Handbags obviously endure a great deal of wear and tear. They are slung around, dropped, hung on hooks, and stretched out. They are exposed to the elements every day. If you have an expensive designer handbag that you use often, you will need to learn how to take care of it to maintain its appearance. Leather handbags require special care, but they can last for many years if they receive lots of TLC.
First, figure out what type of fabric your handbag is made out of. Suede is very hard to clean, while cow’s leather is easiest. Lambskin is in-between. Next, go to a leather shop or handbag store and purchase the type of cleaner for the handbag. They should sell something called “leather conditioner” that you use to waterproof the handbag. Follow the directions on the packaging to waterproof and soften the leather. You should do this as soon as possible after you purchase the handbag. Deerskin leather, however, does not require waterproofing.
Use the correct type of cleaner for your material. Deerskin or cow’s skin leather can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild dish soap when needed. Do not submerge the purse in water. If you have a suede handbag, buy a “suede eraser” to remove stains and scuffs. Don’t use harsh cleaning products on suede, or you may damage the texture.
Keep your handbag off the ground. Either keep it under your arm or slung around a chair. These are safer places than setting it down on a dirty floor, bar, or table. When you’re not using your purse, store it in the closet. You don’t need to wrap it in anything. It’s especially important to keep it away from sunlight, which can fade and damage the leather over time. If you are not going to use the purse for a long time, stuff tissue paper inside it to keep its shape.
Tags: cleaning products, designer handbag, fabric, lambskin, leather conditioner, leather shop, stains, waterproofing