How do I clean a leather bag?

Label reading

Before starting any maintenance procedure, it's essential to read the labels on leather accessories. Manufacturers often provide specific cleaning instructions. If you follow these recommendations carefully, you'll avoid the frequent mistakes that can damage your bag's leather.

The different types of leather for a bag

By reading the labels, you can also find out what type of leather your bag is made of. In fact, there are different types of leather for bags. Here are the 3 main leathers used and our tips for cleaning them:

1. Smooth leather (cow, calf, buffalo, etc.):
   We recommend wiping with a cloth slightly dampened with warm water. Use a leather cleaner specially designed for smooth leathers if stains persist. Apply gently with a clean cloth and follow the product instructions.
    
2. Suede and suede leather:
   Brush gently with a horsehair brush to remove light dirt and stains. For stubborn stains, use a special suede eraser to gently rub the affected area. Avoid using water, as suede does not tolerate it.
    
3. Synthetic leather (imitation leather):
   Clean with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and light stains. Avoid the use of aggressive chemicals, as they can damage the synthetic leather coating.

If in doubt, take your bag directly to a leather specialist.

5 tips for cleaning a black leather bag

Leather care can't be improvised. Discover our tips for keeping your black leather bag in impeccable condition for longer:

#1 Use a soft, damp cloth.
Start by gently wiping the surface of the bag with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove dust and surface dirt.

#2 Use mild soap or leather cleaner.
Apply it to a clean, damp cloth, then gently rub the stained area in a circular motion.

#3 Avoid harsh chemicals.
Don't use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the leather. Instead, opt for gentle, natural solutions to clean your black leather bag.

#4 Test a small area first.
Before applying a cleaner or product to the whole bag, test it first on a small, discreet area to make sure there's no adverse reaction or discoloration of the leather.

#5 Nourish the leather after cleaning.
After cleaning your black leather bag, use a specific leather product or leather balm to nourish it and protect it from drying out and cracking. Apply it with a clean, soft cloth using circular movements, then leave to dry completely before storing your bag.

How do I clean a white or beige leather bag?

The care of a bag in color light colors such as beige or white requires special attention to avoid discoloration or damage to the material. Here are the steps to follow to effectively clean your bag:

• Preparation: Gather the necessary cleaning products.
  Take a soft cloth, a soft bristle brush, mild soap or a specific leather cleaner, lukewarm water and, if necessary, a suitable stain remover.
   
• Remove dust and light dirt.
  Use a soft, dry cloth to gently dust the surface of the bag and remove light impurities. You can also use a soft bristle brush for hard-to-reach areas.
   
• Pre-treat stains.
  If you have visible stains on the bag, use a suitable stain remover or a natural solution, such as mild soap diluted in lukewarm water. Apply it to the stains using a clean, soft cloth, then rub gently in a circular motion.
   
• Clean thoroughly.
  Soak a clean cloth in lukewarm water with a mild soap or leather cleaner. Wring out the cloth lightly to remove excess water, then gently clean the surface of the bag using circular movements. Avoid rubbing too vigorously to avoid damaging the material.
   
• Rinse and dry.
  Use a clean, damp cloth to thoroughly rinse any traces of soap or cleaner from the bag. Then use a dry cloth to remove excess moisture. Let the bag air-dry, away from direct sunlight and any source of heat, to avoid discoloration or damage.
   
• Protect and care.
  Once the bag is clean and dry, you can apply a leather protector or specific waterproofing spray to protect the bag from stains and moisture.

Repeat this cleaning process regularly to keep your color clear bag in good condition.

How do I remove stubborn stains from leather?

To remove a stain from your bag, first perform a test on a small, inconspicuous area of the bag. This will ensure that the leather does not react adversely to the cleaning products you plan to use.

Once the test is completed :

• Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and add a mild soap (e.g. Marseille soap). Mix to create a slightly soapy solution.
• Soak a soft cloth in the soap solution and wring it out slightly so that it's damp but not completely soaked. Use this cloth to gently clean stains from your leather bag, using circular movements. Avoid rubbing too hard or applying excessive pressure to avoid damaging the leather.
• Fill a second bucket with clean, clear water. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the soap from the stain on your bag.
• Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to absorb excess moisture from the bag's surface. Then let the bag dry at room temperature, away from any source of direct heat, which could damage the leather.

Other solutions for cleaning leather

If this tip isn't enough and your stain persists, there are various products available for the most stubborn stains.

• Talcum powder: ideal for absorbing grease. Apply to the area to be cleansed and rub gently with a cotton cloth.
• Cleansing milk: soak a piece of absorbent cotton in cleansing milk and apply in circular movements to the stain.
• Terre de Sommières: renowned for its effectiveness, it thoroughly cleans your leather bag without attacking it. Sprinkle on the terre de Sommières, leave for an hour or so, then remove the rest with a soft cloth.

4 tips to protect your leather bag

To avoid future stains on your bag, you can get a head start by protecting it. Here are 4 tips to help you do just that:

• Apply a waterproofing product specially formulated for leather, to help repel water. Be sure to follow the product's instructions and apply it regularly, as the waterproofing's effectiveness diminishes over time.
• Avoid exposure to water at all costs; your leather bag should be protected from the rain as much as possible. If the bag gets wet, blot up the water immediately with a soft cloth and let it dry naturally at room temperature, away from any source of direct heat.
• Protect it from UV rays. Your leather bag should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, as this can discolor the leather. Store it in a dark place when not in use.
• Do not expose your leather bag to harsh chemicals such as acetone, alcohol or household cleaners, as they can damage the leather.

By following these tips, you can extend the life of your leather bag and protect it from potential damage, while preserving its elegance and beauty. Don't clean your leather handbag like you would a suede or canvas bag. Take a look at our handbag care guide to learn more.

How to keep leather shiny?

Moisturizing leather is essential to keep your bag looking its best. Moisturize your bag once it's dry. You can apply a special leather care product, such as a balm or cream, to restore the leather's suppleness and shine.

As you will have understood, leather is a prestigious material that requires real care on a daily basis. Indeed, daily care of Sneakers leather, leather garments or leather accessories helps to keep them in excellent condition. So you can continue to enjoy and use them for many years to come.

Can a leather bag be machine-washed?

Washing machines are not generally recommended for cleaning leather bags. Leather is a delicate material that can be damaged by water, detergents and the rough movements of the washing machine. Prolonged contact with water can cause softening, discoloration or even irreparable deformation of the leather. It's best to opt for the above manual cleaning methods, specifically adapted to leather.

Caring for a rain-soaked leather bag

When a leather bag is exposed to rain, it's essential to take steps to preserve its quality and appearance. First, gently dry the bag with a soft cloth as soon as possible to remove excess water. Avoid using a direct heat source, such as a hairdryer, as this could damage the leather. Then let the bag air-dry in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and any source of heat.

Once completely dry, you can apply a waterproofing product specially designed for leather to protect the bag from stains and future dampness. Finally, be sure to store the bag in a dry, moisture-free place to prevent further damage. By following these care tips, you can extend the life of your leather bag and keep it in perfect condition, even after exposure to rain.