How to care for a leather bag at home using improvised and professional products

Storage rules

To ensure that your leather bag retains its shape, color, and elasticity, follow these recommendations:

Do not leave the accessory hanging for a long time - the handle of the product may stretch. Place or place the bag on a flat surface;
put the bag in a closet if you do not plan to use it for a long time. This way you will protect your skin from dust and exposure to sunlight;
keep the product in a breathable bag made of natural fabric. It is acceptable to use a pillowcase or shoe box. When stored in plastic bags, cracks may appear on the leather surface due to lack of moisture and air;
Place crumpled paper or a small pillow inside the product - this will protect it from deformation.

It is better to store bags without hanging them by the handles

Lacquer bag

Patent leather products are very capricious: they are afraid of sudden changes in temperature, excessive moisture and sun.

At the same time, patent leather can easily crack. Therefore, patent leather handbags are not bags for every day. They are worn “on going out”. When caring for such skin, you definitely need special cosmetics and caring creams.

General care recommendations

Rules to follow when caring for a leather bag at home:

When dirty, wipe the product with a damp cloth using a soap solution. Remove excess moisture with a dry cloth so that it does not absorb into the skin. The procedure will help remove dirt, dust, and maintain a fresh look. To make your skin shine, you can wipe it with a cloth soaked in castor oil for dark skin, or Vaseline or wax for light skin.
Before cleaning, test the product on a hidden area of the product. If after drying there are no traces left, use the selected method.
Take care of protection: it is easier to prevent the appearance of dirt than to get rid of it. Use professional care products that protect your leather bag from moisture and dirt, soften, nourish and renew the surface.

White or light bag

To clean a white leather bag, you can use diluted lemon juice or a mixture of egg whites, previously beaten and mixed with milk. If you carelessly put an ink stain on a leather bag, you can remove it with pure lemon juice.

Often, during use, white leather bags develop shiny and worn areas of leather. A mixture of a glass of warm milk with 1 tsp diluted in it will help get rid of them. soda

If your bag is white or made of light leather, then you can clean it with diluted lemon juice or a mixture of beaten egg white and milk.

In order for your bag to retain its original appearance for as long as possible, a white handbag must not only be properly cared for and stored, but also used correctly.

Cleaning with professional products

We have studied many brands of leather care products and consider Saphir to be the best. Using these products as an example, we will show you how to gradually clean even a heavily soiled bag. A professional approach to cleansing includes the following steps:

Removing dust and light dirt . Cream soap “Etalon noir” gently cleanses the leather surface and restores the appearance of the bag. Suitable for daily care. Cleaner-balm “Creme universelle” is effective in removing light stains: it cleanses, nourishes and moisturizes leather products.

Getting rid of stubborn dirt and stains . Reno Mat intensively cleanses the skin: removes stains, darkening, traces of paint, fats, and oils. The cleaner renews the leather surface and restores breathability.

Nutrition, protection . Gel Saphir care product and Nano Invulner protective spray nourish, moisturize and protect the skin. The products extend the service life of the product.

With proper regular care, your leather bag will keep you looking fresh for a long time.

Adviсe

It is strictly forbidden to clean a bag made of leather or leatherette with aggressive chemicals: acetone, gasoline, solvent. Ignoring this rule will lead to final damage to the product.
It is forbidden to clean leather products with hard brushes. Such cleaning leaves scratches on the glossy surface that are impossible to get rid of.
To clean suede bags, use only special velvety Velcro brushes.
Bags made of leather, leatherette or suede should not be completely immersed in water. When the product gets wet, it loses its shape, softness and presentable appearance.
After washing a leather product, faux leather must be treated with Vaseline or greasy hand cream, and then polished with a soft cloth.
Leather or suede handbags are strictly prohibited from being dried with a hairdryer. High temperatures are harmful to the skin (they make it hard and brittle).

Cleaning the lining

The inside gets dirty more and faster than the outside, so it requires regular cleaning. Before starting the procedure, empty the bag, turn out the lining and shake out dust, debris and crumbs. Wipe with a sponge or cloth dampened with soapy water, then dry.

If there are stubborn dirty stains on the lining, treat the fabric with liquid soap or washing gel dissolved in water. Rinse, being careful not to wet the leather surface. Let dry.

Periodically wipe the lining with antibacterial wipes or a cotton pad soaked in boric acid. Make sure that lipstick, mascara, liquids and pens that are in the bag are closed and do not stain it.

How to get rid of unpleasant odor inside a bag

The first thing many girls do is mask bad odors with perfume. This is wrong, you first need to find out the reason why the bag has such a specific amber. Perhaps the accessory smells because it has not yet dried after getting wet. In this case, it must be completely dried in a well-ventilated area.

Dirt on the lining also often causes a bad odor. You can wash them yourself by first turning the fabric out of the bag. But if the lining is sewn to the inside of the product, you will have to take the bag to the dry cleaner, they will help solve this problem. Sharp and specific odors are removed using regular baking powder. The bag of baking powder should be opened and placed inside the bag for about a day. In this case, it is better to close the handbag and put it in the dust bag.

We have published detailed instructions on how to get rid of unpleasant odor in your bag here.

How to care for different types of skin

When choosing cleaning methods and means, you need to focus on the texture and color of the material. Consider the type of leather surface and adjust your care methods.

How to clean a light leather bag

Light leather accessories require special care, since the slightest dirt is visible on them.

Home Remedies for White Skin

It is advisable to remove stains and dirt immediately after they appear. Old stains are more difficult to get rid of.

To clear white skin, use these products:

Soap. White baby soap is suitable. Soak a cloth in the soapy solution and wipe the bag. Treat the surface with a dry cloth.
Milk. For a skin softening effect, add beaten egg white. Wipe the product with a cotton swab soaked in warm milk.
Lemon. Copes with traces of ink and felt-tip pens. Soak a cotton pad with lemon juice and apply to the contaminated areas.

The skin is afraid of moisture, so use a minimum of water and other liquids. Do not use gasoline, acetone, or thinner to clean a light leather bag. Aggressive compounds can damage the product.

Polished leather

Lacquered bags love attention and careful treatment. Spectacular, but capricious material does not tolerate heat and cold, is afraid of the sun and excess moisture. From their impact, the product may lose elasticity and crack. Optimal temperature for wearing varnished items: from -10 to +25°C.

For cleaning, it is recommended to use water-based solutions or professional products. Light stains can be removed with a dry cloth. To clean the product more thoroughly, wipe the surface with soapy water. Use a cotton pad or napkin. Squeeze to prevent water from getting on the bag.

Glycerin will help preserve the natural shine of patent leather. Do not use a brush as it will cause scratches.

Suede, velor, nubuck

Products made from these materials do not have an additional protective layer. The soft, delicate coating is susceptible to contamination, vulnerable to moisture and mechanical damage. It is not recommended to wet the surface, as water spoils the elegant pile and color of the product.

It is better to clean a suede or velor bag with special gentle products. To remove dust and rain stains, it is permissible to wipe with a soft cloth soaked in a soapy solution. Then you need to remove the remaining solution and dry the bag.

The basis for caring for a suede accessory is regular cleaning with a special soft brush. It removes dirt from the surface and combs the pile. When cleaning, try not to put too much pressure on the product.

Photo: Godisable Jacob, Exels

How to clean a bag at home

The cleaning procedure depends on the characteristics of the material of this wardrobe item. Therefore, for each type it is necessary to select the correct washing methods. Before using a previously unused method, you need to test it on a small, inconspicuous area, as some methods may discolor. Let’s look at how to clean different types of material at home in more detail.

Smooth natural leather

The most common method for removing contaminants is a soap solution. A simple and affordable method, prepared from water and any liquid soap, dishwashing detergent and other harmless hygiene products that are found in every home. To begin with, wipe the material with this solution and wipe dry. Additionally, you can prepare a mixture of one liter of water and 1 teaspoon of citric acid. Process and dry. Remove dust with a dry velvet cloth.

Soft genuine leather

For this type, dishwashing detergent and ammonia are suitable. Prepare the solution as follows: add a tablespoon of ammonia and detergent to one glass of water. Then apply with quick movements to the problem area and wipe dry with a cloth. Wipe with a dry woolen cloth from time to time; this method is suitable for any material.

Velours

To care for velor, you need a special brush that will gently clean without causing harm. The ammonia and soap method described above is also suitable here. For greater effect, you can additionally treat it with a mixture of a tablespoon of vinegar and citric acid, diluted with a liter of water.

Nubuck

This material is not compatible with water, so it is best to wipe dirt off it with a brass brush. First, you should steam the item for a couple of minutes. This makes it easier to remove dust and the pile will rise noticeably.

Suede

Even a drop of water can leave marks on suede items, so wearing them in rainy weather is not recommended. For care, it is best to purchase a special brush for suede. To quickly clean light stains, a regular eraser or talcum powder will do. At home, a solution prepared from a teaspoon of ammonia and a spoon of water will help you treat it. You need to wipe the suede quickly, not allowing moisture to be absorbed.

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Artificial

This type requires a special approach. It is not recommended to use various solvents. After exposure to alcohol or acetone, the item will probably deteriorate. Therefore, the best option would be to purchase a special spray to keep it clean. Shake off dust with a dry velvet cloth.

Varnished

Items made from this material are quite easy to clean. Simply wipe with a clean cloth or soapy water. Rubbing with baby soap also gives a good cleansing effect. Cow's milk can also be used for surface treatment. A patent leather bag is not at all suitable for wearing in winter. There is a high probability that the top layer will crack from exposure to cold. It would be a good idea to apply a protective cream before use. The use of gasoline is not permitted.

Artificially aged

Resistant to external influences, can be washed in any known way. Using a soapy solution will do. And also, for additional care, wipe with a soft sponge soaked in glycerin. Cosmetic products are also suitable for care: facial milk, creams, emulsions.

Changing color

Washing in water, using chemical solvents and alcohol may cause color changes. A special coloring spray or cream will help to refresh the faded look. Such material should be handled with extreme care and, in this case, extremely gentle methods are suitable: sanitary napkins, a woolen rag. And if the color changes, choose a cream to match the tone.

Reptile leather and embossed

It has a delicate soft texture, so it is not recommended to use hard brushes and various solvents on it. Rubbing with wool gives a good cleansing effect. Products of this kind have a textured surface; in order to avoid the accumulation of dirt, it is recommended to clean the surface every day, and for more thorough care, use a cotton swab previously soaked in ammonia.

How to clean a leather bag with different types of dirt

The frequency of cleaning and the choice of method depend on weather conditions, the color of the accessory, and regularity of use.

Care methods and products are selected taking into account the type and degree of contamination. Minor dirt . Dust and fresh traces of dirt can be removed by wiping the bag with a soft cloth or a damp cloth that does not contain alcohol or fragrance. For a more thorough cleansing, use micellar water or a soap-based solution. Dampen a napkin in it and treat the surface of the product. Remove any remaining moisture with a dry cotton pad.

For professional cleansing, the Light kit is suitable: easy care from the Saphir brand. The kit is intended for products that are lightly soiled. It can be used to remove dust particles and fingerprints from the leather surface. The kit includes: cleansing balm, spray impregnation, and a napkin. The products carefully cleanse, nourish and protect the skin.

Average degree of pollution . If a greasy sheen appears on the bag, touches of cosmetics, water and soap will not cope. A stationery eraser helps to remove marks from a ballpoint pen: rub the stain without strong pressure, treat with a damp cloth. You can use table salt, talcum powder, or dish detergent to clean newly formed greasy marks.

Professional cleaning will be provided by the Medium kit: optimal care. This set from the Saphir line is chosen for leather goods with medium soiling. The cream soap thoroughly cleanses, the beeswax gel moisturizes and renews the skin, the spray protects against moisture and prevents the appearance of stains.

Getting rid of old grease stains and ink marks is not easy. Use tape to remove fresh ink stains. Cut a piece the size of the spot and stick it on the surface. When removing the tape, an ink mark should remain on the adhesive tape.

Oil stains are removed with soda, salt, and corn starch. These products absorb fat. Sprinkle on the stained area and leave it for several hours. Afterwards, clean the surface with a soft cloth.

If household remedies are powerless, use the Hard kit: intensive care from Saphir. It is useful in the fight against severe pollution. A highly effective cleaner will help remove stubborn paint stains, old traces of fats and oils. Gel care and protective spray will provide the skin with intense hydration, nutrition, and protection.

Suede bag

To always look beautiful and maintain its original appearance, suede bags also require proper care.

The basis for caring for suede leather is to regularly clean your suede bag using a dry sponge or a special rubber brush for suede.

If stains appear on your bag, never try to remove them with regular stain removers. For this purpose, special means are used: aerosols and sprays.
In case of heavy contamination, you can use soap foam and a cotton swab to clean the dirt from the suede bag. After such cleaning, the suede must be cleaned with a brush.
You should know that when drying suede products, you should avoid direct sunlight.

What can harm leather products?

When caring for your leather bag, shoes, and accessories at home, remember the following rules:

Do not wet the product or place it in water. When the skin gets wet, it loses its shape and cracks when it dries.
Do not machine wash. Even light mode and low temperature will ruin a leather item.
Do not dry accessories in the sun, near heating devices, with a hairdryer or fan. This ages the skin and makes it fragile. If your bag or shoes get wet, put newspaper or paper inside: the item will dry within 24 hours.
Do not use rough metal brushes or tools with hard bristles to clean the leather surface. Use a soft sponge, cloth napkins, cotton pads.
Do not spray the product with perfumes or deodorants to add aroma. When an unpleasant odor appears, you should not mask the consequences, but establish and eliminate the cause.
Do not clean your skin with aggressive concentrated compounds: alcohol, acetone, citric acid, gasoline, or abrasives. They cause irregularities, stains, and stains to appear on the surface.

To ensure that your bag and other leather products look impeccable, contact a sales consultant at a quality leather goods store for help. The specialist will recommend professional care products that will be the best option for your model.

Removing stains

Methods for removing stains depend on the complexity and age of the stain. Before using radical methods to remove stains, it is still worth starting with more gentle methods.

Fat

Talcum powder is suitable for removing greasy stains. For best effect, apply talcum powder and leave overnight. You can also find special substances for removing greasy marks on sale. From suede, velor and nubuck, greasy stains will come off when exposed to talcum powder, starch, loose chalk, absorbing fat.

Old

You can try to remove the stain by soaking a cotton pad in alcohol, or rubbing it with soap without soaking it. Another way is to use makeup remover. Get rid of stubborn stains using vodka, lotion, and alcohol wipes. It is enough to wipe the stain with a cotton swab slightly moistened with the substance.

Ink

When removing ink blots, you can try using lemon juice. A mixture of 200 ml of milk and a spoon of baking soda gives a good effect.

Others

You can try removing stains that are difficult to remove with ammonia. Be careful not to damage, use gasoline or alcohol for particularly problematic areas. Laundry and baby soap are especially popular.

Is it possible to clean it in a washing machine?

Patented handbags and leatherette products cannot be cleaned in an automatic washing machine. You can wash your bag in a washing machine only if it is made of genuine leather. Before washing, you should remove everything from the pockets and compartments of your handbag. You need to try to remove the parts from the metal. During the cleaning process, use a laundry bag or pillowcase. On the washing machine, select a delicate cycle with a temperature of up to 30 C. After completing the procedure, it is necessary to allow the handbag to dry naturally.