How to Clean a Leather Purse

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Leather is an expensive, but durable material, and so, leather goods are preferred all over the world. But cleaning and taking care of leather items, including leather purses can be a bit difficult. So, here are some simple tips on cleaning a leather purse.

Leather items are always highly valued for their elegant and fashionable look. But they can be a bit difficult to maintain, as mold and mildews can easily develop on leather goods, especially if they are stored in a damp place.

Leather is an expensive material that needs to be cleaned with care. The use of inappropriate cleaners and methods can damage the color and the appearance of your beautiful leather purse. So, find out some useful tips on cleaning leather.

Removing Stains from Leather Purse

For cleaning really expensive leather items, it is always better to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer regarding cleaning and the use of different cleaning products.

You can use a very mild soap or liquid soap to clean your leather purse safely. First, make a soapy solution by adding a small portion of the soap to one or two cups of water. If you are going to use a liquid soap, then add a few drops of the soap to a cup of water, and then mix them properly.

Empty the purse and open it wide. Clean the interior of the purse with a piece of soft and dry cloth. Take a soft sponge or rag and dip it into the soapy solution and wring it. Don't use a wet cloth on leather items and never rinse them with water. Use a damp cloth to clean or wipe leather items. Then, use a soft and dry cotton cloth or towel to dry it.

Never forget to apply a leather conditioner and buff the purse, once it is completely dry. It would help restore the original shine of the leather purse. You can also use a commercial leather cleaner recommended by the manufacturer of the product, or opt for dry cleaning if it is permitted.

Your leather purse can sometimes get some really tough stains, like ink stains, and grease or blood stains. If the item is very expensive, then it is recommended to take professional help to remove such stain. If you do not want to go to a professional, and if your purse is not very expensive, then try some rubbing alcohol.

Even hairsprays that contain alcohol can be used for stain removal. Hairsprays can be very effective in removing ink stains. Otherwise, you can use rubbing alcohol. Just dip a piece of soft cloth or cotton swab in rubbing or isopropyl alcohol, and rub the stained area gently. Now, wipe the area with a piece of dry cloth.

Rubbing alcohol can also be used to remove mildew stains. Just mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water, and dip a piece of cloth in it. Wring the cloth and use it to wipe the stained area, and then dry the purse completely.

For grease stains, first remove the grease with a cloth, and sprinkle some cornstarch on it. Let the cornstarch sit for a few hours, after which use a piece of dry cloth to wipe it off.

For removing blood stains, blot the stain completely and then use a damp cloth to wipe the area. After drying the area, use a leather conditioner. If the stain is still there, then consult a professional.

The excessive use of alcohol, and alcohol-based products like hairsprays for leather cleaning, can damage the item over a period of time. So, always try a cleaning product in an inconspicuous part of the leather purse, before using it for cleaning or stain removal.

Leather items should never be stored in a damp place. If stored in a damp place, mold and mildews can develop on leather items. So, store your leather purse in the storage bag it came with. Do not expose any leather items to direct sunlight and excessive moisture, and never use baby wipes and any product that contains wax and silicone on them.

Do not forget to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer of the product regarding its cleaning and maintenance. Be sure to consult a professional leather cleaner, if you have any doubts in this regard.