Difference between revisions of "Clean a Leather Purse"
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#Wipe the stain off with a clean, damp cloth. Keep rubbing the area until it is damp, but not soaked through. | #Wipe the stain off with a clean, damp cloth. Keep rubbing the area until it is damp, but not soaked through. | ||
#Apply some cleaning solution to the soft cloth. You can use a store-bought leather bag cleaner, which often comes in a kit. You can also make your own by mixing a few drops of a mild soap (such as unscented dishwashing soap or baby soap) with distilled water. | #Apply some cleaning solution to the soft cloth. You can use a store-bought leather bag cleaner, which often comes in a kit. You can also make your own by mixing a few drops of a mild soap (such as unscented dishwashing soap or baby soap) with distilled water. | ||
| − | #Wipe the stained area again with the soft cloth until the stain is gone. Try to keep your stroking motions in line with the leather's grain.<ref>http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/fashion/style/how-to/a35964/how-to-clean-a-leather-handbag/</ref> This will help protect the integrity of the leather. | + | #Wipe the stained area again with the soft cloth until the stain is gone. Try to keep your stroking motions in line with the leather's grain.<ref name="rf1">http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/fashion/style/how-to/a35964/how-to-clean-a-leather-handbag/</ref> This will help protect the integrity of the leather. |
#Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any soap residue or excess moisture. Don't worry about drying the bag just yet. | #Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any soap residue or excess moisture. Don't worry about drying the bag just yet. | ||
#Let the bag dry for about 30 minutes. Avoid speeding the process up with a hairdryer. If you are in a hurry, consider setting the bag down in front of a fan. Cool air will be less damaging to the bag than hot. | #Let the bag dry for about 30 minutes. Avoid speeding the process up with a hairdryer. If you are in a hurry, consider setting the bag down in front of a fan. Cool air will be less damaging to the bag than hot. | ||
#Apply some leather moisturizer to the bag once it is dry. Use a soft cloth to apply the moisturizer. Rub the moisturizer on using circular motions. The moisturizer will help keep the leather soft and supple. Do ''not'' substitute regular hand lotion, which can stain and degrade leather. | #Apply some leather moisturizer to the bag once it is dry. Use a soft cloth to apply the moisturizer. Rub the moisturizer on using circular motions. The moisturizer will help keep the leather soft and supple. Do ''not'' substitute regular hand lotion, which can stain and degrade leather. | ||
| − | #Consider buffing the leather with a dry cloth. This will help restore the texture and shine to the bag.<ref>http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Clean-a-Leather-Coach-Handbag-/10000000178589871/g.html</ref> | + | #Consider buffing the leather with a dry cloth. This will help restore the texture and shine to the bag.<ref name="rf2">http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Clean-a-Leather-Coach-Handbag-/10000000178589871/g.html</ref> |
=== Cleaning Patent Leather === | === Cleaning Patent Leather === | ||
#Start with water. Sometimes, a little bit of water is all that is needed to wipe off light stains, such as scuffs and fingerprints. Simple dampen a paper towel, cotton ball, or Q-tip with a little bit of water, and wipe the stain off. | #Start with water. Sometimes, a little bit of water is all that is needed to wipe off light stains, such as scuffs and fingerprints. Simple dampen a paper towel, cotton ball, or Q-tip with a little bit of water, and wipe the stain off. | ||
| − | #Use window cleaner on more persistent stains. If water did not remove the stain, you can try a window cleaner that comes in a spray bottle instead. Simply spray some of the cleaner onto the stain, then wipe it off with a paper towel or a soft cloth.<ref>https://www.lollipuff.com/blog/322/how-to-care-for-patent-leather-bags-and-shoes</ref> | + | #Use window cleaner on more persistent stains. If water did not remove the stain, you can try a window cleaner that comes in a spray bottle instead. Simply spray some of the cleaner onto the stain, then wipe it off with a paper towel or a soft cloth.<ref name="rf3">https://www.lollipuff.com/blog/322/how-to-care-for-patent-leather-bags-and-shoes</ref> |
| − | #Try petroleum jelly on stains and discoloration. Dip a Q-tip or a paper towel into some petroleum jelly, and go over the stain using small, circular motions. This is effective on stains caused by color transfers.<ref | + | #Try petroleum jelly on stains and discoloration. Dip a Q-tip or a paper towel into some petroleum jelly, and go over the stain using small, circular motions. This is effective on stains caused by color transfers.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Use rubbing alcohol on more stubborn stains and discoloration. Soak a cotton ball or Q-tip with rubbing alcohol and gently buff the ink stain using circular motions. If the stain persists, you may try some nail polish remover instead. Be sure to wipe the nail polish remover away after you are done. Keep in mind that nail polish remover is much harsher, and may damage the finish.<ref | + | #Use rubbing alcohol on more stubborn stains and discoloration. Soak a cotton ball or Q-tip with rubbing alcohol and gently buff the ink stain using circular motions. If the stain persists, you may try some nail polish remover instead. Be sure to wipe the nail polish remover away after you are done. Keep in mind that nail polish remover is much harsher, and may damage the finish.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Try tape on surface stains. If the stain is just on the surface, they simply need to be lifted away. Take a piece of tape, press it down onto the stain, then quickly pull it away. This works great on scuff marks, lipstick, and mascara stains.<ref>http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-patent-leather-purse/</ref> | + | #Try tape on surface stains. If the stain is just on the surface, they simply need to be lifted away. Take a piece of tape, press it down onto the stain, then quickly pull it away. This works great on scuff marks, lipstick, and mascara stains.<ref name="rf4">http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-patent-leather-purse/</ref> |
=== Cleaning Suede === | === Cleaning Suede === | ||
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#* Consider working over a towel to keep your lap or work surface clean. | #* Consider working over a towel to keep your lap or work surface clean. | ||
#Buff the affected area with a white, "magic" eraser sponge. You can find these sponges in the cleaning and detergent section of a grocery store. Gently go back and forth over the affected area with the sponge until the dirt goes away. | #Buff the affected area with a white, "magic" eraser sponge. You can find these sponges in the cleaning and detergent section of a grocery store. Gently go back and forth over the affected area with the sponge until the dirt goes away. | ||
| − | #Consider steam cleaning your purse. If your purse is a little bit dirty, you can try steam cleaning it. The easiest way to do this is to hang your purse up in the bathroom just after you take a hot shower. The damp air will be enough to loosen stains, but it won't be damp enough to stain your purse. After the steam cleaning, let your purse dry, then buff the affected area with a soft bristled brush.<ref>https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/materials-surfaces/how-to-clean-suede-boots-shoes-jackets-and-accessories</ref> | + | #Consider steam cleaning your purse. If your purse is a little bit dirty, you can try steam cleaning it. The easiest way to do this is to hang your purse up in the bathroom just after you take a hot shower. The damp air will be enough to loosen stains, but it won't be damp enough to stain your purse. After the steam cleaning, let your purse dry, then buff the affected area with a soft bristled brush.<ref name="rf5">https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/materials-surfaces/how-to-clean-suede-boots-shoes-jackets-and-accessories</ref> |
#Treat stubborn stains with vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Dampen a washcloth with some white vinegar or rubbing alcohol first, then gently buff the stain with it. Let the affected area dry, then buff it again with the soft bristled brush. Unlike water, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol will not stain suede. | #Treat stubborn stains with vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Dampen a washcloth with some white vinegar or rubbing alcohol first, then gently buff the stain with it. Let the affected area dry, then buff it again with the soft bristled brush. Unlike water, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol will not stain suede. | ||
#* Don't worry about the vinegar smell; it will eventually go away. | #* Don't worry about the vinegar smell; it will eventually go away. | ||
#* Extra-stubborn stains may require a dedicated suede cleaning solution. | #* Extra-stubborn stains may require a dedicated suede cleaning solution. | ||
| − | #Shave or snip off any thready bits. As you continue to buff your purse, you may notice that some fibers are a lot longer than others. You can trim these down using a pair of scissors, or go over them with an electric razor<ref>http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2014/04/how-to-clean-suede.html</ref> | + | #Shave or snip off any thready bits. As you continue to buff your purse, you may notice that some fibers are a lot longer than others. You can trim these down using a pair of scissors, or go over them with an electric razor<ref name="rf6">http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2014/04/how-to-clean-suede.html</ref> |
=== Cleaning the Inside === | === Cleaning the Inside === | ||
#Empty your purse of everything. Pull everything out and set it aside. At this time, it might also be a good idea to sort out any opened pens, and toss them. | #Empty your purse of everything. Pull everything out and set it aside. At this time, it might also be a good idea to sort out any opened pens, and toss them. | ||
#Turn your bag upside down and shake it. This will help get rid of most of the dust and debris. You might want to do this over a dust bin. | #Turn your bag upside down and shake it. This will help get rid of most of the dust and debris. You might want to do this over a dust bin. | ||
| − | #Consider cleaning the inside of your bag with a lint roller. Lay the bag on its side first, then pull the lining out. Roll the lint roller across the lining, turn your bag over, and do the other side. If your bag is large enough, you might be able to fit the entire roller inside it, without pulling the lining out.<ref>http://www.marthastewart.com/264519/handbag-cleaning-101</ref> | + | #Consider cleaning the inside of your bag with a lint roller. Lay the bag on its side first, then pull the lining out. Roll the lint roller across the lining, turn your bag over, and do the other side. If your bag is large enough, you might be able to fit the entire roller inside it, without pulling the lining out.<ref name="rf7">http://www.marthastewart.com/264519/handbag-cleaning-101</ref> |
#* If you don't have a lint roller, use a piece of tape to pick up any dust and debris. | #* If you don't have a lint roller, use a piece of tape to pick up any dust and debris. | ||
| − | #Consider vacuuming the inside of your bag. Set your bag down on the floor. Fit the end of your vacuum cleaner nozzle with the upholstery or fabric brush attachment. Stick the nozzle inside your bag, and vacuum up any debris. Use a lower power setting so that you do not damage the lining.<ref | + | #Consider vacuuming the inside of your bag. Set your bag down on the floor. Fit the end of your vacuum cleaner nozzle with the upholstery or fabric brush attachment. Stick the nozzle inside your bag, and vacuum up any debris. Use a lower power setting so that you do not damage the lining.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #Wipe a dirty lining down with a mixture of vinegar and water. Combine 1 part white vinegar and 1 part hot water in a bowl. Dip a clean cloth into this mixture, squeeze out the excess water, and wipe down the inside of your bag.<ref>http://www.laundrycare.biz/clean-purse/</ref> | + | #Wipe a dirty lining down with a mixture of vinegar and water. Combine 1 part white vinegar and 1 part hot water in a bowl. Dip a clean cloth into this mixture, squeeze out the excess water, and wipe down the inside of your bag.<ref name="rf8">http://www.laundrycare.biz/clean-purse/</ref> |
#Deodorize your bag with baking soda. Open up a box of baking soda and stick it upright inside your bag. Leave it there overnight, and take it out the next morning. The baking soda will have absorbed most of the bad smells. | #Deodorize your bag with baking soda. Open up a box of baking soda and stick it upright inside your bag. Leave it there overnight, and take it out the next morning. The baking soda will have absorbed most of the bad smells. | ||
#* The top of the box should sit below the opening of your bag. If your bag is too small, pour some baking soda into a small dish or tea cup. | #* The top of the box should sit below the opening of your bag. If your bag is too small, pour some baking soda into a small dish or tea cup. | ||
=== Cleaning Specific Stains === | === Cleaning Specific Stains === | ||
| − | #Try a cream of tartar and lemon juice paste on dark stains. Use one part cream of tartar and one part lemon juice to make a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and wait 10 minutes, then wipe the stain off using a damp cloth. Dry the damp area off using a clean cloth.<ref>http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-leather-purse/</ref> | + | #Try a cream of tartar and lemon juice paste on dark stains. Use one part cream of tartar and one part lemon juice to make a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and wait 10 minutes, then wipe the stain off using a damp cloth. Dry the damp area off using a clean cloth.<ref name="rf9">http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-leather-purse/</ref> |
#* If there is any residue, mix a few drops of mild soap into some warm water, and dampen a towel with that. Use this towel to clean off the residue. | #* If there is any residue, mix a few drops of mild soap into some warm water, and dampen a towel with that. Use this towel to clean off the residue. | ||
#* This is effective on food and blood stains. | #* This is effective on food and blood stains. | ||
#Fight water stains on suede with more water. Dampen a soft-bristled brush, then lightly go over the stain. Pat the area dry with a paper towel, and wait overnight. The stain should be gone the next morning. | #Fight water stains on suede with more water. Dampen a soft-bristled brush, then lightly go over the stain. Pat the area dry with a paper towel, and wait overnight. The stain should be gone the next morning. | ||
#* Do not get impatient and try to use a fan, hairdryer, or sunlight to speed up the drying process. | #* Do not get impatient and try to use a fan, hairdryer, or sunlight to speed up the drying process. | ||
| − | #* Water stains can be permanent, especially on unfinished leather, but a professional leather worker might be able to fix it.<ref>http://www.lovinmybags.com/tips.html</ref> | + | #* Water stains can be permanent, especially on unfinished leather, but a professional leather worker might be able to fix it.<ref name="rf10">http://www.lovinmybags.com/tips.html</ref> |
#Use cornstarch on oil or grease stains. If the stain is fresh, try to soak up as much of it as you can with a paper towel, but try hard not to press the stain into the material. Once you have soaked up the oil, sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch onto the stain, and pat it in. Leave it there overnight so that the cornstarch can soak up the oil. Gently brush the cornstarch off the following morning using a soft-bristled brush. | #Use cornstarch on oil or grease stains. If the stain is fresh, try to soak up as much of it as you can with a paper towel, but try hard not to press the stain into the material. Once you have soaked up the oil, sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch onto the stain, and pat it in. Leave it there overnight so that the cornstarch can soak up the oil. Gently brush the cornstarch off the following morning using a soft-bristled brush. | ||
#* If you can't find cornstarch where you live, use corn flour instead. | #* If you can't find cornstarch where you live, use corn flour instead. | ||
| − | #* Some people find that placing their purse under a light bulb helps the cornstarch absorb the oil better.<ref | + | #* Some people find that placing their purse under a light bulb helps the cornstarch absorb the oil better.<ref name="rf10" /> |
| − | #* If you are working with suede, you may need to dampen the area with steam afterward, then brush the rest of the cornstarch off.<ref | + | #* If you are working with suede, you may need to dampen the area with steam afterward, then brush the rest of the cornstarch off.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#Tackle mud with care. If you got mud on a leather or patent leather purse, wipe it off immediately. If you got mud on a suede purse, wait for the mud to dry first, then use a soft- bristled brush to buff it out. | #Tackle mud with care. If you got mud on a leather or patent leather purse, wipe it off immediately. If you got mud on a suede purse, wait for the mud to dry first, then use a soft- bristled brush to buff it out. | ||
#Freeze wax or gum. If you got wax or gum on your purse, stick your purse in the freezer for a few hours. This will cause the wax/gum to harden. Once the wax/gum hardens, pull your purse out of the freezer, and peel the wax/gum off. You may need to scratch off the excess wax/gum with your fingernail. | #Freeze wax or gum. If you got wax or gum on your purse, stick your purse in the freezer for a few hours. This will cause the wax/gum to harden. Once the wax/gum hardens, pull your purse out of the freezer, and peel the wax/gum off. You may need to scratch off the excess wax/gum with your fingernail. | ||
#Use hydrogen peroxide on blood stains. Simply dampen a paper towel or cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide, and gently dab the affected area. Eventually, the stain will come out. This is most effective on suede. | #Use hydrogen peroxide on blood stains. Simply dampen a paper towel or cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide, and gently dab the affected area. Eventually, the stain will come out. This is most effective on suede. | ||
| − | #Get to ink stains as soon as possible. The longer they sit, the more difficult they will be to remove. Try to soak up the ink stain using a Q-tip dampened with rubbing alcohol. If you are working with suede, you may need to buff the area with a nail file.<ref | + | #Get to ink stains as soon as possible. The longer they sit, the more difficult they will be to remove. Try to soak up the ink stain using a Q-tip dampened with rubbing alcohol. If you are working with suede, you may need to buff the area with a nail file.<ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | #* If your bag is made out of finished leather, do not use rubbing alcohol. Instead, use a white "magic" eraser sponge. Finished leather handbags do not darken with water.<ref | + | #* If your bag is made out of finished leather, do not use rubbing alcohol. Instead, use a white "magic" eraser sponge. Finished leather handbags do not darken with water.<ref name="rf10" /> |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
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* If a stain just won't come off, try using shoe polish in a matching color to cover the stain. | * If a stain just won't come off, try using shoe polish in a matching color to cover the stain. | ||
* Avoid wearing light-colored bags with dark-colored clothing. The dye from your clothing may transfer to your bag and stain it. | * Avoid wearing light-colored bags with dark-colored clothing. The dye from your clothing may transfer to your bag and stain it. | ||
| − | * Store your bag in a dustbag or a white pillowcase. If you bag came with a cloth bag when you bought it, use it. This will help keep your bag clean and dust free when you are not using it.<ref | + | * Store your bag in a dustbag or a white pillowcase. If you bag came with a cloth bag when you bought it, use it. This will help keep your bag clean and dust free when you are not using it.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | * Keep your makeup inside a small makeup bag. This will protect the inside of your purse from getting dirty.<ref | + | * Keep your makeup inside a small makeup bag. This will protect the inside of your purse from getting dirty.<ref name="rf7" /> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
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* Do not use saddle soap on leather purses. It is usually much too harsh for the type of leather used to make purses. | * Do not use saddle soap on leather purses. It is usually much too harsh for the type of leather used to make purses. | ||
* Try not to rub too hard. Excessive rubbing can damage leather and result in stains traveling inward, making them even harder to remove. | * Try not to rub too hard. Excessive rubbing can damage leather and result in stains traveling inward, making them even harder to remove. | ||
| − | * Do not use water on grease stains.<ref | + | * Do not use water on grease stains.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | * Do not use baby wipes, hand creams, or lanoline-based creams/conditioners on unfinished leather. Both can permanently damage/stain the surface. Unfinished leather darkens when wet.<ref | + | * Do not use baby wipes, hand creams, or lanoline-based creams/conditioners on unfinished leather. Both can permanently damage/stain the surface. Unfinished leather darkens when wet.<ref name="rf10" /> |
== Things You'll Need == | == Things You'll Need == | ||
