How To Clean a Leather Purse Properly So It Lasts a Lifetime

A leather purse is an investment that will last for years if cleaned and treated correctly.

Mary Marlowe Leverette has over four decades of experience and has been writing and consulting for more than 20 years sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, stain removal methods, and textile conservation.

• Skill Level: Beginner

Knowing how to clean your leather purse can be the difference between it making a statement or going unnoticed. Think about a Birkin, Dior Saddle Bag, or quilted Chanel. Even if your leather bag doesn't have a high-profile provenance, it is still an investment that will last for years if you clean it and care for it correctly.

Leather is porous and can easily absorb dirt and oils, Fortunately, most leather purses are easy to clean and condition to keep them supple to prevent cracking. Here are the tips you need to clean a leather purse and remove scuffs, dirt, oil, and ink stains.

Considerations Before You Get Started

While leather is simple to clean with leather cleaning solution or even mild dish soap, you need to avoid a few things. First, don't use too much water, as over-saturating can damage the leather. Also, make sure the cleaning solution you've chosen doesn't have ammonia or bleach—these will also damage the leather.

As with any garment or accessory, check the bag's label for care instructions before you begin. The manufacturer may have specific guidelines for their products. Also, check for stains before you start cleaning, as they're easier to address before you begin cleaning.

How Often to Clean a Leather Bag

The biggest factor in determining how often to clean your bag should be how often you carry it. If you carry it every day, it's a good practice to wipe it down weekly with a damp cloth. Do a more thorough cleaning about once a month to ensure it stays in good shape.

If you tend to switch bags frequently or if it's a bag you only use seasonally, you can get away with cleaning it every three to six months. Again, this depends on how often you use the bag—more frequent usage means it needs more frequent (and thorough) cleaning.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

• Lint roller or handheld vacuum
• Microfiber cloths
• Small bowl

Materials

• Leather cleaner or Castile soap
• Leather conditioner
• Metal polish (optional)
• Mild dishwashing liquid
• Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
• Matching shoe polish
• Cotton swabs
• Talcum powder or cornstarch
• Cream of tartar
• Lemon juice

Instructions

Empty Your Purse

• Open all zippers and compartments.
• Take out everything.
• Shake the empty purse over a trashcan to dislodge dust and debris.

Clean the Lining

• If possible, pull the inner lining to the outside of the bag. If not possible, leave it inside and follow these cleaning steps.
• Use a lint roller or handheld vacuum to remove dust and debris in the compartments. Pay extra attention to the stitched seams.
• Mix a soapy solution of warm water and a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid in a small bowl.
• Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring until it is not dripping.
• Gently scrub the lining with extra attention to heavily soiled areas.
• Rinse the cloth in plain water and wipe down the lining to remove any soapy residue.
• Allow the lining to air dry.

If there is no fabric lining, simply vacuum out the bag and wipe the interior with a damp microfiber cloth to trap dust and dirt on the leather.

Clean the Leather Exterior

• Some commercial leather cleaners are mixed with water, while others are not. Follow the directions on the product label.
• If using Castile soap, mix with warm water and dip a microfiber cloth in the solution. Wring until the cloth is just damp.
• Using the cleaner, gently wipe down the entire purse from top to bottom.
• Rinse the microfiber cloth often as the soil is transferred.
  

Never use harsh cleaning products on leather, including bacterial wipes, ammonia, or alcohol-based cleaners.

Buff the Leather

When the leather is clean, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff it dry. Work in gentle circles across all the surfaces.

Clean Metal Closures and Adornments

• Dip a cotton swab in metal polish and apply it to the metal.
• Place a cloth under the metal to protect the leather while you are cleaning. The metal polish can discolor the leather.
• Use a soft cloth to remove soil and tarnish and buff the metal to a shine.
• Use a gentle touch because most of the hardware is plated metal that can disappear under vigorous scrubbing.

Condition the Leather

• Apply a commercial leather conditioner to the outside of the bag to provide some stain resistance and keep the leather soft and flexible.
• Follow the label's application directions.

You can create a DIY leather conditioner with distilled white vinegar and linseed oil. Mix two parts of linseed oil and one part of vinegar. Dampen a soft cloth with the mixture and apply it to the leather. Allow the solMove ution to soak into the leather for 15 minutes, then buff dry with a clean cloth. Please note that linseed oil can cause the leather to darken after application.

How to Remove Stains From a Leather Purse

The sooner you treat stains on a leather purse, the easier they are to remove. After spot-cleaning any type of stain, let the leather dry and re-condition the area.

Ink: Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Start at the outside edge of the ink stain and work toward the center. Use a fresh swab as the ink is transferred from the bag. Work slowly until all of the ink is gone.

Oily Stain: Sprinkle a thick layer of talcum powder or cornstarch on the oily spot. Let it sit for at least eight hours and brush off the powder. Repeat until all of the oil is absorbed.

Red Wine: In a small bowl, mix equal parts cream of tartar and lemon juice. Apply the paste to the leather, allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and then wipe it off. Repeat if necessary.

Scuff Mark: Use a small amount of matching shoe polish to buff out the scuff mark. If you can't find a matching polish, use some leather conditioner to help hide the mark.

How to Make a Leather Purse Last Longer

• Keep makeup and pens in separate waterproof zipper bags to prevent stains.
• Some luxury handbag companies, such as Chanel, Mulberry, and Givenchy, will provide complimentary repairs within a year of purchase.
• Never store leather handbags in plastic bags that can trap moisture and cause white leather to turn yellow. Use a cotton bag or pillowcase to let the leather breathe to keep it flexible and prevent dust from settling on the leather.
• Stuff purses with tissue paper or cotton socks or tees when not in use so they keep their shape.
• Don't hang purses from hooks; store them upright or flat so the handles aren't under constant stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patent leather is real leather with a lacquered finish. Simply clean with a damp cloth to remove dust and soil. For scuff marks, lightly rub them away with a pink artist's eraser. Finish cleaning by buffing with a soft, dry cloth.

Patent leather is real leather with a lacquered finish. Simply clean with a damp cloth to remove dust and soil. For scuff marks, lightly rub them away with a pink artist's eraser. Finish cleaning by buffing with a soft, dry cloth.

To repair a ripped leather purse, it's best to take it to a leather repair professional. Leather repair can be tricky, so if you don't want any permanent, visible blemishes, professionals are the way to go. Shoe repair shops have the tools to repair leather, so your local one can likely repair a leather purse. Some higher-end companies like Hermes, Givenchy, or Chanel have mail-in services that will repair their bags within the first year after purchase.

If you have a minor tear you'd like to fix yourself, or if your purse straps are fraying (a frequent problem with leather purses), you can usually find a repair kit at your local craft store.