How to Clean and Condition Leather Bags
There are several methods you can use to clean and condition your leather bag, including applying waterproofing solution and keeping your bag out of direct contact with liquids and oils. The inside of your bag is also a good place to clean up spills, stains, and other damages. The best method depends on the type of leather you have.
Avoid direct contact with liquids and oils
As with your skin, it is essential to treat your leather bag with care. You should apply a good moisturiser to it every few months. You should also apply leather cream and oil to the leather as needed to keep it looking and feeling its best.
Ensure that the leather on your bag is clean and does not look discoloured or stained. You can also test its type by placing distilled water on its surface. If it absorbs immediately, it is likely to be unfinished leather. If it does not absorb the water, you can continue to apply a protective cream or lotion.
Leather handbags tend to get stains. Sometimes, a simple brushing with your elbow or hand can cause a stain to appear. Luckily, simple DIYs can help you restore the beauty of your bag. Ink stains can be erased by dabbing a cotton swab in alcohol or nail polish. Make sure to use clean, moist cloth to wipe the spot until the stain disappears.
Applying a waterproofing solution
Protecting your leather bag is important. Water can ruin the suppleness of the leather. Water will also make it brittle and cause it to stain. Plus, it can cause mold to grow, which gives your bag an unpleasant smell. Applying a waterproofing solution is an easy way to protect your bag and prevent stains and water damage. If you leave your bag in the sun for long, it will take days to dry completely.
To keep your leather bag waterproof, you should apply a waterproofing solution every 6 months. You can also apply beeswax once in a while. This is especially important during rainy seasons. To apply beeswax, use a soft shoe brush.
You can also use mineral oil to clean and condition your leather bag. The mineral oil will form a protective barrier on the leather and prevent it from staining. But make sure you test the product on a hidden part of the bag first before using it on the whole bag.
Cleaning the inside of your bag
To clean your leather bag properly, you should follow certain steps. First, make sure that you keep it in a dry place. Do not leave it near a blower or heater. Then, you should use a leather care product, like leather conditioner. Homemade cleaning solutions can damage your bag. They can also cause stains, discoloration, and dry out the leather. If you have a tough stain, you should hire a professional leather cleaning service to clean it properly. This way, you will not have to worry about causing damage to the materials.
If the stain is not too difficult to remove, you can use isopropyl alcohol to scrub the stain. To use it, use a cotton swab and apply it to the affected area with gentle circular motions. After a couple of minutes, use a damp cloth to wipe off the solution. You can also use a lint roller to clean the area completely.
Cleaning stains
One of the first steps to cleaning stains on leather bags is to wipe off the stain with a clean cloth. Stains on leather bags can come from food, drink, or even a brushing hand. Fortunately, there are a few do-it-yourself solutions for common stains. A cotton swab soaked in alcohol or nail polish can remove ink or scuffs. But be careful not to spread the stain. If you don’t want to get alcohol all over the place, use a cloth to wipe off the stain until it disappears.
If the stain is oil-based, use a degreaser or a dry cornstarch mixture to remove it. Alcohol is effective for removing stains, but it can damage the leather if used too often. When cleaning with alcohol, be sure to mix the solution 50 percent alcohol and half water. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to apply the solution to the stain. Afterward, dry the bag with a clean microfiber cloth.
Ink stains can also be tricky to remove, but with a little patience and a cleaning agent, you can get rid of them. For example, rubbing alcohol can remove ink stains, but be careful not to overwette the stain. Be sure to apply a small amount and test it first to check whether it causes discolouration.
