How To Clean Leather Handles On A Purse

The great women'due south rights activist Susan B. Anthony once said, "Every woman should have a purse of her own."

While in Anthony's case, the "handbag" she was referring to meant independence and ownership, actual handbags have been age-old symbols of a adult female's strength as she carries her own possessions on-hand. For Anthony, it was an alligator doctor bag, for England's Queen Elizabeth II it is her iconic Launer handbag. For the everyday gal, it could be a signature Coach canvas or a Dooney & Bourke pebble-grain hobo, a modest Chloé Marcie crossbody, or a Louis Vuitton Neverfull.

Along with owning top-quality handbags comes the responsibleness of taking intendance of them.

Charlotte Staerck, co-founder and retail director of the Bag Clinic, says, "Designer handbags are a large investment for many people, and some of the college cease brands such as Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton really appreciate in value."

"The pandemic has made a lot of people reconsider their values, with many questioning how they can enjoy way in a more responsible style," she continues. "Customers now actively want to reduce their waste material by restoring or re-inventing an detail then they can continue to relish it. The world has moved on from fast fashion. Past restoring an item, you requite it a second life."

When you've got an detail that has a ascent value, it pays to know how to care for it. Nosotros asked Staerck for advice.

one. Keep the bag's interior clean

Just because no one else can see it, doesn't mean you don't need to take care with the interior of your designer purse. Don't let ink or makeup create stains. — Credit: Getty Images / Mukhina1

Staerck advises an ounce of prevention from day one.

"The interior of your bag needs protecting just every bit much every bit the exterior," she says. "Throwing makeup brushes, a smashed pulverisation, lipstick that loses its hat, or an open up pen into your handbag causes the bag to become heavily stained on the interior." These stains are tough to remove because of their loftier oil content, so invest in a makeup pocketbook that doubles equally a pen case.

two. Don't put information technology on the floor

Putting your bag on the floor of a restaurant, salon, or any public place leaves it vulnerable to stains and scuff marks. — Credit: Getty Images / NorGal

Avoid placing your handbag on eating house or salon floors, which puts it in prime position for drinkable spillages, scuffed corners, dirt stains, and dye splashes.

Instead utilise a handbag hook that folds out to fit on tables and bar areas.

3. Assist it go on its shape

When a purse droops against its original shape information technology tin can cause creases in the leather. To maintain the shape of your beloved, consider stuffing it with acrid-free tissue paper or a purse pillow to proceed it structured while being stored. This mode, it will proceed its leather fold free and maintain a formidable shape that prolongs its dazzler.

4. Make clean it regularly, for maintenance

There are top quality cleaners on the market to treat and maintain your designer purse, whether it is made of leather or fabric. — Credit: Leather Love / Motorcoach / Kate Spade

"Keeping a bag looking great is about regular maintenance rather than a quick fix," says Staerck, noting everyday bags crave a little upkeep TLC every two to iii months, while weekenders could use information technology every nine.

The right cleaning and protective products are essential for optimum maintenance. Think gentle sponges, cloths, and a brush for suede, or try a kit.

To requite your handbag a DIY refresh, Staerck suggests you get-go by cleaning the bag within and outside, massaging a cleaning solution for fabric or leather into the bag.

After a few minutes apply the protection foam, showing extra care with the handles, corners, and ofttimes touched areas. Once dry, vitrify off the excess.

"This process takes no more than xv minutes and could save yous a fortune on future restoration," she says.

She warns that you lot may want to repeat the protection process a couple of times to really look afterwards those hands stained calorie-free-colored leathers.

If pressed for time, focus on the wiping down principal areas such as handles with a cleaning wipe.

v. Don't endeavor an online cleaning hack on an expensive handbag

Y'all covet buttery soft bags, simply information technology's their lightly treated leather that creates their touchability. Translation: The leather is very absorbent. Whether it'south rainwater or your dining companion's Diet Coke, sometimes your bag has an "oops" moment and needs rescue. But tread carefully.

Staerck calls some online cleaning hacks "downright bizarre and potentially dissentious."

1 such hack is the popular usage of alcohol to elevator out ink, a stain that even professionals have trouble with. "If information technology's a puddle of ink on the material lining and y'all try to clean this, it'southward very likely to spread specially if you apply alcohol, which thins the ink."

Instead, Staerck recommends a light cleaning at home—if y'all know what you're doing and if y'all have the right tools.

"We encounter so many customers bring in bags that probably only initially needed a pocket-sized set, but because they have used the wrong products or pressure when cleaning, they crave significantly more work," she says.

6. Absorb a stain

Coffee and tea, grease, makeup, and ink are all common purse stains. Know how to treat them, before you do. — Credit: Getty Images / timonko

If your purse does incur a stain, blot the stained area as before long every bit possible with a clean, dry cloth or tissue. Y'all desire to absorb as much of the liquid as possible.

"Once y'all have removed excess liquid, blot the stain with a clammy cloth or tissue using warm water only," says Staerck. "Start at the outside of the stain and work inward. This will end the stain from spreading outwards."

7. Sometimes, you merely need to see a pro

If yous have a major mishap, you don't necessarily need to trash your treasure for a new bag.

Consider taking it to a professional person (even your local cobbler or dry cleaner may be able to help). But about everything can be restored, from cleaved zippers to scuffed corners to stubborn stains.

"At that place are so many reasons it pays to clean and restore your handbag—particularly now we're all much more than aware of the impact discarding unwanted items to landfill has on the environment," says Staerck.

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Prices were accurate at the fourth dimension this article was published but may change over fourth dimension.