As far as purse materials go, it’s hard to go wrong with leather. On top of being soft to the touch and easy to style, leather can last a while.
Of course, this is only true if you know how to maintain your leather purse. As a natural material, leather is porous and easily absorbs oils and moisture. The best way to keep it intact and looking sharp is to clean it monthly.
Need some tips on leather purse care? Here’s a four-step guide on how to clean a leather purse the right way!
Prepare the Purse
Before you start cleaning your purse, take everything out of it. Empty the pockets, then open all clasps and zippers. Shake the purse upside down to dislodge any dirt, smaller items, and trash.
If the purse has a fabric lining, pull the interior lining out. Use a lint roller or a fabric brush to remove dust or crumbs. If your purse has no fabric lining, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the inside.
Finally, use a dry cloth to remove any surface dust from the exterior of your purse. When it comes to leather purse maintenance, dry-dusting can be a good habit to repeat every few days.
Wipe It Down
Next, buy a leather soap and add a few drops to a bowl of warm water. Dip in a soft white cloth, wring out excess moisture, then wipe down the outside of the purse. Use circular motion and work panel by panel.
After wiping the bag down, use a different white cloth to buff it dry. That will help prevent the pores of the leather from clogging. Once you buff the bag, the leather should start shining and feeling more supple.
Clean the Hardware
Use some brass cleaner or metal polish to brighten the purse’s hardware. Dip a cotton swab in the polish, then apply it to the metal. Again, bring the white cloth in to buff away any tarnish.
Keep in mind that most hardware is simply plated base metal. Since this metal can flake, it’s best to rub it as gently as you can. Make sure to keep the polish off the leather or fabric trim to avoid discoloration.
Condition the Purse
Once you clean a leather purse, all that’s left is to apply the conditioner. That will help the bag remain flexible and prevent it from drying out over time. For best results, condition your purse once or twice a year.
Get a commercial leather conditioner, then apply it to a white cloth. Rub a thin layer of it into the entire surface of your purse. After ensuring even coverage, get a dry cloth to buff the purse’s surface.
If you don’t use your purse every day, consider getting a pillow shaper to reinforce it. For example, this pillow shaper provides a sturdy base that will keep the bag from sagging.
More on How to Clean a Leather Purse
Once you’re used to it, cleaning a leather purse should only take a few minutes. That’s a small price to pay to ensure your purse looks like it was never used! Plus, it’s the best way to protect your investment.
Now you know how to clean a leather purse — but what about furniture? Keep reading our Lifestyle section to learn more about leather furniture cleaning!
