How to Clean a Leather Bag Naturally
Using leather cleaners made for your type of leather
Using cleaners that are made for your type of leather can help maintain its beauty and prevent damage. Leather cleaners come in many different forms, including thick liquids and pastes. When choosing the right one, you should pay attention to the ingredients. Make sure the cleaner contains no harmful chemicals that can harm your leather. By following the instructions on the bottle, you can ensure the product will not damage your leather.
Leather cleaners have ingredients that will break down dirt and stains and prevent future stains from appearing. Some of them are 2-in-1, containing both cleaner and conditioner in one product. Use the cleaner on a damp cloth and wipe the leather in circular motions. However, some stains won’t respond to cleaning with a typical leather cleaner, so it’s best to get professional help.
If you don’t have the time or money to visit a leather care store, you can use a cleaning solution that is specially formulated for the type of leather you have. Some of these products come in spray bottles.
Avoiding bleach-based cleaners
When cleaning a leather bag, avoid the use of bleach and alcohol as they may permanently damage the leather. You can use a disinfectant spray instead of bleach to kill germs, but be careful, since many of these products contain high concentrations of alcohol. These can cause permanent discoloration if you have a genuine leather purse.
Before beginning the cleaning process, make sure to clean your hands thoroughly. Put on a pair of disposable gloves or a mask. Make sure that the cleaning solution doesn’t reach any metal parts, such as the inside of the handbag. After that, shake the bag thoroughly to remove any excess dirt.
If you need to remove stubborn stains, you can use isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol. Apply the liquid on the stain and gently rub it in circular motions. If the stain is too stubborn to remove with alcohol, you can use a cotton swab to remove it. However, alcohol can damage the leather finish, so it’s best to test it first on a small inconspicuous area.
Using leather conditioners
If you want to keep your leather bag in great shape, consider using leather conditioners. These products are made specifically for leather products, and are much safer than homemade alternatives. Homemade versions can be expensive and time-consuming to make, and can end up damaging your leather bag. Using a real leather conditioner will preserve its integrity and prevent cracks.
Before you use a conditioner, make sure that you test it on a small area of the bag. For example, the bottom of a purse is a good spot for this. Another area is on a shoe’s heel base. You can also test it on a belt that overlaps. Always be careful not to apply too much conditioner, as too much could leave an unattractive residue.
Leather conditioners are made from natural oils and creams. They strengthen the fibers of the material, making it stronger and more durable. They should be applied once or twice a year, and don’t use too much. Using a conditioner on a leather bag will make it last a long time.
