- Essential Tools & Products For Cleaning Leather Bags
- Step-By-Step Guide: How To Clean Leather Bags At Home
- Tackling Stains On Leather Bags
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Leather Bags
- How Often Should Leather Bags Be Cleaned?
- Understanding Different Leather Types & Their Cleaning Tips
- How To Keep White Leather Bags From Yellowing?
- When To Seek Professional Cleaning
A Complete Step-By-Step Guide: How to Clean Leather Bags
- Essential Tools & Products For Cleaning Leather Bags
- Step-By-Step Guide: How To Clean Leather Bags At Home
- Tackling Stains On Leather Bags
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Leather Bags
- How Often Should Leather Bags Be Cleaned?
- Understanding Different Leather Types & Their Cleaning Tips
- How To Keep White Leather Bags From Yellowing?
- When To Seek Professional Cleaning
Leather bags are favoured for their luxurious aesthetic and durability. While most of us know that cleaning our leather bags regularly would keep them in good condition and prolong their useful life, not many of us would know exactly how to care for them at home. Some of us may also fear that incorrect cleaning methods may do more harm than good.
In this article, we present a step-by-step guide on how to clean your leather bags thoroughly and safely. From the tools and products that you would need for at-home cleaning to how to tackle different types of stains and the common mistakes to avoid, this guide will answer all the questions you have about the cleaning of leather bags.
Essential Tools & Products For Cleaning Leather Bags
Before you start cleaning your leather bag, gather the essential tools and products to make the process easier. This will ensure you can clean your leather bag smoothly and safely.
Here is a list of items you will need when following our step-by-step guide on how to clean a leather bag:
- Lint roller
- Three soft, white cloths
- Mild soap or leather cleaner
- Cotton bud
- Metal polish
- Leather conditioner
Step-By-Step Guide: How To Clean Leather Bags At Home
Follow this step-by-step guide to clean your leather bags safely at home.
Step 1: Empty the contents of your leather bag
Make sure you check every pocket and compartment and remove everything. Turn the bag upside
down
and gently shake it to
dislodge any dust or dirt.
Step 2: Clean the interior of your leather bag
If you have a handheld vacuum that is small and narrow enough to fit through the opening of
your
leather bag, use it to
clean its interior.
Alternatively, pull the interior lining out and use a lint roller on the fabric. If there
are
any spots or stains, use a
damp cloth to gently wipe them away. Let it air-dry before returning the lining inside.
Step 3: Wipe down the surface of your leather bag
Using a dry microfibre cloth, wipe down the exterior of your leather bag to remove any
superficial dust or dirt.
Step 4: Prepare a soap solution
You can use a professional leather cleaner, but if you do not have one on hand, water and
soap
work just as well. Mix
warm water with a small amount of mild soap to create a basic cleaning solution. Avoid using
hot
water or aggressive
soap as they can damage the leather.
Step 5: Clean the exterior of your leather bag
Dampen a soft, clean cloth with the solution and wring out any excess water before wiping
down
the entire surface of
your leather bag. Use a white cloth to prevent colour transfer.
Step 6: Dry your leather bag
Using another dry, clean cloth, wipe away any excess moisture on the leather. Let the bag
air-dry overnight before
conditioning the leather (Step 8). Do not use heat sources like hair dryers to dry your
leather
bag.
Step 7: Clean the hardware
Dip a cotton bud into metal polish and swab it around the metal hardware like clasps and
zippers
to clean them. Be
careful to avoid touching the leather as it could stain or damage the leather.
Step 8: Condition your leather bag
Use a leather conditioner to hydrate your leather bag and keep it supple. Follow
instructions
provided by the
manufacturer of the leather conditioner, but, as a rule of thumb, apply leather conditioner
to a
soft cloth and buff in
a circular motion.
Once again, let the leather air-dry overnight to ensure the bag is completely dry before
storing
it.
Step 9: Store your leather bag properly
Store your leather bag upright in a dust bag to keep it pristine. If you do not have a dust
bag,
keep it in a cool, dark
place, away from sunlight to prevent premature aging of the leather.
Tackling Stains On Leather Bags
Since leather bags are durable enough to withstand everyday use, it’s normal that they are occasionally stained. With proper care and maintenance, these can be removed so you can continue using your leather bags. Depending on the type of stain, there are specific ways to handle and treat them.
Ink stains
Ink stains might be the most stubborn type of stain, but one effective method of removal is with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Rub the swab gently in circular motions over the stain before leaving it to air-dry naturally. If your stain is in a visible place, it is advisable that you test this method on a less visible part of the bag first, as alcohol could potentially dry out or discolour your leather. After the removal is done, apply a leather conditioner to the affected area to restore its moisture and suppleness.
Water stains
Water spills or splatters that are left to dry without interference can leave imprints on your leather bag or cause discolouration. It is advised that when water gets on your bag, you should attempt to dry it upon contact. If that is not possible, any excess moisture should be dabbed at with a cloth, and the bag should be left to dry on its own. To help restore the leather, a leather conditioner should be applied and massaged into the leather in small, circular motions with a microfibre cloth. Older water stains can still be removed with commercial leather cleaners. To help prevent future water marks and stains, you can go a step further and finish with a waterproofing spray or wax.
Oil & Grease stains
When handling oil and grease stains, water should never be applied to them. Instead, act quickly to wipe the oil or grease off with a clean, dry microfibre cloth or paper towel. To further draw out any excess oil or grease that may have seeped into the leather, sprinkle cornstarch, baking soda or talcum powder on the spot and leave it on overnight. If a stain remains, you can treat it with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar rubbed gently in with a cloth.
Mud/Dirt stains
If wet mud has gotten on your bag, wipe off the excess with a damp cloth carefully without applying too much pressure. This prevents the mud from being rubbed too deeply into the leather. When dealing with dried mud or dirt, use a soft bristle brush instead to remove as much of it as possible. If needed, you may proceed to wipe the area with a damp cloth dipped in leather cleaning solution before leaving it to dry. As with other types of stains, it is best to finish off with a coat of leather conditioner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Leather Bags
To keep your leather bags in a pristine and usable condition, caring for them in the right way is crucial to prevent and minimise damage. Here are some common mistakes you may be making and why they should be avoided:
- Using too much water. While most people believe that water can remove stains, using too much water can worsen stains and even cause mould to develop. As a general rule of thumb, instead of letting water come in contact with your leather bag directly, a damp cloth should be used to wipe the surface. Leather-specific cleaners are the more appropriate choice for stain removal and general maintenance.
- Using harsh chemicals and soaps. Leather may be durable, but using harsh chemicals and soaps that contain alcohol and other abrasive solvents on it will cause damage. These chemicals strip away the natural oils on the leather’s surface, which dries the leather out and potentially causes discolouration. Opting for dedicated leather cleaners and conditioners would be the safest bet.
- Scrubbing too aggressively. When leather is scrubbed too abrasively, it might leave scratches on the surface, cause cracks, and potentially strip away its natural oils. Only soft materials should be used, which includes microfibre cloths and soft-bristle brushes. Generally, the cleaning and conditioning of leather should be done in gentle, circular motions.
- Using heat to dry. When leather is exposed to heat, there may be different types of adverse effects. Heating leather will cause it to dry out, which makes the leather turn stiff and brittle. It can also cause the leather’s dye to fade or change colour, which affects its appearance. It is advisable that leather should be left to air dry on its own.
- Cleaning with regular wet wipes. Regular wipes typically contain harsh chemicals that may cause your leather to peel and crack, especially with repeated use. Leather should be cleaned with the appropriate cleaners, or water and mild soap in a pinch.
- Using too much leather conditioner. While conditioning is necessary in the upkeep of your leather, over-conditioning can trap oils and moisture. This can lead to a tacky, sticky texture. Since leather is porous, it should be allowed to breathe – aim to use a thin, even layer of conditioner, only when it’s needed.
How Often Should Leather Bags Be Cleaned?
When it comes to the question of how often you should clean your leather bags, this ultimately comes down to personal preference in addition to how often you use your bags and the type of environment your bags are exposed to.
As a general guide:
- For frequently used bags, it is good to clean them at least once a month. If your bag tends to get easily dirty, you may consider doing a light wipe-down with a dry microfiber cloth to remove surface-level dirt and dust daily, or as often as required.
- For lesser-used bags, consider cleaning them every 3 to 6 months.
- Remove any stains and spills immediately to prevent any permanent damage
- Lastly, do consider applying leather conditioner on your bags every few months. This will help maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent them from drying out. (When choosing a leather conditioner, it is important to make sure that it is suitable for the bag’s specific leather type.)
Understanding Different Leather Types & Their Cleaning Tips
While the general guide above can help to keep most genuine leather bags in a good-to-pristine condition, with so many different types of leather, there is truly no one-size-fits-all cleaning method — specific leathers require specific cleaning methods. Most importantly, it is best to follow the recommended instructions given by the brand’s leather care guide, if any.
Full grain leather
The highest grade of leather, full grain leather is prized for its natural grain and texture where the outermost layer has not been removed. Full-grain leather is extremely durable (due to it having the strongest bonds). In fact, it gets more attractive with use, developing a beautiful patina over time. The key to caring for full grain leather bags is a light touch with gentle cleaning products.
- Avoid using harsh solvents or chemicals as they could affect the colour, strength and texture of the leather
- Do use a soft microfiber cloth dipped in warm water and mild soap and gently clean the bag to remove dirt and stains (do not scrub!)
- Use a leather cream or conditioner to keep the leather hydrated and supple
Top grain leather
The second highest grade of leather, top grain leather is made by sanding or buffing the top, outermost layer which removes blemishes to create a smooth and even finish. Due to this, top grain leather is slightly thinner than full grain leather and it is also more susceptible to scratch marks and stains.
- Do clean your bag as needed and condition it with a leather conditioner once or twice a year. This is to prevent the leather from drying out and cracking while maintaining its suppleness and protecting it from stains.
Genuine leather
While not the finest of leathers as compared to the two types mentioned above, it is a more affordable grade of leather that has been buffed to remove any natural imperfections. It is also the most common type of leather used in bags and shoes, as well as accessories like belts. Regular cleaning and leather conditioning with gentle products will help keep your bags in pristine condition.
- It is important to only clean your genuine leather bags when necessary. Over-cleaning them can potentially strip away the leather’s natural oils, leading it to dry out.
Suede leather
Characterised by a soft, smooth and almost velvet-like texture, suede is a high-quality leather made from the inner side of the animal hide. Due to its softness and relaxed construction, suede bags are also less durable than top-grain leather and require higher maintenance.
- To remove dirt: Use a clean and dry cloth to wipe down the bag gently. Ensure the cloth does not have any lint.
- To remove stains: Use a thick cloth and mild soapy water. Ensure the cloth is only slightly damp (too much moisture is damaging to suede) and gently wipe the bag. Other simple cleaning agents like plain white vinegar and rubbing alcohol are also great for removing stains.
- For tough and stubborn stains: Use a special suede brush specifically designed to remove hard dirt and stains and brush gently and in one direction back and forth (do not brush in circles). Doing this will also help to prevent matting and maintain its softness.
Patent leather
Instantly recognisable by its high-shine, glossy finish — which is achieved by applying a special coating over the leather to give it that smooth and reflective sheen — patent leather requires special care and attention to prevent it from losing its lustre.
- It is important to use specific patent leather conditioner which specifically targets shine — any other type of leather condition can damage the lacquer layer of the bag.
- Avoid applying the conditioner directly on your bag as the solvent might be too strong and end up damaging the bag, leaving spots that are impossible to remove.
- Always do a test spot on a small and inconspicuous area of your bag!
- For regular maintenance: a microfiber cloth dipped in mild soap and water is all you need. Daily or weekly cleaning is not necessary for patent leather bags.
How To Keep White Leather Bags From Yellowing?
If you have ever owned a white bag, you would know that yellowing is a major issue with them. The causes of this yellowing are as follows:
- Exposure to sunlight — UV rays break down the chemicals in leather, resulting in a yellow tint
- Oxidation — leather oxidises when it interacts with air and yellow compounds are formed
- Heat and humidity — high temperature and humidity breaks down the leather’s surface, causing yellowing
- Material sensitivity — certain types of leather are more prone to yellowing due to their unique coatings
- Improper storage — poor ventilation can lead to discolouration and yellowing
By understanding why white bags become yellow, you can take steps to prevent this from happening. Careful maintenance and avoiding certain situations can help to prolong the pristine condition of your white bags. Here are five ways to prevent white bags from yellowing:
- Keep white bags away from direct sunlight
- Store white bags in cool, dry places and avoid hot, humid areas
- Clean white bags regularly, every couple of weeks, with a soft cloth and water
- Allow white bags to dry completely after cleaning or exposure to moisture
- Apply a leather lotion regularly to protect white bags from dust, stains and other environmental stressors
When To Seek Professional Cleaning
While it is important to routinely clean and maintain our leather bags at home by ourselves, it is also crucial to know when to send them for professional cleaning to prevent irreparable damage and prolong their useful lives. To determine whether a leather bag requires professional cleaning, carefully evaluate its condition. If it is marked by deep stains, discolouration, cracks and other signs of severe wear, specialised leather cleaning would definitely be advisable.
The biggest advantage of DIY bag cleaning is its low cost. While you may need to buy some leather cleaner and conditioner, it is unlikely to be as expensive as having your bag cleaned by an expert. Moreover, sending your bag for professional cleaning may make it unavailable for use for days, even weeks. Cleaning it at home means that it would remain on hand and in your style rotation.
However, professional bag cleaning services offer much more than a wipe-down and a quick dust-off. Professional bag cleaners have specialised knowledge, tools and technology — their treatment methods are impossible to replicate at home. In addition to deep cleaning, many professional bag cleaners also offer repair and restoration services that would bring back some, if not all, of your bag’s former glory. After you bag has been cleaned professionally, you can also opt for an innovative high-tech protective coating that will prevent future damage. If you are dealing with stubborn stains or dulled finishes and hardware, a professional cleaner would be able to reverse these wear-and-tear signs with stain removal and metal polishing techniques.
In short, if your leather bag holds significant sentimental or monetary value, regular professional cleaning would be a worthy investment — entrusting it to experts will help to keep it in optimal condition for many years.
Routine cleaning of your leather bags may come across as a chore, but they go a long way in keeping your favourite carriers in good condition. If you wish to use a bag for a long time, regular care and maintenance at home is a must — with the right tools, products and know-how, at-home bag cleaning can be quick and fuss-free. Prevention is also better that treatment, so avoiding certain aggravating situations and proper storage are also key to the maintenance of leather bags. It is also advisable to send your leather bags for professional cleaning when the need arises, such as when they sustain deep stains or display signs of severe wear.
We hope that this article has been useful to you and will help you keep your leather bags as pristine as possible for years to come.