How to Clean Your Designer Handbag

It can be tempting to just keep our designer bags stored away so they stay new forever but they’re too beautiful to not show off, right? They then become our daily companions and that means they can go through a lot. 

When you own a designer bag (or a few), you know how important looking after them can be, ensuring they remain looking their best after a lot of use.

A gorgeous bag deserves proper care so, if you’re looking to clean your favourite designer accessory, keep reading to find out the best ways to clean your designer bag.

The basics 

• Many handbags will have a care label that instructs you on the best way to clean them. Look for this before you attempt any cleaning. You may also find instructions on the brand’s website. 

• Unless the label says otherwise, if the material is something like PVC or faux leather, you will be able to wipe the bag clean with a cloth or wet wipe for surface-level stains – this is a lifesaver if you’re prone to spilling. 

• Some brands have their own cleaning services that you can utilise but there are also companies like The Handbag Spa that can clean and restore designer bags. These are great options if there’s more extensive damage. 

• However you clean your designer bag, ensure you do it regularly (every three to six months) to prevent dirt build-up and ensure your go-to travel companion stays by your side for years to come. 

Leather

Whether you have a vintage piece or a newer leather bag, keeping it cleaned and cared for will prolong its life. If you want it as your ride-or-die accessory, there are a couple of ways to clean it yourself. 

Using a leather cleaner

1. If you’re worried; test your cleaner on a smaller, hidden part of your bag to ensure it’s a suitable choice. 
2. If there’s any dust or dry dirt on the bag, shake or vacuum it off. Also, shake it while open so debris from the inside falls out. You may want to use a lint roller for the interior and exterior too. 
3. With either a sponge or a soft cloth, gently wipe the bag with the cleaner. Avoid harsh buffing but pay extra attention to stained areas. It’s also important that you clean every part of the exterior to avoid water stains. 
4. After this, you can use a soft horsehair brush to remove any dirt stuck in the leather’s grain.
5. You should air-dry the bag and then apply a conditioner or leather sealant with a soft pad. This treats and preserves the leather.
6. You shouldn’t store your bag away until it has airdried for at least five days to avoid mould or an unwanted musty smell. Avoid direct sunlight when drying it. 

Soap and water

This may be a better option for vintage leather as that can be more delicate. 

1. Use lukewarm water and mix with the soap (preferably sensitive or specialist). Dip a super soft cloth into this.
2. Squeeze out the excess liquid and then rub the leather in a circular motion. 
3. The rest of the process will be nearly identical to the method above. 
4. Use a dry, clean cloth to remove any soap residue before drying.

Using a leather stain remover 

If you have some tougher stains to remove from a handbag, there are leather stain removers that can be used. Like the general cleaning solution, we’d recommend gently buffing this into the stain with a soft anti-microbial cloth or a bamboo pad. We would also suggest making this part of a full clean but, obviously, with more focus on those tougher stains. 

If you would like to try a natural stain remover for leather, you can mix some ​​water and a small amount of white vinegar and use the same gentle buffing method.

Leather wipes

For a quick everyday clean that removes debris and dust, you can use leather wipes to clean your designer handbag. Some even include light conditioning ingredients to keep your bag looking as stunning as ever. 

Suede

Suede is the trend that keeps on giving but it is notoriously awkward to clean – luckily for us, it’s not impossible.

1. Similar to regular leather, you should remove any excess dust, debris or dirt on the surface of your bag. You should be able to do this fairly easily by brushing the material with a dry cloth or a leather brush for hardened dirt.
2. You can then use a specialised suede cleaning solution or white vinegar (or rubbing alcohol) to gently clean your designer bag, covering the entire surface and focusing on areas with stains. 
3. Rest the bag in a cool and dry place, making sure it is completely dry before storing it away again. 
4. When the suede is dry, use the special leather brush again to brush the surface upwards. This will get rid of the last bits of debris and give the suede a nice finish. 

PVC and faux leather 

Synthetic materials have become incredibly popular amongst designers (and they’re perfect for vegan fashion lovers) but they will require slightly different methods to clean it. 

Try to wipe down a PVC bag regularly and store it in a dustbag to avoid dust build-up and minimise the appearance of scratches. This will also help with avoiding that unwanted ‘cloudy’ appearance. 

For a deeper clean when it comes to your PVC bag, use a damp cloth and a small amount of gentle detergent to wipe the bag (then wipe with a dry cloth) and make sure it fully dries before the next use. 

Faux leather can be wiped down with washing up liquid, warm water and microfibre cloth. Avoid using alcohol-based cleaners and make sure you don’t make it too damp when you clean it. 

Canvas

Canvas bags have been seen everywhere recently (we’re looking at you Marc Jacobs and Chloe), with celebs bringing them on a host of fabulous vacations. This textile is surprisingly easy to clean, which adds to the appeal. As if we needed more of a reason to love a tote bag. 

1. Double-check the label to ensure there aren’t any dyes that could run when you wash the bag. You’ll need to spot-clean it if there is. 
2. Before washing it fully, because canvas is a fabric, you can use a regular stain remover to target any tough stains. Use a sponge to dab those spots. 
3. Along with a mild detergent, you can pop the bag into the washing machine on a gentle cycle. You can also include a drop of vinegar to make sure soap residue isn’t left behind. For canvas bags that have hardware, it’s better to use gentle soap(or the detergent), warm water and a sponge to clean it by hand. 
4. As always, make sure you give the bag enough time to dry. If it is a lightweight tote bag, you may be able to hang it up on a clothesline to dry. 

Cleaning the hardware 

Metal hardware can tarnish but there are some ways to restore it. To protect your bag from avoidable tarnishing, you should store it in a dustbag but, if you’re using the bag, damage like scratching can still occur. 

If the hardware is badly scratched, it can be replated but, to ensure you don’t get to that point, you can use mild soap and warm water on a cloth to gently polish it regularly. You can also use a metal polish to buff it. Dab with a towel to dry it. 

For fading, there are gold leafing pens but we recommend investing in a professional service. 

Can you hack it?

Don’t have time to do the whole shebang? There are some clever hacks out there for cleaning bags. As exciting as it is to find a new lifesaving hack, we recommend being extra cautious with them. You may want to try each hack on a non-visible part of the bag beforehand to ensure that you don’t ruin the whole accessory. 

If you have a can of hairspray to hand, many claim this can be used to remove ink stains from leather, but this isn’t recommended. If you do want to try this viral hack, only use a small amount of hairspray and don’t rub the stain, dab it. 

Gentle washing-up liquid mixed with warm water can always make a great cleaning solution for all types of bags. Just make sure it is properly diluted and you wipe off any residue. 

For your hardware, if a scratch is very small, you could cover it with some gold nail polish (that matches your hardware) – just make sure it dries properly. 

Has all this cleaning chat got you thinking of your next handbag? If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe with a quality designer bag, Your Dream Bag may be just what you’re looking for. 

With our handpicked selection of designer handbags and accessories and easy-to-enter competitions, getting your hands on your next fashion fave is just a few clicks away.