How to clean your leather bag quickly and easily

Knowing how to clean a leather handbag *without ruining it* is a useful #lifehack that will serve you well for years to come. Whether you’ve invested in a designer piece or you’ve picked up a steal on the high street, leather bags are designed to stand the test of time. And we’re all for looking after our beloved fashion items and extending their life. Let’s face it, we can’t all have unlimited funds for shopping sprees like the Kardashian/Jenner clan.

So, we’re here to provide you with *all* the info on how to clean your bag in detail. From step-by-step explainers of how to remove liquid stains and odours, to the best tips for protecting and storing your piece to keep it in tip-top condition, who better to ask about leather care than the experts at The Handbag Clinic?

Specialising in designer handbag care and restoration, here, they break down the most valuable advice on caring for your leather bag – including what to do, and common mistakes to avoid.

How to clean your leather handbag
While you might love the idea of taking your bag to a specialist to be pampered and cleaned every month, for many of us, that’s not very realistic. But there are many steps you can take at home to keep your pride and joy in tip-top shape between specialist appointments. Here, Charlotte Staerck, the Retail Director and Co-founder of The Handbag Clinic shows us how to give your bag a quick refresh with their Leather Care Kit. (It’s a lot cheaper than a monthly clean, trust.)

1. Start by cleaning the bag inside and outside, creating a foam with the cleaning solution, and massaging it into the bag.
2. Leave to dry for a couple of minutes before applying the protection cream. Take extra care with the handles, corners, and frequently touched areas. You then leave this to dry for ten minutes before buffing off any excess.
3. This process takes no more than 15 minutes and could save you a fortune on restoration treatment in the future – it will also keep the value in your bag, getting the most out of your purchase.
4. If you have a light-coloured bag or if it’s a very absorbent leather, you may want to repeat the protection process a couple of times to really look after those easily stained leathers.
5. If you don’t have time to do the full bag, focus on the main areas such as the handles. Giving them a quick wipe down will keep them looking fresh for longer.“Having the right cleaning and protective products on hand at home is essential for optimum maintenance,” Charlotte says. “Our care kits come with everything you need including sponges, cloths, and a brush in the suede kit so you have all the tools required to keep your bags looking great.”