How to Clean a Leather Bag Without Damaging Your Investment

There is just something timeless about a leather bag. Maybe it’s the supple feel of the full grain material. Or maybe it’s the smell that sparks a sense of adventure. Whatever it is, a leather bag begs to be used and admired.

That’s why caring for your leather properly is the key to its longevity. Bumps, scuffs, and dirt are inevitable along the way. But how you treat your bag in the wake of normal wear and tear can either help salvage it or send it straight to the landfill.

In this article, we will share some tips for how to clean a leather purse or bag safely and properly. With these insights, you’ll be able to ensure your investment lasts for trip after trip.

Things to Avoid

Let’s start with the elements that are likeliest to damage your leather bag.

As a rule, leather (and related materials like suede) do not like moisture. That’s because leather is extremely porous. When moisture penetrates leather’s porous surface, the material can dampen and eventually rot. Conversely, if dried after getting wet, the material can crack.

So, whatever you do, do not use water when cleaning your leather!

It’s also critical to avoid using household cleaners, bleach, or anything abrasive. This includes flushable and cleaning wipes, which often have cleansing additives. While fine on your home’s surfaces, these risk stripping the leather of its top layer. Gentle and specialized are best when it comes to cleaning leather.

Cleaning Leather Items, By Type of Issue

If your leather bag has become dirty or damaged, the problem is likely going to dictate the method you use to remedy it.

How to Remove Dust or Dirt from a Leather Bag

When it comes to dirt and dust, avoid using excess cleaning products that might mix with the debris. Instead, simply wipe with a dry cloth and then blow away any remaining loose debris. You can then condition the leather once clean.

How to Clean a Leather Purse That’s Water Damaged

Not all is lost if you get caught in the rain with your bag. Simply apply a small amount of leather conditioner to your bag and wipe dry after dabbing out the excess water from the bag. Real Simple has a list of the best leather cleaners and conditioners they’ve tested to restore leather.

How to Remove Pen Stains from a Leather Bag

Is there anything scarier than finding a blue, black, or red stain at the bottom of your bag? In these cases, it’s key to act quickly.

First, blot the stubborn stain using a rag or paper towel to absorb as much of the excess ink as possible. Next, use a specialized leather cleaner to work on the stain area.

But test first. Not all bag cleaner for leather will work equally, after all. This will help preventing stains from spreading and the leather from getting further damaged.

If the cleaning solution doesn’t work, dabbing a very small amount of rubbing alcohol on the area and then wiping dry may work. Once the stain is removed (or at least lessened), wipe the area clean and then condition to restore the leather.

How to Clean a White Leather Bag

White leather loves to get scuffed in everyday use. As long as the scuff hasn’t penetrated the leather, it can be remedied by reconditioning. If this fails, a magic eraser can work well. Also consider applying a white leather polish to types of leather that are a match.

Discover Leather Bags Worth Protecting

Any leather bag deserves to be treated well. But a great leather bag? That’s one for the ages. At bagdUp, we offer countless leather handbags, purses, and more for every kind of style. Browse our full collection and you’re sure to find something you’ll want to covet and protect for years to come.

Shop leather bags.