How to Clean a Dyed Leather Purse
If you’ve scuffed or stained your leather purse with wine, coffee, or any other type of liquid, there are several steps you can take to remove the stain without ruining the purse. First, avoid direct contact with liquids. Do not use ‘home remedies’ for stain removal, such as hydrogen peroxide or nail polish remover.
Avoid direct contact with liquids
If you want to keep your leather purse looking good for years, take the time to properly care for it. Leather is made from the hide of animals and is prone to absorb oils, especially from the skin. That’s why it’s important to regularly clean your leather purse to avoid stains and spills. Look for the care instructions on the inside label and follow them. In addition, identify the type of stains that have appeared on your purse to find out how to treat them.
When cleaning a dyed leather purse, be careful not to use any liquids or substances that might stain it. This includes liquids and oils that can damage the leather’s texture and color. It’s better to use a dry cloth instead of rubbing it. Then, you can clean the stained area with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Let the bag dry for 10 minutes before using it again.
Avoid ‘home remedies’ for stain removal
Home remedies for stain removal on dyed leather purses may not always be effective. Some of these solutions may cause the leather to become stained, so it is best to avoid them. To begin with, always use a clean cloth to blot the stain. Use a leather cleaner that is gentle and preferably made for leather. Using rough scrubbing could drive the stain deeper into the leather. In addition, keep in mind that some chemical products can bleach the leather. If you are using a lab-grade hydrogen peroxide, the risk of bleaching is minimal, but if you are using a retail or janitorial grade product, you are likely to bleach it. It is also a good idea to wear chemical-resistant gloves when handling chemicals.
The best way to remove a stain on a dyed leather purse is to use a professional cleaning solution, as DIY solutions can dry out the leather. However, if you must try a home remedy, you can use a solution of vinegar and alcohol on the stain using a cotton wool. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of washing-up liquid and warm water to foam up the stain and blot it with a clean cloth. Another good option is to mix equal parts of soda water and warm water. After applying the solution to the stain, allow the area to dry and brush off any residue.
Avoid hydrogen peroxide
It is important to use the proper cleaning solutions to prevent damage to the leather. It is best to use a mixture of a cup of lukewarm water and a mild hand soap. Apply the mixture to the leather and gently scrub the surface for several minutes. Be careful not to damage the top layer of the leather. You can also apply hydrogen peroxide to remove stains and discoloration.
Hydrogen peroxide can be purchased in cotton pads at a pharmacy. The solution can be used to remove bright stains as well as greasy gloss or dirty fingerprints. Another cleaning technique is to use a melamine sponge. It is highly recommended to use rubber gloves when using a melamine sponge.
Avoid ‘nail polish remover’
Using nail polish remover can cause damage to leather. It is best to avoid it if possible. Water is a common stain-causing agent, and it may also stain genuine leather. Another option is using a vinegar and olive oil solution. This solution will remove staining from leather and can be a good alternative to nail polish remover.
While nail polish remover may seem like the obvious choice, it is important to use caution when using it on leather. Unlike water-based products, nail polish remover contains a solvent that will harden on leather. The solvent is designed to evaporate naturally, but this does not happen and can cause damage to the leather. Once the polish has dried on the leather, it is more difficult to remove, and you run the risk of removing the dye as well.
Avoid ‘cuticle remover’
If you have a dyed leather purse, you may want to avoid using ‘cuticle remover’. These products can ruin the colour and cause the leather to become greasy. It is best to buy a special ink remover instead. You can find it in beauty shops or drugstores. Just make sure it is non-oil based. After applying the remover, leave it to sit on the stain for a few hours, and then wipe away the stain with a white rag.
Avoid ‘nail polish remover’ on blood stains
If blood stains are visible, you should never use ‘nail polish remover’ to clean them. However, you can use rubbing alcohol to treat ink stains. To apply rubbing alcohol to a stain, you should use a cotton swab. Be sure to dry the leather thoroughly in between applications. Using too much alcohol may cause the stain to spread. In case of a larger spill, you should use clean cotton rags or paper towels. Be careful not to rub the stain, or dab it too hard, since you may spread the color or damage the surface. If the stain is hardened, try scraping it off.
If the stains are small and do not affect the color of the purse, you can use a vinegar and olive oil solution. This method works best on small stains and can be used several times if necessary. However, if you notice that ‘nail polish remover’ has penetrated the leather, use something gentler. You should also use a rubbing alcohol-free leather conditioner to protect the purse. You can buy this product at your local furniture store or make it yourself.
Avoid ‘nail polish remover’ on oil stains
To avoid damaging a dyed leather purse, don’t apply ‘nail polish remover’ directly to oil stains. Instead, use a leather conditioner. This product contains non-acetone ingredients and will not damage the purse.
It is possible to use nail polish remover to remove oil stains, but you must be careful. Acetone will destroy the basic structure of leather, making it crack and brittle. If the acetone doesn’t work, you can try rubbing alcohol instead. Make sure to test it on an unaffected area before applying it to the stained part.
