How to Clean a White Leather Purse

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Leather purses need special attention when it comes to cleaning. White leather gets visibly dirty faster than darker leathers, so regular maintenance is needed to keep your purse looking its best. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down your bag weekly. Stains can be treated with diluted mild soap, white shoe polish, baby powder or a professional leather cleaning product, depending on the type of stain. When not in use, keep your bag stored in a dust-free area out of direct sunlight. Keep the leather supple by conditioning it every few months.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Doing Routine Cleaning

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  1. If your bag is pretty clean, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe it down weekly. To remove minor dirt, mix a drop or two of mild soap and 8-12 ounces of warm water together. Lightly dampen the microfiber cloth with the solution and wipe the dirt off the leather. [1]
  2. After using the mild soap solution, go back over the surface with a dry microfiber cloth to ensure no water is left standing on the leather's surface. Avoid using soggy paper towels for this. Microfiber is the ideal material because it won’t crumble and wicks away moisture quickly. [2]
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  3. To avoid damaging the leather, always wipe the bag lightly. Wipe in the same direction as the grain of the leather. Use smooth, uniform strokes. Be sure to wipe the parts you touch the most, such as the handles, strap and clasp. These areas are easily soiled by the natural oils on your hands.
  4. Some commonly suggested “home remedies” involve using these substances. Don’t use them. The chemicals in these products can damage the surface, dry out the leather and cause grease stain issues. [3]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Removing Stains

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  1. The faster you remove the spilled substance, the less likely it is to stain the leather. Blot spills immediately with a dry microfiber cloth. You may want to tuck a small microfiber cloth into your purse for emergencies. [4]
  2. This works particularly well on ink stains, since they are extremely difficult to get out. Buy a white shoe polish product at a shoe or department store. Squeeze the container until a small amount of the polish comes out. Cover the stain completely with it. Gently buff the area with the sponge applicator tip to cover the stain. [5]
  3. If you’ve discovered an oil-based stain on your leather bag, sprinkle enough baby powder on top of the spot so that’s completely covered. Leave it on overnight. The next day, brush away the baby powder with a dry microfiber cloth. The stain should be gone. If not, reapply and give it another day. [6]
    • If the stain persists, you’ll need to have your bag cleaned professionally.
    • Never use water on an oil-based stain. [7]
  4. You can buy these specially formulated products at department stores and shoe shops. They may cost a little more than a solution you can mix up at home, but these products are very effective. Apply the cleaner directly to the stain.
    • In most cases, you will not need to rinse the bag because the leather soaks up the cleansing cream. Check your particular product's instructions to confirm. [8]
    • If your product does call for wiping, do so very gently and with the grain of the leather. Rough scrubbing can drive the stain more deeply into the leather.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining Your Purse

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  1. This is a very common cause of oil-based stains on leather purses. When doing a routine wipe-down, check the handles and clasps particularly, since the natural oils from your hands may also cause oily stains.
  2. Dust can settle on the white leather and affect its appearance. If your leather bag came with a dust bag (many designer purses do), store your purse inside it when you aren’t using it. If you don’t have a dust bag, an old pillowcase or garment bag will work. [9]
  3. The sun’s rays can damage the leather's surface. Make sure you store it in a non-humid area with no direct sunlight. Stuff the bag with newspaper while in storage. This will help the leather bag keep its original shape. [10]
  4. Wipe the leather down first with a dry microfiber cloth to ensure there’s no lingering dust or dirt. Rub a small amount of the conditioner onto the surface of the purse. Allow it to sit for several minutes, which allows the leather to soak up the hydration. Gently wipe the conditioner off with a clean microfiber cloth. [11]
    • Regular conditioning will keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.
    • Leather conditioner products can be purchased at shoe and department stores.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use vinegar or bleach to clean a leather purse?
    Susan Stocker
    Professional Cleaner
    Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
    Susan Stocker
    Professional Cleaner
    Expert Answer
    No. You really don't want to use anything that strong to clean leather. You're much better off sticking with water and some mild dish soap.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    My white purse has yellowed. How can I make it white again?
    Kathequeen2006
    Community Answer
    Rub Talescemdara oil on it (it's basically soap from a plant called aritha). It should get the stain out. If it doesn't, use a fabric cleaner for clothes and accessories. If worse comes to worst, rub on a small amount of bleach.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      References

      1. ↑ Susan Stocker. Cleaning Guru. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      2. ↑ Susan Stocker. Cleaning Guru. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      3. ↑ Susan Stocker. Cleaning Guru. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      4. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/how-to/a35964/how-to-clean-a-leather-handbag/
      5. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/how-to/a35964/how-to-clean-a-leather-handbag/
      6. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/how-to-clean-a-designer-bag/
      7. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/how-to/a35964/how-to-clean-a-leather-handbag/
      8. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/how-to/a35964/how-to-clean-a-leather-handbag/
      9. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/how-to/a35964/how-to-clean-a-leather-handbag/
      1. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/how-to-clean-a-designer-bag/
      2. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/how-to-clean-a-designer-bag/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If your white leather purse is looking a bit worse for wear, you can clean it up with a few household cleaners. Wipe it with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water to remove dirt and grease. Wipe it lightly in the direction of the leather’s grain to avoid damaging it. Then, dry it with another dry cloth. For tougher stains, try rubbing a little shoe polish on it with its sponge. Or, spray some leather cleaning product and wipe it with a cloth. For more tips, including how to keep your purse shiny and clean, read on!

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