How to Clean a Leather Purse

Cleaning and Care Tips to Keep Your Purse Looking New

A leather purse and cleaning materials

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida  

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 - 45 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr - 1 day
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to $10

A leather bag is a classic investment piece, and learning how to clean a leather purse properly can keep it looking its best long-term. While they're not cheap, leather purses can hold up year-after-year with simple, monthly cleanings to prevent cracks, dryness, and damage. A leather purse can get dirty or stained over time but, unlike fabric bags, they're easy to clean. With accessible products like household cleaners, you can get your leather bag looking as good as new and restore its original shine.

Leather is easy to clean with mild dish soap or commercial leather cleaners. Avoid using too much water, ammonia, or bleach-based cleaners, which can damage the surface. Always check the bag’s care label before cleaning. Follow any recommended cleaning guidelines, and attempt to identify any stains for treatment.

A leather purse and cleaning materials
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida  

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Vacuum
  • Soft-bristle brush
  • Cotton swabs (optional)

Materials

  • Mild dish soap or leather cleaner
  • 2 cleaning cloths
  • Lint roller
  • Leather conditioner or white vinegar and linseed oil (optional)
  • Metal polish (optional)

Instructions

How to Clean a Leather Purse
Detergent Leather soap
Water Temperature Cold
Cycle Type Do not use washer
Dryer Cycle Type Do not use dryer
Special Treatment Hand-clean with white cloths 
Iron Settings Do not iron
How Often to Wash Monthly

How to Clean a Leather Purse

  1. Empty the Purse and Remove Debris

    Empty out your purse completely, taking everything out of the pockets, and opening all zippers and clasps. Shake the purse upside down to dislodge dirt and debris, then pull the interior lining out to clean it with a lint roller or a vacuum with a fabric attachment.

    A brown handbag with the flap open
    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida 
  2. Wipe With Dish Soap or Leather Cleaner

    Add a couple of drops of dish soap to warm water or use a commercial leather cleaner. Using your chosen cleanser and a clean, soft white cloth (avoid using colored rags as they can cause dye transfer), wipe down the outside of your leather bag.

    Tip

    If using a dish soap and warm water, make sure to wring out excess water to avoid damaging the leather.

    Someone wiping down a bag with leather soap
    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida 
  3. Buff the Purse Dry

    After wiping it down, buff the bag dry with another white cloth. The leather should start to feel more supple and begin to shine.

    Someone buffing a purse with a white cloth
    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida 
  4. Clean the Hardware

    To brighten your bag's hardware, dip a cotton swab in metal polish or brass cleaner and apply it to the metal. Use a white cloth to gently buff away the tarnish. Keep the cleaner away from the leather because it can cause discoloration.

    Someone cleaning purse hardware
    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida 

How to Condition a Leather Purse

Finish by applying a leather conditioner to help the bag remain flexible and stain-resistant. You can purchase high-quality commercial leather conditioners online or at your local home improvement store. Follow the application instructions on the label.

You can also make a leather conditioner by mixing 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts linseed oil. Dip a white cloth into the mixture, and gently rub it into the leather. Allow to soak for 15 minutes, and then buff dry with a clean rag. Note that linseed oil may slightly darken the leather.

How to Remove Stains on Leather Purses

It's critical to remove stains like ink, blood, food, and wine as soon as possible. There are specific methods that are best for each type of stain.

However, you have an unfinished leather purse, that should be taken to a professional cleaner for stain removal. Not sure if your leather is unfinished? Sprinkle a couple of droplets of water. If they aren't absorbed into the leather, your purse is unfinished. A dry cleaner will be able to address this type of stain as well as stains on finished leather if you'd rather not DIY it.

Here are a few ways to remove various stains from leather.

  • Rubbing alcohol: Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) works best to remove ink stains and scuffs on the leather. Use a cotton swab to apply the alcohol to your bag, then blot until the stain is removed. Dab the spot dry with another clean cloth. Repeat if necessary. 
  • Talcum powder, baking soda, or cornstarch: These three basic household items can remove grease, food, and oil stains from leather. Sprinkle the powder on the grease stain, pat it in, and let it overnight. Brush off the powder with a soft-bristled brush. If stubborn powder residue remains, wipe it away with a clean cloth. 
  • Cream of tartar and lemon juice: These pantry items can remove pesky wine stains. Mix a paste of equal parts cream of tartar and lemon juice, then apply the paste to the leather. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes and wipe it off. Repeat if necessary.

Tip

To remove stains when cleaning white leather, use a spray bottle to mix 2 parts olive oil and 1 part vinegar. Put the mixture on the stain, let it sit for several minutes, then wipe the oil and vinegar away.

How to Care for Leather Purses

Care and Repair of Leather Purses

If your bag breaks or rips, it's best to take it to a shoe repair shop where they have the professional tools to repair leather. You could also try a mail-in purse repair service. Some luxury handbag companies, such as Chanel, Mulberry, and Givenchy, will provide complimentary repairs within a year of purchase.

If you have a minor fix, such as fraying on purse straps, try a tear-mender adhesive, found in fabric and craft stores. Trim off loose threads, use the adhesive per instructions, and allow to fully dry before using.

Storing Leather Purses

Never store leather handbags in plastic bags—the plastic can stick to the leather, and it may pull off the outer layer and ruin the bag. Plastic bags can also trap moisture, which can lead to mildew and the yellowing of white leather. Instead, use a dust bag, an old pillowcase, or a cotton bag to store your purses and prevent dust from accumulating. The fabric bag will allow the leather to breathe and help it remain soft and flexible.

Stuff your handbags with tissue paper when not in use so they keep their shape. Don't hang them; store them upright or flat so the straps aren't stressed.

Tips for Cleaning Leather Purses

  • Never use a stiff brush or harsh cleaning products on leather, including bacterial wipes, ammonia, or alcohol-based cleaners.
  • To prevent staining, keep makeup in a zipped waterproof bag and pens in another pouch.
  • Cleaning a patent-leather purse is simple because it's real leather finished with lacquer for a glossy, reflective surface. Clean the purse with a damp cloth to remove dust and soil. For scuff marks, use a pink artist's eraser to lightly rub away the scuff. Finish by polishing with a dry cloth.
  • Regularly clean a faux leather purse, which is usually a plastic or vinyl material. Gather three soft, clean white rags, and then mix a bit of mild soap or detergent with warm water. Dip a rag in the solution, wring out the water, and wipe down your purse. Rub with another water-dampened cloth, and then dry with the fresh cloth.
FAQ
  • What is the best cleaner for leather bags?

    You can use various household items to clean leather, including a few drops of mild soap in warm water or various stain-fighting substances including rubbing alcohol, talcum powder, and baking soda. You can also use a commercial leather cleaner.

  • How can I make my leather purse shine again?

    To make your leather bag look like new, clean and condition it. Follow the cleaning steps above (make sure they align with the information on the care tag first). Then, use a leather conditioner and buff the leather to make it shine.

  • What can I use to restore my leather purse?

    To restore your leather purse, try cleaning it with a few drops of mild soap and warm water or a commercial leather cleaner.

    Remove any stains using a method specific to that type of stain. Tackle any repairs either through a DIY method or take them to a shoe repair shop where they have the appropriate tools to fix leather. Condition the purse once it is clean to restore it to its original condition.