When you've decided to invest some serious cash in a designer handbag, keeping your investment clean will undoubtedly be one of your top priorities. While there is really no substitute for taking your handbag to a reputable cleaner who deals in high-end handbags, it is not always feasible to do so every time you acquire a small smudge, pen mark, or coffee stain. Here are some quick and easy stain-removing techniques that will help - just remember to always do a spot test on an inconspicuous area of you bag first!
General Cleaning of Color Transfer from Clothes & Other Light Grime
Using an extra-gentle facial or body soap and warm, distilled water (1 drop soap to 1 cup water), gently clean the bag with a well wrung-out soft cloth and buff dry with a soft towel. Do not hang the bag while it is still damp, put it in direct sunlight, or dry it using any kind of extra heat.
Deeper Stains (coffee, red wine, etc)
Using a paste of 1 part cream of tartar and one part lemon juice, spot-clean the stain, then follow with the general cleaning instructions.
Pen Marks
Dip the tip of a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently rub it into the stain. Dry the area with a blow dryer set to the coolest setting.
Grease Marks
Do not use water to try and remove a grease stain from your leather bag. Instead, try a sprinkle of talcum powder over the affected area. Let the powder sit overnight, then lightly brush off.
Additional Tips
- Always use distilled water. Tap water may contain many harsh minerals and chlorine, and may discolour the leather or leave a residue.
- Use cloths, sponges, and swabs that are colorless as to avoid color transfer during cleaning.
