How to clean leather bags

When we buy a new hand bag there is this inexplainable joy that comes with it. Could be the fact that it’s a new acquisition, the fact that it may be a designer bag or we got a really good deal on it! Whether you bought your bag first hand or it is a second hand acquisition, it is important to take care of it because as you use it, it gets old due to exposure to the elements hence as time proceeds it begins to lose its sheen. Keeping your leather bag looking new and fresh need not be either expensive or time-consuming. Whether you use commercial products or make your own, cleaning and conditioning your leather bag(s) every three or four months will keep them looking new longer. (These tips apply for all leather items) 

Getting started:

You will need:

• Three soft cleaning cloths (dry)
• One soft sponge
• Mild liquid facial or body soap (such as Johnsons or Neutrogena)
• *Distilled water
• Bowl or small bucket
• Warm water
• Dry towel
• **Water-based leather conditioner (found in most leather clothing or furniture stores)

*  If you do not have any access to distilled water, boil water till boiling point and allow to cool and use this in place. It is important to use either boiled water or distilled water as normal tap water contains chlorine and other contaminants that may damage your leather bag.

** You can make your own leather conditioner if you don’t have access to the commercial products. Add one part vinegar with two parts virgin olive oil. Mix this in a lidded jar by adding the ingredients, closing the jar with the lid and shaking the jar vigorously.  

The Cleaning Process:

1.       Empty all contents from your bag.

2.     Open your bag wide, unzipping all interior pockets and turn it upside down, shaking vigorously to dislodge all loose dirt and debris.

3.     Wipe out the interior of the bag with a soft cleaning cloth (dry). (Where the inside of the bag is really dirty, wash it normally with detergent and water as per the cleaning direction. Be careful only to dip the inside of the bag in water to avoid contact with the leather)

4.       Mix a few drops of liquid soap with about two cups of distilled water, mixing until suds form.

5.       Dip your sponge or soft rag into the soapy water and wring out thoroughly, so that it is barely wet.

6.       Wipe the leather surface of the bag with the damp rag.

7.       Dry thoroughly with the towel, buffing as you go to restore luster.

8.      Buff the surface with the second dry clean rag to restore luster.

9.       Treat surface with the leather conditioner as per product instructions OR if using the home made product apply the solution to your leather bag with a clean cloth and let it set overnight, then buff your leather with a soft cloth.

Note: ALWAYS check the tags on your leather purse for manufacturer’s tips and suggestions with regard to cleaning. If the manufacturer’s advice contradicts anything contained in this article, ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.