Cleaning women's leather bags is not as difficult as you might think. Basic cleaning methods can be done easily at home, and can prevent stubborn stains. Read the following tips to learn how to clean women's leather bags.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Cleanse Skin
Step 1. Wipe the stain with a clean, damp cloth
Continue scrubbing the stained area until it is damp, but not wet.
Step 2. Drop the cleaning solution on a soft cloth
You can use a leather bag cleaning solution which is usually in the form of a spray. You can also make your own by mixing a few drops of a mild soap (such as unscented dish soap or baby soap) with distilled water.
Step 3. Wipe the stained area again with a soft cloth until the stain is gone
Try to use movements in the direction of the grain of the skin. This action helps protect the integrity of the skin.
Step 4. Wipe off any remaining soap and water using a clean, dry cloth
Don't worry, read on to find out how to dry them.
Step 5. Let the bag dry for about 30 minutes
Do not speed up the process using a hairdryer. If you're in a hurry, try placing your bag in front of a fan. Cold air is safer for the skin than hot air.
Step 6. Apply leather moisturizer after your bag is dry
Use a soft cloth to apply it, and rub in the moisturizer in circular motions. Moisturizers can keep the skin supple and soft. Do not use regular hand lotion as it can stain and damage the skin.
Step 7. Try buffing your skin with a dry cloth
This can help restore its texture and make your bag shiny.
Method 2 of 5: Cleaning a Patent Leather Bag
Step 1. Try it with water first
Sometimes you just need a little water to clean minor stains, like scuffs or fingerprints. Wet a tissue, cotton swab, or cotton swab with a little water, then wipe the stain.
Step 2. Use a window cleaner to remove stubborn stains
If the stain on your bag can't be removed with water, try using a spray window cleaner. Spray the stain with the cleaner, then wipe with a tissue or soft cloth.
Step 3. Try using petroleum jelly to treat blemishes and discolored skin
Dip a cotton swab or tissue in petroleum jelly, then rub it over the stain in small, circular motions. This ingredient is effective for dealing with colored stains.
Step 4. Use alcohol to treat stubborn blemishes and discoloration
Dip a cotton swab or cotton swab in the alcohol and gently rub the ink stain in a circular motion. If the stain doesn't go away, try using a nail polish remover solution. Don't forget to clean the nail polish remover when you're done. Keep in mind that nail polish remover is harsh, and can damage your skin.
Step 5. Try applying tape to the stains that stick to the surface
If the stain is only on the surface, all you need to do is remove it. Take a piece of tape, stick it and press it on the stain, then quickly pull it off. It can be used on scuff marks, lipstick, and mascara.
Method 3 of 5: Cleaning a Suede Leather Bag
Step 1. Prepare a brush with soft bristles
The best type of brush for suede leather is a suede brush, which can be found in the kit that came with your suede bag. You can also use a clean toothbrush or manicure brush.
If you want to use a manicure brush or toothbrush, only use it to clean your suede bag. Do not use it for other purposes
Step 2. Work on the stained area with a brush
Brush the area in short, gentle motions. Always use the same direction. Do not brush back and forth first. This can help loosen dirt and lint.
Step 3. Scrub the stain again with the brush
At this time, you can scrub the stain in an alternating motion. Don't worry if something "falls out" of your leather bag. It's just dirty lint falling.
Try using a towel as a base to keep your body and tabletop clean
Step 4. Scrub the stained area using a stain remover sponge
You can find these sponges in the cleaning and detergent section of your grocery store. Gently rub the sponge back and forth on the dirty area until the stain is gone.
Step 5. Try cleaning your leather bag with steam
If your leather bag is a little dirty, try using steam to clean it. The easiest way is to hang it in the bathroom right after you take a hot shower. The damp air will loosen the stain, but it won't get your bag wet. After steam cleaning, let the bag dry, then scrub the stained area with a soft-bristled brush.
Step 6. Clean the area with stubborn stains using vinegar or rubbing alcohol
Wet a washcloth with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar first, then gently scrub the stain. Let the area dry and then scrub with a soft bristle brush. Unlike water, alcohol and white vinegar do not stain suede leather.
- Don't worry about the strong vinegar smell as it will go away on its own.
- You may need to use a special cleaning solution for suede leather to treat stains that are very difficult to remove.
Step 7. Shave or trim any loose fibers
As you continue to rub the leather bag, there may be some fibers that look worn compared to others. You can cut it with scissors or an electric razor.
Method 4 of 5: Cleaning the Inside of the Bag
Step 1. Empty your leather bag
Remove all the items in the bag and set aside. This is a good time to check for any pens that don't have caps, and set them aside.
Step 2. Turn and jiggle your bag
This will remove the dust and dirt that is in it. Do this over the litter box.
Step 3. Try cleaning the inside of the bag using a lint roller
Place the bag first sideways, then pull out the inside. Run the cleaning roller across the layer, turn the bag over and do it on the other side. If your bag is large enough, you may be able to fit a cleaning roller inside without having to flip the lining inside the bag.
If you don't have a cleaning roller, use masking tape to pull out dust and dirt
Step 4. Try vacuuming the inside of the bag
Place the bag on the floor. Plug the nozzle end of the vacuum cleaner into the cloth cleaning tool. Insert the tip of the vacuum into the inside of the bag, and suck out all the dust and dirt. Use a low power to avoid damaging the inner lining of the bag.
Step 5. Wipe the dirty inside of the bag using a mixture of water and vinegar
Mix 1 part hot water with 1 part white vinegar in a bowl. Dip a clean cloth in the mixture, wring out the excess water, then wipe the inside of your bag.
Step 6. Deodorize the bag with baking soda
Open a box of baking soda and place it in your leather bag in an upright position. Let it stay there overnight, and take it out the next morning. The baking soda will absorb unpleasant odors.
The top of the open box of baking soda should be shorter than the height of the bag. If your bag is small, place the baking soda in a small saucer or teacup
Method 5 of 5: Cleaning Specific Stains
Step 1. Try using a paste made of cream of tartar and lemon juice on dark stains
Make a paste by mixing one part cream of tartar and one part lemon juice. Apply the paste on the stain and wait for 10 minutes, then wipe the stain with a damp cloth. Dry the wet area with a clean cloth.
- If the stain remains, mix a few drops of mild soap with warm water, then wet a towel with the mixture. Clean the remaining stains using the towel.
- It is effective for removing blood and food stains.
Step 2. Remove water stains on suede leather bags using water
Wet the brush with soft bristles, then rub lightly on the stain. Pat and dry the area with a tissue and wait overnight. The stain will be gone the next morning.
- You have to be patient and try using a hairdryer, fan, or sun to dry your bag faster.
- Water can cause permanent blemishes, especially on unfinished leather, but a leather expert may be able to fix it.
Step 3. Use cornstarch flour to remove oil and grease stains
If the stain is fresh, try absorbing the stain with a tissue, but try not to press too deep to prevent the stain from getting deeper into your skin. Once the stain is absorbed, sprinkle cornstarch on the stain, and pat inward. Leave it overnight to allow the cornstarch to absorb the oil. With a soft bristle brush, gently clean the flour the next morning.
- If you don't have cornstarch in your area, use plain corn flour instead.
- Some people find that cornstarch absorbs oil better by placing a leather bag under a light bulb.
- If you're handling a suede leather bag, you may want to steam the area afterwards, then brush off any cornstarch residue.
Step 4. Be careful when handling mud stains
If your regular leather bag or patent leather bag gets mud, clean it immediately. If your suede bag gets mud, wait for the mud to dry first, then clean it with a soft-bristled brush.
Step 5. Freeze any wax or gum stuck to the bag
If your bag gets wax or gum on it, put it in the freezer for a few hours. This makes the wax/gum harden. After the wax/chewing gum hardens, remove the bag from the freezer, then peel off the wax/gum. You may have to scrape off any remaining wax/gum with your fingernail.
Step 6. Use hydrogen peroxide to remove blood stains
Wet a tissue or cotton swab with hydrogen peroxide, then gently dab it on the stained area. Eventually, the stain will go away.. This is especially effective for suede skin.
Step 7. Treat ink stains as quickly as possible
The longer the ink stays, the harder it is to remove. Try absorbing the ink stain with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab. If you are handling a suede leather bag, you may need to scrub the affected area with a nail file.
Do not use alcohol if your bag is made of finished leather (leather that is processed in its entirety, without modification). Instead, use a stain remover sponge. Bags made of finished leather will not turn dark when exposed to water
Tips
- Use a leather case and conditioner to protect the bag from spills, dirt and accumulated dust.
- If you are concerned about the effects of a cleaning method, try testing in a hidden area, such as the inside or bottom of a bag.
- If your leather bag is very dirty or has stubborn stains, take it to a professional for cleaning.
- Put tissue paper in the bag when not in use. This keeps your bag in shape and can stand upright, so it doesn't crack and warp.
- If you use a leather bag every day, wipe it once a week with a soft cloth dampened with soapy water. But don't do this on a suede bag.
- Never put an uncovered pen in a bag. Besides being able to dirty the inside of the bag, pens can make your bag messy if it breaks or the ink gushes out.
- If the stain doesn't go away, try using a shoe polish of a suitable color to cover the stain.
- Do not use a light colored bag when you are wearing dark colored clothes. The dye from the clothes you wear can seep into the bag and cause stains.
- Store your bag in a carrying case or white pillowcase. Use the pouch that came with the purchase if you have one. This is to keep your bag clean and dust free when you're not using it.
- Store your makeup tools in a special small bag. This will protect the inside of the bag from getting dirty with makeup.
Warning
- Not all skin cleansers are made with the same formula. A cleanser that works on one skin type may not work on another. Read the label when you choose a leather cleaner, and make sure the product is made specifically for the material used for your leather bag, such as nubuck, patent, suede, and so on.
- Do not use any of the methods above if your bag manufacturer has given specific cleaning instructions to follow. It is the manufacturer who knows the best way to clean and care for the bag. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to protect the bag from unwanted damage.
- Do not use window cleaner, alcohol, petroleum jelly, or nail polish remover to clean regular and suede leather. These materials should only be used for patent leather. The only exception is the use of alcohol on suede leather, as the two are a safe combination.
- Do not use soap for horse saddles on leather bags. The soap was too harsh for the leather material used for women's bags.
- Don't rub too hard. Excessive scrubbing can damage the skin and make the dirt deeper, making it more difficult to clean.
- Do not use water to remove oil stains.
- Do not use baby wipes, hand creams, or lanolin-based creams/conditioners on unfinished skin. These materials can damage / stain the surface of the skin permanently. Unfinished leather will turn dark when wet.
