5 Best Leather Cleaners for Purses

We all want to own a leather purse. It’s very stylish and elegant, and is guaranteed to last for a long time! However, there’s a tendency that its beauty could dull since it’s often exposed to dirt and grime. So how do you keep your leather purse looking new? The answer is to use a leather cleaner. Using a cleaner is very easy and you’ll be surprised at how it can make your purse look great once again. While there are some specific cleaners made just to clean leather items, there are several other ways on how you can keep your leather purse look brand new once again. Therefore, below you will find 5 best leather cleaners for purses that are easy and cheap to find.

What is a Leather Cleaner?

From the name itself, the leather cleaner is a type of cleaner made especially for leather. It removes dirt, grime, and even stains from the leather material. As such, it can make your leather purse look brand new once again. It keeps your valuable purchase protected since it removes impurities and restores the leather’s natural look. Aside from using it to clean purses, the leather cleaner can also be used in cleaning leather car seats, upholstery, and other things made of leather.

When using leather cleaner, it’s recommended to apply or spray it directly on the leather surface with the use of a microfiber cloth. Afterward, buff or wipe the surface gently in a circular motion. You may have to wait for up to 45 minutes before the area is dried completely after the cleaner is applied. Although almost all kinds of leather cleaners can be used in cleaning vinyl surfaces, they can’t be used on nubuck or suede.

However, if you don’t feel like investing money into “some cleaners”, below you will find some common things that can get the job done. Therefore, without further ado, dive right into it!

(Good read: How to Take Care of Leather Bags)

1. Soap and Water

It’s possible to clean your leather purse with soap and water. You can use dish soap or hand soap for this, but they should be something made of mild ingredients. To use, squirt the liquid soap in a bowl of warm water and mix well. Then get a soft white cloth and dip into the mixture. Wring out most of the water from the cloth before using it to wipe off the leather. Afterward, wipe the surface with a dry cloth and buff it off completely.

For extremely soiled surfaces, apply the liquid soap directly into the surface and wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth making sure that the stains are removed. Then buff the surface dry using a dry cloth.

2. Cream of Tartar and Lemon Juice Mixture

You can also use a mixture of cream of tartar and lemon juice in cleaning your leather purse. Simply mix equal parts of them until you achieve a paste-like consistency. Apply the paste into the leather surface and leave it there for 30 minutes and then use a damp cloth to wipe the paste off. But keep in mind that the lemon juice has a mild bleaching effect so avoid using it on dark-colored leather.

3. Nail Polish Remover and Alcohol

Another way to remove scuffs and ink stains from your leather purse is to use a rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Use a cotton swab and dip it into the alcohol or polish remover and lightly blot the stain with the cotton. Avoid rubbing as this could spread the stain. When you’re done, wipe the surface with dry cloth or towel.

4. Vinegar and Olive Oil

Another way to clean your leather is with vinegar and olive oil. Simply dab the vinegar directly into the soiled area. Then wipe the area with olive oil using a soft cloth. Buff the surface well in order to make it soft and supple.

You can also combine the vinegar and olive oil to come up with your own leather cleaner. Simply mix them together and dip a paper towel into the mixture before applying it to the leather surface. Wipe the area with a dry towel to remove any excess oil.

5. Using Baking Soda

For grease stains and oil, the best way to address this is with baking soda. Simply sprinkle the powder into the surface and rub the area gently using a damp cloth. Leave them on the area overnight in order for the oil to be absorbed well. Then wipe the powder with a soft cloth.