OUR PROCESS
John Mattioli says being an entrepreneur has far exceeded his expectations. 
Archives
- August 2018
- October 2017
- September 2017
- June 2017
- February 2017
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- November 2015
Categories
“How to Clean a Leather Handbag”
Here at Dry Clean City of Vestavia Hills, we post information that may be of interest to our customers. Today’s topic is:
“How to Clean a Leather Handbag”
Before you do anything to clean your handbag we recommend reviewing any care labels or information that may have come with your handbag for the manufacture’s cleaning recommendation.
If you cannot find any information with your leather handbag, we recommend the following:
You Will Need These Supplies
- Mild liquid facial or body soap (such as Neutrogena)
- Distilled water (never use tap water because it contains chlorine)
- Small bucket or a bowl
- Pure white soft cloths for cleaning and buffing
- Water-based leather conditioner (find at Walmart or an auto parts store)
- Pure white soft small towel for drying
Here’s Our Recommended Cleaning Process
1) Remove all contents from the handbag.
2) Unzip and unsnap all compartments and turn the handbag upside down and shake hard for several minutes to remove all loose dirt and debris.
3) Wipe out the entire interior of the handbag with a soft dry clean cloth.
4) Mix a few drops of the mild soap with two cups of distilled water and stir until it becomes sudsy.
5) Dip the soft pure white cloth into the soapy mixture and wring out the cloth until it is just damp.
6) Wipe the entire leather surface with the damp cloth.
7) Dry thoroughly with the pure white soft towel and buff lightly as you dry the leather.
8) Buff the leather with a fresh pure white soft cloth until the luster is restored.
9) Treat the exterior surface with the leather conditioner as per the instructions on the container.
Additional Tips
- Avoid placing your leather handbag in direct sunlight as this will dry the leather and cause it to fade and/or crack.
- If you are using a sponge to clean your leather handbag, opt for natural (non-colored) sponges. (the dye may rub off of colored sponges).
- Do not expose your leather handbag to excess moisture or water as this may damage the leather.
- Avoid using any type of harsh cleaners or abrasive cleansers your leather handbag as these will cause damage to the surface.
- NEVER use any kind of oils (such as mink oil), polish, or any product containing waxes or silicone (including many car care products) on your leather handbag as it may damage the leather and leave it feeling sticky.
- Generally, it is not good to use saddle soap, alcohol, varnish, or ammonia-based cleaners (i.e. Windex) or bleach on leather as they may be too harsh, causing serious damage or discoloration.
- Leather does occasionally need to be replenished and reconditioned. Although there are products on the market for this, you might try mixing 1 part distilled white vinegar with 2 parts linseed oil. Shake well and apply to leather in circular motion. Let sit for about 10 minutes, then buff with a soft cloth. A second buffing may be necessary.
- NEVER use baby wipes or any other alkaline cleaner on your leather handbag as it may damage the finish.
- Remember, if you have any doubt as to the proper way to clean your leather handbag, call a professional specializing in leather cleaning.
205-823-1265