use it to make a soap solution that will remove stains from the coating. To do this, add 50 grams of soap to a liter of warm water. Then a rag is moistened in a soap solution and the skin is treated.

Ammonia

To remove stains that have been absorbed into the leather surface, you can use ammonia. To prepare it, you need to add a spoonful of ammonia and 40 grams of grated solid soap to the warm liquid. Then the resulting mixture wipes the dirt on the bag.

Liquid skin

Liquid leather is an aqueous polymer solution made from alcohol. It can be used to treat surfaces to remove traces of stains.

Gel

Liquid used to wash dirty dishes will help get rid of stains on your bag. The gel is applied to a cotton swab, after which it is used to wipe off the dirt.

Aftershave

You can clean leather handbags with aftershave lotion. Soak a soft cloth in it and treat dirty areas of the bag.

10-15 minutes after treatment, the lotion is washed off with a damp cloth.

Talc

To remove greasy stains from the surface of a handbag, you can use talcum powder. The powder is poured onto the stain, rubbed into the surface and washed off with water.

Cleaning a colored leather bag

The result of cleansing depends on the skin tone and its intensity. Methods that are suitable for a dark bag may have a negative effect on a red or blue one. Laundry soap remains a universal remedy.

Bag color	How to clean
Bright	Dishwashing gel
Dark	Coffee grounds, non-bleaching products
Light	Lemon juice, milk, egg white, hydrogen peroxide

Let's start with the lining

You need to start cleaning a leather bag after all the contents have been removed from it. Now you can turn the bag inside out and start washing it with foam powder, then rinse it thoroughly and let it dry. The linen can be washed not only with powder, but also with liquid soap, because it foams very well, or even with shampoo.

If the lining is not very dirty, then it can be wiped with a cotton swab previously soaked in alcohol . Usually the top part of a leather bag gets dirty, and that’s where the most attention is paid. You need to remember that you shouldn’t risk your favorite thing, because you can clean your bag at home in a more gentle way:

You should prepare a solution that consists of a spoon of liquid soap, a glass of water and a spoon of ammonia.
With this solution you can wash not only the lining , but the entire bag, using a sponge. Particular attention should be paid to straps, stripes, handles, top and bottom.
When you have finished washing the bag , rinse the surface with clean water and wipe dry.
Wait until the bag is completely dry.

How to clean bags made of genuine leather?

In order to wash away any dirty marks from a leather bag, first wipe the bag with a solution of soapy water, into which you need to add a little ammonia. Then you need to rinse the bag with a damp sponge.

We must remember that natural leather loves to be softened. To clean and soften your bag, use a hand moisturizer. Castor oil, glycerin or Vaseline are also suitable for this, depending on what you have on hand.

Any emollient must be applied using a tampon with light rubbing movements. You should not rub in too much cream, as it will not absorb it completely.

Cleaning a patent leather bag

Lacquer accessories are still a bright trend. A bag made of glossy material needs delicate handling; unsuitable products will make the finish dull. To preserve the original appearance of patent leather bags, remember that it is prohibited:

treat them with rich cream;
wear in too cold (less than -10°) or too hot (more than +25°) weather;
use creams and sprays for shoes.

Stores sell special patent leather care products containing Vaseline and glycerin, which moisturize the leather and prevent cracks. To remove stains from a patent leather bag, there is a folk recipe with the following ingredients:

0.5 liters of water;
1.5 tablespoons of soda;
1 tablespoon of ammonia (ammonia).

The ingredients are mixed until completely dissolved and the area with the stain is rubbed with the composition. To eliminate cracks, use petroleum jelly or glycerin and then polish the surface with a velvet or flannel cloth.

Outside

When cleaning dark and light skin, various products are used that you need to familiarize yourself with.

White skin care

A light-colored handbag gets dirty faster and therefore you will have to clean it more often.

Wet wipes

The easiest way to wipe the bag is with regular wet wipes. They help get rid of recently appeared traces of dirt. It is better to deal with greasy stains using other means.

Lemon juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is an effective remedy for greasy stains. They moisten a cotton pad with it and wipe the dirty surface with it for about 15-20 minutes. Then the remaining lemon juice is washed off with plain water.

Milk and egg white

A cocktail made from egg white and milk will help eliminate oily spots on fair skin. It is applied to the bag and left on it for 25-30 minutes until it dries. Then wipe off the product with a dry cotton pad.

Bulb

Onion cleaner will help you renew and clean your purse. The onion is grated, after which the gruel is wiped onto the dirty surface of the bag. To ensure that there is no onion smell after processing, the product is washed with a vinegar solution.

Hydrogen peroxide

This is a bleaching agent that can be used to clean a light-colored handbag. Hydrogen peroxide is used to clean the product from fingerprints, makeup residues and grease.

Cosmetical tools

Sometimes cosmetics are used to clean bags.

Face tonic

To clean leather bags, use tonics that do not contain alcohol. Soak a cloth or cotton pad in the liquid and then wipe the bag completely. After treatment, the surface becomes much softer.

Foam or mousse for removing makeup

Liquids used to remove makeup are considered a good way to clean leather handbags. They cover dirty areas of bags for 1-2 hours. Then they are wiped with a dry sponge or a sponge soaked in water.

Cosmetic facial milk

Facial makeup remover milk will help get rid of dirt on your bag. Rub it over the entire surface and leave for 15 minutes so that the liquid is better absorbed. Then wipe off the milk with a damp cloth.

Black

Other products are used to clean dark bags.

Coffee gruel

To create coffee slurry, you will have to mix a spoonful of ground coffee with hot water until a homogeneous thick mass is formed. The resulting pulp is rubbed into the skin with a napkin. Remains of the product are removed with a wet cloth.

Shoe cleaner

Shoe polish can only be used after first cleaning the leather surface from dirt. This product is used to make the handbag more shiny.

Colored

There are three products for cleaning colored leather handbags.

Special water repellent

Handbags of bright colors should be regularly treated with water-repellent agents. They not only remove dirt, but also prevent the appearance of greasy stains.

Soapy water

A soap solution made from liquid soap will help remove stubborn grease stains. It is applied to a dirty surface and rubbed with a soft sponge.

Talc

Colored handbags can be periodically wiped with talcum powder mixed with wax and essential oils.

How to clean a faux leather bag

Bags made of leatherette and eco-leather are increasingly found in the collections of fashionistas and are trying to match the quality of bags made of genuine leather. Caring for such accessories is easier than caring for natural materials, but has its own characteristics:

To clean the surface, soak a cotton pad in a solution of detergent for synthetics, and after treatment, wipe the bag dry with a cotton cloth. Brushes and sponges with abrasives are not suitable for this purpose.
Leatherette products are not cleaned with cream, but with wet wipes, which remove dirt well. With their help you can add shine to your bag and soften the artificial leather.
Like genuine leather, leatherette is vulnerable when in contact with aggressive substances such as nail polish remover, alcohol, and acetone. The use of these substances may ruin the appearance of the bag.
To clean bags made of artificial leather with a fleecy surface (velor, suede, nubuck), you need a special brush that removes dust, traces of dirt splashes and grease.

Cleaning a varnished leather bag

Such products require not only cleaning, but also polishing. Otherwise, the paint on the bag will become dull and unattractive. For simple stains, a damp cloth is suitable and wipes the entire surface.

You can also use a special spray. If this is not possible, then onion juice is quite suitable. It treats the contamination, and removes any remaining liquid with a regular napkin.

How to properly store leather bags

To make your favorite accessory look presentable longer, you need to take care of its storage. It is recommended to place bags made of genuine leather or eco-leather in a fabric dust bag or ergonomic case. To prevent the bag from becoming deformed, it is stuffed with crumpled paper or fabric. Bed drawers and even walls where bags are hung on hooks help save space. You can hang the bag by the handle on hooks or hangers in the closet, but if it is made of soft leather, place it on a shelf, as the handle may become deformed.

Plastic bags are not suitable for leather bags, as it creates a “greenhouse effect”. When stored this way, the product becomes dull and acquires an unpleasant odor.

You can see more options for placing bags in an apartment here.

Knowing the characteristics of the material from which the bag is made and careful handling of the item will extend its life. Timely care of your handbag will keep it new and attractive. The product can be cleaned at home using available methods and means, but to reduce the risk of damaging the skin, it is better to contact a professional dry cleaner.

Rules for cleaning natural leather

If a stain appears on a leather bag, it should be removed as soon as possible. Light dirt can be cleaned with a damp cloth. After cleaning, be sure to dry the cleaned area.

Expert opinion

Natalya Osadchaya

If the stain is large or stubborn, it is recommended to use a special cleaning foam that gently removes dirt from leather products (bags, jackets, shoes).

There are also special cleaning erasers on the market that gently remove even the most stubborn stains. Of course, it is better to try to prevent dirt from getting on your handbag.

When cleaning, it is important to be careful not to damage the material. To clean both dark and light bags, do not use rough tools or abrasives. Avoid chemicals.

For a bag to last for a long time, it needs proper care. The best protection against dirt and rain is the use of impregnation spray, which can be purchased at any shoe store. The product is basically universal, so it is suitable for use on other leather products. In addition to shoes, you can use it to treat a bag, jacket, or even a car seat.

When deciding how to clean a leather bag, determining the type of material plays an important role.

A suede bag or a nubuck product can be recognized by touch. By stroking the surface in one direction, you will see how its color changes as the fibers are smoothed. When ironed in the opposite direction, the material returns to its original color. It is best to clean a suede bag at home with a special foam - it will lift the lint, making the product look like new.

Be careful with some types of tanned leather. At first glance, the products made from them look like bags made of smooth leather. If you are unsure, use a product to care for nubuck or suede on your bag - they are the most gentle.

For smooth leather, use sprays and liquid products that gradually spread over the surface, making it suitable for polishing.

Important! Smooth leather can be matte or glossy. The glossy surface is easier to distinguish from suede and nubuck, because when tilted it shines.

White bag

Light-colored products are most susceptible to contamination. You can clean a light leather bag with beaten egg white. After cleaning, polish the surface (it is better to use a white cloth).

Black bag

If a stain appears on a black item, try cleaning it with baby powder. Baking powder is an alternative. The stain should disappear.

If you don't want to wash or clean your bag, but just refresh its appearance, wipe it with colorless shoe polish, then clean it with a cloth lightly moistened with vinegar.

Red bag

For colored items, baby powder will also work, but we recommend using flannel fabric.

To perfect your cleaning, make a homemade paste of 2/3 turpentine oil and 1/3 soft beeswax. Apply to the stain, leave to dry, remove.

How to remove stains correctly?

Sometimes a leather bag needs to be cleaned from stains of various origins. Not every person knows how to properly remove stains from the surface of your favorite thing , let's figure it out together.

If the stain is fresh , you can sprinkle it with crushed chalk or regular baby powder. Starch, table soda or fine salt work well on stains. Any of the powders should be left for 30 minutes, then cleaned off with a soft brush.
In order to remove a stain from the surface , you need to clean the bag using any product that contains alcohol. It must be remembered that alcohol dries the skin very much, which is why you should act carefully.
In the event that alcohol does not remove stains , then it is best to clean the handbag with dishwashing detergent, first applying it to a sponge. Cleaning may have to be done several times and take a lot of time.
Some stains can be removed with lemon juice . It is necessary to squeeze it just a little onto a cotton swab and wipe the dirt with it.

In order to keep your handbag clean, you need to periodically wipe it with a damp cloth and then with a dry soft cloth. If the contamination is strong, then it should be removed immediately, without waiting for it to become embedded. You also need to periodically throw out unnecessary things from it so as not to clog and clean the lining.