A leather bag is an accessory that can serve you for years on end when properly treated. Whether it’s a luxurious handbag, a sturdy briefcase, or a stylish everyday tote, the right care is essential to keep it looking its best. Leather is a natural material that develops character over time, but without regular cleaning and maintenance, it can become stained, dry, or cracked, diminishing its beauty and longevity.
How to clean a leather bag safely and efficiently if this happens to your item? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step cleaning methods to preserve the leather texture and suppleness and maintain your favorite accessory in top condition.
WHAT DO YOU LEARN IN THE ARTICLE?
- Types of Stains on Leather Bags You Can Remove by Yourself
- Types of Stains on Leather Bags That Are Difficult or Impossible to Remove
- How to Clean Leather Bags
- Our Leather-Cleaning Products
- How Often Should You Clean a Leather Bag?
- What to Do If Stains Do Not Come Out?
- Check Our Handmade Leather Bag Collections
Types of Stains on Leather Bags You Can Remove by Yourself
No matter how careful and diligent you are or how durable and resilient the leather material is, your purse or bag will inevitably be exposed to certain impacts during everyday use. As a result, it can accumulate minor stains or impurities. Fortunately, minor blemishes can be easily removed, especially if you don’t let them sit.
Dust and Surface Dirt
These might stem from exposure to the environment, storage, or active use. To clean a leather bag, it’s enough to take a soft, dry cloth and gently wipe away the dust and loose particles.
Water Spots and Rain Marks
Raindrops, accidental water splashes, or condensation from drinks should be blotted immediately with an absorbent cloth, with no rubbing. Let the leather dry naturally to avoid visible marks.
Fingerprints
Natural oils from hands can settle on the leather surface, especially on the handles. If you don't want it to develop into stubborn greasy spots, use a soft cloth to buff out those marks as they appear.
Light Scuffs
Scuffs result from rubbing against rough surfaces or accidental scraping. A soft eraser will help buff out the scuff without a hassle.
Types of Stains on Leather Bags That Are Difficult or Impossible to Remove
Wondering how to clean a leather bag at home? Some stains wipe away with ease, while others can be stubborn or even permanent. The most stubborn stains can damage leather and require professional cleaning to restore the accessory’s aesthetics.
Ink and Permanent Marker
The chemicals in ink can penetrate deep into the leather’s pores and alter its natural color, leaving behind a permanent discoloration. The longer the ink sits, the more it bonds with the leather fibers.
Oil and Grease
Leather is naturally porous, meaning it quickly absorbs oils from hands, food, or cosmetics. Over time, oil spreads within the leather, creating a permanent dark patch.
Paint and Nail Polish
Paint and nail polish harden quickly, making them difficult to scrape off without damaging the leather’s surface.
Harsh Chemicals
Bleach and strong cleaning agents strip away the natural dye of the leather, leading to irreversible fading or discoloration.
Wine and Other Dark Liquids
Liquids like red wine, coffee, and soy sauce contain tannins and pigments that quickly set in leather fibers and won’t come out.
Sun and Heat Damage
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight causes leather to dry out, fade, and crack, changing its structure and making it brittle.
How to Clean Leather Bags
Cleaning leather requires a gentle touch to protect the material while effectively lifting stains. The best approach depends on the type of stain and the severity of the impurity. A few things to remember, though, are that you should never use a bleach-based cleaner, harsh chemical detergent, or ammonia. Since water can stain leather, it's important to keep the material damp rather than soaked while cleaning.
Now, let’s explore different cleaning techniques using various components to tackle different types of stains.
Mild Soap
Components: Saddle soap, water.
Surface impurities, minor stains, mild dirt, and light grime buildup can be easily removed with some mild soap.
Preparation: Mix some soap with a cup of water.
Cleaning: Dampen the cloth in a soapy solution and gently wipe the dirty area. Then, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff up the leather. You can also apply some leather conditioner to protect it from future stains and damage. How to condition a leather bag at home? Just spread the creamy substance over the area with a cloth and let it soak.
Alcohol
Components: Rubbing alcohol, water.
If you wonder how to wash a leather purse stained with ink, alcohol is a great way to get rid of fresh ink spots and scuffs.
Proportions: Mix 1 part alcohol with 3 parts water.
Cleaning: Dip a cotton swab into the solution and gently press it against the stain — no rubbing or the ink might spread. Instead, keep blotting until the stain lifts, then wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth and pat it dry with a towel.
Cornstarch or Baking Soda
Components: Clean cornstarch, baking soda.
These components are efficient for tackling greasy stains or patches of oil.
Proportions: About 1 teaspoon of powder.
Cleaning: Apply the powder over the affected spot and rub it in with a damp cloth. Leave the bag to dry overnight to let the starch or soda absorb the oil or stain. Then, wipe away the powder remnants.
Cream of Tartar or Lemon Juice
Components: Cream of tartar, lemon juice.
How to clean a leather handbag from food stains or blood? This is where cream of tartar and lemon juice can help. This method works particularly well on light-colored leather.
Proportions: Mix equal parts (1 teaspoon each) into a paste.
Cleaning: Spread the paste over the stain and leave it to work for thirty minutes before wiping away the remains with a damp cloth.
Vinegar
Components: White vinegar, water.
Vinegar is efficient against color transfer from jeans and dark fabrics, as well as against mold or mildew.
Proportions: Mix white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio.
Cleaning: Dampen a cloth with a small amount of the mix and lightly rub the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down the dye transfer or mold. Remove residues with a clean cloth and apply some leather conditioner to restore moisture.
Petroleum Jelly
Components: Petroleum jelly.
This component can help in case of color stains or discoloration, especially on smooth leather types.
Proportions: Small amount of clean petroleum jelly.
Cleaning: Slightly dip the cotton swab or stick into petroleum jelly and apply it to the stain in light circular movements. While removing impurities, it will also soften and moisturize the leather.
Olpr's Leather-Cleaning Products
Components: Leather spot cleaner, 3-in-1 leather dressing, leather cream.
At olpr., we know how to extend the service life of leather bags and come up with a specialized line of leather care products created for proper treatment and maintenance.
Proportions: Ready-to-use dedicated products.
Cleaning: Use a spot cleaner with a cloth to remove contaminations and stains. If you ever thought about how to polish a leather bag at home, apply the dressing, let it absorb, and buff it with a soft cloth to restore the shine. Rub in some cream for long-lasting protection and waterproofing.
How Often Should You Clean a Leather Bag?
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use your bag, the environment it is exposed to, and how well you maintain it. Normally, you should wipe off the dust after each use and store your purse in a dust bag away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Subject to active use, deep cleaning is recommended on a monthly basis using professional care products. Now that you know how to polish a leather bag, don’t skip this treatment. A high-quality conditioner like the one from our product line can become a game-changer for your leather bag cleaning routine.
What to Do If Stains Do Not Come Out?
When common cleaning doesn’t help, consider seeking professional service. Consult a leather care specialist or professional cleaner, or contact specialized restoration services.
Check Our Handmade Leather Bag Collections