How to Clean Leather Bags at Home Step-By-Step Guide

Our Leather bags are the most classic and luxurious accessory that adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit. And not only are they classy looking but, they also offer maximum space and keep your valuables safe from water.

So in order to make your bag last long you should also know How to Clean Leather Bags at Home as it can be very expensive when you ask a professional to help with it. So, in this blog, we'll help you learn How to Clean Leather Bags at Home and show you a Step-By-Step Guide.

Before we begin the cleaning procedure, it's important to understand the properties of leather. Leather is a natural material that requires specific care to retain its quality and look. Full-grain, top-grain, and genuine leather each have their own set of qualities and maintenance requirements. If you're unclear about the sort of leather in your bag, always contact the manufacturer's care recommendations or a specialist.

Leather Bags Cleaning Guide

Taking care of your leather bag involves more than just a quick wipe. A thorough cleaning routine helps preserve its beauty and durability. Let's get into the essentials of maintaining your leather bag.

Also Read : Is Leather Water Proof ?

Things You Need for Cleaning Leather Bags at Home

Gather the following items before you embark on the cleaning process:

1. Mild Soap or Leather Cleaner : Ensure it's suitable for leather to avoid damage.

2. Distilled Water : Soften the water's mineral content to prevent residue.

3. Soft Cloths or Sponges : Use these for gentle cleaning and wiping.

4. Leather Conditioner : Helps restore moisture and keep the leather supple.

5. Soft Brush or Toothbrush : Ideal for removing loose dirt and reaching crevices.

1. Cotton Swabs : Perfect for addressing stubborn stains with precision.

2. Towel : For drying the bag after cleaning

Step-By-Step Guide to Clean Leather Bags

Step 1: Clean away dirt and debris:

Wipe your luggage down with a clean towel to remove particles and dirt.

Do not use the same cloth for leather cleaning before washing it.

Step 2: Clean the inside linings:

Check all of the pockets to ensure there is nothing inside the bag.

Finally, flip the lining inside out.

Shake firmly to remove crumbs and debris.

Use a lint roller to remove lint from the fabric of the inside lining.

Then, rinse a sponge in lukewarm soapy water and use it to clean off your bag's interior lining.

Pull the inner lining back and insert a clean towel inside the bag. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes to absorb any excess moisture.

Step 3: Remove mould and mildew:

When the leather absorbs moisture, mould and mildew might form. They also give off an unpleasant smell.

Combine a half cup white vinegar with 1 quarter gallon water and 2 teaspoons baking soda.

Mix these components together, then pour the solution into a spray bottle and shake for about 30 seconds to fizz.

Sprinkle this solution on any locations where mould and mildew have grown until they are wet.

Allow the leather to rest for 2-3 minutes before wiping away any remaining residue with a clean (preferably white) towel.

Allow the bag to air-dry overnight.

Step 4: Remove the spots:

Before washing the entire bag at once, remove any stains. Choose the appropriate stain remover for each type of stain. 

Apply the stain remover to the affected area, massage gently, and then wipe away the residue with a clean cloth. 

To remove certain difficult stains, you may need to repeat the process, or you may seek assistance from professional dry cleaners.

Step 5: Prepare a leather cleaning solution:

Mix equal parts dish soap and warm water to make a homemade leather cleaning. 

A half cup of this solution can clean a medium-sized tote bag. If you like, you can go to a store or you can also purchase a leather cleaner online.

Step 6: Apply the solution to the bag:

Dip a clean cloth in the cleaning solution and apply it to the whole external surface of your bag. 

While doing this make sure to be careful and to cover the entire bag. It is preferable to apply it in small portions rather than to the entire bag at once.

Step 7: Apply the solution to the leather:

After applying the solution, gently rub it in a circular motion. You should never use force while cleaning leather. This may cause long-term harm to the leather fibers.

Step 8: Wipe off the leftover solution:

Next, use a clean wet towel to wipe off the leather cleaning solution. 

Step 9: Dry the leather bag:

Finally, dry the bag with a clean towel or a microfiber fabric. 

Avoid using colourful clothes since they could spill into moist leather. 

After that, let your leather bag air dry overnight before using it.

Step 10: Condition the leather bag:

Conditioning is just as vital as leather cleaning since leather is a natural fibre and is prone to stiffness or brittleness without sufficient nutrition. 

To keep your bag in good condition, apply a leather conditioner to the exterior skin, including the straps.

Also Read : Leather Care Tips & Instructions For Leather Bags & Accessories

How to Remove Stains from Leather Bags

Let's go through how to remove some of the most frequent stains from your leather bag:

Oil: Baking soda or cornflour -

Oil stains are not limited to pure oils like cooking oil or grease. Stains coming from food and make-up products may include oil, which may be removed using baking soda or cornflour. Both absorb oil, which aids in deep stain removal.

You can use 1 tablespoon of baking soda or cornflour. If the stain is distributed over a big area, use more baking soda or cornflour. The idea is to sprinkle the substance all over the stain. Sprinkle any of them over the stain and gently massage them with a moist cloth. After removing the stain, use a microfiber towel to wipe away the solution.

Wine: Vinegar or Baking Soda -

Wine stains are the most difficult to remove. Use baking soda or vinegar. You may need to repeat the technique outlined later in this section 2-3 times. If your bag's inside lining is leather too, avoid getting it too wet, since it might become fragile.

Dust or blackness: Cream of tartar with lemon juice – 

This applies to any dark stain. The majority of them are caused by dirt or dust that has been collected over time. Combine one tablespoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of cream of tartar.

If the solution is insufficient to cover the soiled area, add more. Make sure to maintain the proportions of each component exactly the same. Apply the paste on the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then remove the paste with a moist towel. Allow the bag to air-dry.

Nail Polish: Baby wipes or nail polish remover - 

Baby wipes help in only removing fresh nail polish spots. Apply nail polish remover on a cotton swab and wipe the spot. Rubbing always carries the danger of making the stain worse, so don't rub it. Once the stain has been removed, clean the area with a moist towel. Allow it to air dry.

Watermarks: Distilled water – 

Has water spilled on your bag? It may leave a white ring behind as it evaporates. As a result, you should clean up any spilled water immediately. Later on, simply dip a clean white cloth in distilled water and wipe the stain in a circular motion until it disappears.

Ink: Rubbing alcohol – 

Because ink stains are difficult to remove, you may need to treat them 2-3 times. Rubbing Alcohol is an effective stain remover, but it is also a drying and oxidizing agent. So, you need to use extra caution or risk damaging your luggage.

The amount of alcohol should be sufficient to cover the discolouration only. Always use a lesser proportion of alcohol, such as 50%, and combine it with water. For example, to make a 10 ml solution, combine 5 ml of water and 5 % of alcohol.

You can use a cloth to apply and dab alcohol onto the discolouration. Continue blotting until the stain disappears. Then wipe with a wet towel. To dry the bag, use a clean microfiber cloth or towel.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning and conditioning your leather bag at home not only keeps it looking good but also extends its life. Following this thorough step-by-step tutorial will ensure that your investment in a premium leather bag becomes a timeless piece that compliments your style. Take care of it, and it will join you on many adventures with grace and elegance.