The Care Library
How to clean a leather bag at home
1 minute read
Most smooth leather bags need less cleaning than people fear. The aim is to lift the day from the surface — dust, hand oils, the grey film of use — and leave the finish exactly as it was.
What you need
- Two soft, lint-free cloths, white or undyed.
- A soft brush, such as a horsehair shoe brush.
- A cleanser made for finished leather, or a little distilled water.
The method
- Empty the bag, open every pocket and shake out the crumbs.
- Brush the whole surface lightly, paying attention to seams and the base.
- Apply a small amount of cleanser to the cloth, never to the bag.
- Work in small, light circles, one panel at a time.
- Wipe away any residue with the second, dry cloth.
- Let the bag dry naturally, away from radiators and sunlight.
What never to use
Baby wipes, washing-up liquid, alcohol, vinegar, hand sanitiser and household sprays. They may look harmless on the first try, but over time they dry the leather and dull the finish.
When to stop
If colour comes away on the cloth, stop. The finish is lifting, and the bag should go to a specialist.
Always test any technique on a hidden area first. If a bag is valuable, delicate or already damaged, take it to a professional.
The bags and labels in our photographs are illustrative: Currier & Bloom is independent of every maker, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of them.
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