If You Cant Find A Colour You Need Let Us Know & We Can Make It!
Join Our Distribution Network Europe Or Worldwide > Contact us
Purses are not just functional accessories; they are often cherished companions that enhance our style and carry our daily essentials. Whether it's a classic leather handbag, a trendy crossbody, or a sophisticated clutch, a well-maintained leather purse can elevate any outfit and reflect our unique sense of fashion. Clean leather looks and smells fantastic, and we want you to enjoy this for as long as possible.
However, over time, our beloved purses can fall victim to stains and spills, which can significantly diminish their aesthetic appeal. The appearance of unsightly marks, grime, or a loss of colour can be disheartening, but fear not! With the right care and cleaning techniques, it is possible to restore your leather handbag to its former glory and make it look as good as new.
At The Leather Colour Doctor, we know the importance of a good leather purse, so we will delve into the step-by-step process of caring for and cleaning your leather bags effectively. By following these guidelines, you can extend the lifespan of your favourite purse, retain its pristine appearance, and continue enjoying its companionship for years to come.
Cleaning a genuine leather purse requires a few essential materials to ensure a safe and effective cleaning process. Here's a shopping list of items you'll need for effective leather cleaning:
Soft, lint-free cloths: These will be used for various cleaning and conditioning steps. Choose cloths made of microfibre or cotton, as they are gentle on leather surfaces and won't leave scratches or lint behind.
Mild soap: Choose a mild dish soap or a specialist leather cleaner that is formulated for cleaning leather. Avoid using harsh detergents or chemicals, as they can damage the leather.
Leather conditioner: Select a high-quality leather conditioner that is suitable for the type of leather your purse is made of. Leather conditioners help restore moisture, flexibility, and shine to the leather, preventing it from drying out and cracking.
A soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment: A soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment is useful for cleaning the interior lining of the purse or leather bag. This helps remove dust, dirt, and debris without causing damage. You can even use a lint roller, cotton ball, or fabric brush attachment if suitable.
Baking soda or odour-absorbing sachets: These can be used to combat odours that may be present inside the purse. Baking soda helps absorb unwanted smells while odour-absorbing sachets provide a fresh scent.
Patent leather conditioner or silicone-based protectant (as an optional purchase): If your purse is made of patent leather, you may consider using a patent leather conditioner or a silicone-based protectant to restore shine and protect the surface.
Other handy items when leather cleaning includes baby wipes and nail polish remover.
When you have the required cleaning materials, and a safe working space (with some cleaning materials, it is best to work in a well-ventilated area), please follow these steps to best clean leather handbags.
Before diving into the cleaning process, it's essential to determine the type of leather your purse is made of. Different leather types require specific cleaning methods to avoid damage.
Common types of leather used in purses include full-grain leather, top-grain leather, suede, nubuck, and patent leather purse. At The Leather Colour Doctor, we can help you clean suede, unfinished leather, and even plastic bags.
Begin the cleaning process by emptying your purse entirely. Remove all items, including coins, pens, makeup, and any other loose objects. This step allows you to access all areas of the purse and prevents damage or staining to the contents while cleaning leather handbags, or even a stylish weekend bag.
For leather cleaning, follow these steps:
This will restore shine to the patent leather and provide protection against future damage.
The inside of your purse can accumulate dirt, debris, and even odours over time. To clean the interior lining, start by turning the bag upside down and gently shaking out loose particles. If the lining is removable, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning. If it's not removable, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently remove dirt and dust.
For nasty smells, sprinkle baking soda or place an odour-absorbing sachet inside the purse for a few hours before vacuuming. Be cautious not to get the lining excessively wet, as this may cause damage or colour bleeding.
After cleaning, it's crucial to restore the moisture and suppleness of the leather by applying a suitable conditioner or saddle soap. Choose a conditioner specifically formulated for the type of leather your purse is made of.
Apply a small amount of conditioner, just a few drops, onto a soft cloth and gently rub it into the leather in circular motions. Ensure you cover the entire surface, paying extra attention to areas that tend to dry out quickly, such as handles and corners.
Allow the conditioner to be absorbed into the leather, following the manufacturer's recommended time, and then wipe off any excess conditioner with a cloth. Some people add a leather protector at this time, which is a helpful stain-resistant solution to minimise surface dirt and stains.
Cleaning your leather purse doesn't always require specialist products. In fact, you can effectively clean it using common household items. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean your leather bag with household items:
Prepare a gentle cleaning solution: Mix a small amount of mild liquid soap or dishwashing detergent with warm water in a bowl. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the leather.
Test the cleaning solution: Before applying the solution to the entire purse, test it on a small, inconspicuous area. Dampen a cloth or cotton ball with the solution and rub it on the test spot. Check for any adverse reactions such as discoloration or damage. If there are no issues, you can proceed with cleaning the rest of the purse.
Clean the exterior: Dip a soft cloth, sponge, cotton swab, or moist towel into the cleaning solution and wring out any excess moisture. Gently wipe the entire exterior surface of the purse, focusing on areas with dirt, stains, or spills. Use gentle circular motions to lift the dirt without rubbing it too hard. Take care not to saturate the leather with excessive moisture.
Remove stubborn stains: For stubborn stains, create a paste by mixing baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stained area and dab the leather surface using a cloth or toothbrush. Let the paste sit on the stain for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean, wet cloth.
Clean the interior: Empty the contents of the purse and turn it upside down to remove any loose debris. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently clean the interior lining, removing dust and particles. If necessary, wipe the interior with a soft, wet cloth.
Rinse and dry: Dampen a clean cloth with plain water and wipe away any soap residue from the exterior of the purse. Make sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution. Then, use a dry, lint-free cloth to gently pat the leather dry. Avoid exposing the purse to direct heat sources or sunlight, as they can cause the leather to dry out or fade.
Don't be tempted to rush the drying process, let the bag dry naturally if you can. If you have a luxury handbag, you want to give it every chance of looking at its best again.
Conditioning (optional): After cleaning, you may choose to apply a conditioner to replenish moisture and restore the leather's natural oils. All you need is a few drops, apply it with a soft cloth, and buff it into the leather bag.
Before you know it, you'll have clean leather you love.
To clean a leather purse strap, follow these simple steps:
Stains can be a common occurrence on leather bags, but with the right approach, they can be effectively tackled.
When removing ink stains, dab a cotton swab or a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol or non-acetone nail polish remover. Gently blot the ink stain, taking care not to spread it further, which often happens when removing stains. Continue until the ink stain is lifted. Clean the area with leather cleaners and apply a leather conditioner afterward.
For scuffs, lightly rub the scuffed area with a pencil eraser or a wet cloth dipped in a small amount of baking soda mixed with water. Gently buff the scuff until it diminishes. Clean and condition the leather bag to restore its appearance. If you're interested in learning more, feel free to check our article on "How To Remove Ink From Leather".
To quickly and effectively deal with grease stains on a leather bag, please follow these steps:
If the stain persists, repeat the process or use a leather-specific degreaser, available online or from fabric and craft stores. Clean and condition the leather afterward.
With wine and noticeable liquid stains, it is vital you act quickly and gently blot the spilled liquid with a clean, absorbent cloth to remove as much moisture as possible.
Mix a mild soap solution using water and a small amount of liquid soap or dishwashing detergent. Dampen a soft cloth with the soap solution and gently clean the stained area, working from the outside toward the centre to prevent spreading. Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe away any soapy residue.
Pat dry with a cloth and allow the leather to air dry naturally. Apply a leather conditioner once dry.
With jeans or denim stains on your leather purse, please follow these steps:
Sometimes your purse picks up nasty smells, and it can make using the item an unpleasant activity. Thankfully, there is a simple process to removing nasty smells and bad odours from your purse:
Please follow these steps to get rid of mould from your leather bag:
If the mould persists or the leather is severely affected, it is recommended to seek professional assistance.
If you store makeup in your bag, lipstick, and foundation stains are common problems to deal with. If you are managing these problems or even water spillages, please consider the following points:
Cleaning your leather purse regularly is crucial for maintaining its beauty and extending its lifespan. However, the frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, such as the level of use, the environment, and the type of leather. For more information, you can check out our post "How To Clean Leather Bags".
Here are some guidelines to help you determine how often you should clean your leather bag:
It's recommended to perform light cleaning on your leather handbag at least once every two to three weeks. This involves gently wiping the surface with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust, dirt, and any surface residue. Light cleaning helps prevent buildup and keeps your purse looking fresh.
Spot cleaning should be done whenever you notice stains or spills on your leather purse. It's essential to address stains promptly to prevent them from setting in and becoming more challenging to remove. Use suitable cleaning methods for specific stains, as mentioned in the previous sections. Regularly inspect your purse for any marks or stains that require attention.
Deep cleaning should be performed every three to six months, depending on the level of use and the condition of your leather bag. Deep cleaning involves a more thorough cleaning process to remove ingrained dirt, and oil buildup, and to rejuvenate the leather.
Consider performing more intensive cleaning and maintenance on your leather bags at the start or end of each season. This is an excellent opportunity to give your purse a more thorough cleaning, inspect it for any damage or wear, and apply a conditioner to keep your leather bags nourished and protected.
If you live in a particularly dusty or humid environment, you may need to clean your leather purse more frequently. Dust and humidity can affect the leather's appearance and integrity, so regular cleaning and conditioning can help mitigate these effects.
Conditioning your leather purse is an essential step in its care routine to keep the leather nourished, supple, and protected. However, the frequency of conditioning depends on various factors, including the type of leather, the level of use, and the climate.
Here are some guidelines to help you determine how often you should condition your leather bag or purse:
General Rule: As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to condition your leather purse every three to six months. This time frame provides adequate moisture and protection to the leather without overloading it with conditioner.
Light-Coloured or Dry Leather: If your leather purse is light-coloured or tends to dry out quickly, you may need to condition it more frequently. Light-coloured leather, like white leather, is more susceptible to showing signs of dryness, so conditioning every two to three months can help maintain its appearance and prevent cracking or fading.
Heavy Use: If you use your leather purse frequently or expose it to harsh elements, such as extreme heat or cold, it is advisable to condition it more often. Frequent use and exposure to environmental factors can strip the leather of its natural oils, making it more prone to drying out. In such cases, conditioning every two to three months or even monthly can help replenish the moisture and maintain the leather's quality.
Dry Climate: If you live in a dry climate, where the air lacks humidity, leather purses are more likely to dry out. Conditioning your leather purse every two to three months can help counteract the effects of the dry environment and keep the leather hydrated.
Seasonal Maintenance: Consider conditioning your leather purse at the beginning or end of each season as part of seasonal maintenance. This allows you to provide extra care and protection to the leather, especially when transitioning between different weather conditions. If your unfinished leather or finished leather purse sits in direct sunlight a lot, it might need additional care.
Leather Assessment: Regularly assess the condition of your leather purse. If you notice signs of dryness, stiffness, or a loss of lustre, it may be an indication that your purse needs conditioning before the recommended time frame. Trust your judgement and condition the leather when necessary.
By following the step-by-step instructions for cleaning leather, you can effectively clean your leather purse and address various stains and spills. Remember, prevention is key, so regular maintenance and proper storage can help minimise the need for intensive activity when you clean leather bags.
However, if you encounter any challenging stains, or deep-seated issues, or require further assistance with leather bag or purse care, don't hesitate to reach out to The Leather Colour Doctor. We’re here to provide expert advice and support for all your leather-related concerns, including showing you how to clean a leather bag, even with tough stains.
Contact us for tailored guidance and let us help you keep your leather bags, purses, and other leather products in pristine condition.
