subject: How to Keep a Handbag Clean [print this page] Handbags are just one of those items that we forget to clean, even though they get as much usage as any item of clothing and stain just as much. Although, unlike clothes, it's not an imperative to wash and rinse bags regularly, a quick clean once in a while will keep them fresh and hopefully in good condition.
Cleaning a handbag is quite simple, although it does need to be done by hand. Before you wash your bag, read the care instructions as these will instruct you on what you can do and cannot. Always take this advice into account as there's a good reason why it is there. Secondly, prepare by emptying your bag of all the bits. Shake your bag a good few times and most of the little bits should fall out. If like me you have an excessive amount of small bits of paper, use a dust pan and brush to gently sweep out the bits in your bag.
Now for each type of handbag, there is a different cleaning method. Fabric handbags are quite difficult to remove stains from and clean. Generally, it is recommended that you clean by using a soft dry cloth or blotting the material with a cloth soaked in warm water and a mild detergent. Rubbing the bag is avoided as it will only cause marks to appear, ruining your handbag.
Any purse made of delicate fabrics, such as silk, will need to be specially washed by the dry cleaners. Trying to clean a silk bag at home simply will not work, and you'll probably end up only ruining your precious bag.
Leather and suede handbags are even more difficult to clean. When you first purchase a leather or suede bag, you will also need to guard the material against damage, such as rain, which causes the appearance to change. Cleaning it without this guard will permanently alter the appearance of the bag, which I am sure you don't want. For these you will need a specific cleaner for suede or leather handbags. It is recommended that you only use the specific cleaners and avoid using soap, alcohol based wipes and body moisturisers as these will all cause drastic alterations to your handbag.
Like any material, it's always best to remove the stain immediately. Using bicarbonate of soda is certainly useful for this; however, check that it will work on the material your handbag is made of before using it. Not all stains can be removed, especially if left for a long time to soak into the fabric, but rather than throw your bag away, try to cover the stain up with a pretty appliqu design or badge, which will add that unique look to your bag as well as cover up the stain.
