A stain on a leather handbag can be unattractive and can shorten the life of your prized purse. If you have spilled something on your leather handbag, here are some tips on how to get the stain out and keep your bag looking like new.
Leather needs to breathe. Using the wrong cleaner or letting a stain become embedded in the material can cause your handbag’s leather to dry out, crack, or fade. You should therefore avoid most synthetic cleaning products, especially ones that are petroleum-based, and use a microfiber cloth that will not delaminate or crumble.
Regular maintenance cleanings can keep your leather handbag in top condition. Dilute one or two drops of baby wash in eight to 12 ounces of water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Always spray the solution onto a towel and then wipe the bag. Never spray the solution directly onto the bag, no matter how much you have watered it down.
When you wipe your leather handbag, go with the grain of the leather. Use smooth, even strokes. Focus on the parts of the bag you touch most often, such as the handle and clasp, because they are most likely to be covered with body oils. You can also use a leather moisturizer periodically to condition your handbag.
Leather can have two types of stains: wet and dry. Wet stains are caused by water-soluble contaminants and can be removed with water. Dry stains caused by greasy substances, such as oil, paint, wax, and lipstick, may need to be removed by a professional.
If your leather handbag has a wet stain, you can clean it with saddle soap. Saddle soap can cause streaks or stains on some types of leather, so it is important to test it on an inconspicuous area first. Gently blot or wipe the area, but do not rub because that could grind the stain into the leather or remove leather dye. Saddle soap is most effective when used on a stain immediately. You may need to clean your handbag, let it dry, and repeat to completely remove the stain.
If your handbag has a minor scratch, you can use shoe polish. This is only recommended for a minor touchup. Shoe polish will eventually rub off. Be careful not to use too much shoe polish because it can create a mess and make the leather stiffen.
Be sure to clean the metal hardware on your handbag. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are the best way to clean hardware. You can use beeswax to keep your zippers working. Never use WD-40 or another oil on a leather handbag because it can drip and cause a major stain.
The best way to keep your handbag clean is to prevent stains in the first place. Try to avoid carrying pens or liquids, and do not put your handbag on a dirty countertop or the floor. Try to avoid carrying an expensive bag in bad weather.
Since leather needs to breathe, it is best to store your handbag in a dustcover or old pillowcase. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures. Store a chain handle inside the bag to prevent scratching.
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