Cleaning leather yourself can be risky. Always test a small area of your leather handbag with your cleanser before proceeding. If you have any doubts about your ability to clean your handbag, take it to a professional.
Step 1: Different stains call for different cleaning methods
It's helpful if you know what caused the stain on your leather handbag. Different stains will need different methods for cleaning.
Step 2: If you have an ink stain
Ink can generally be removed by hairspray. Saturate the stain with hairspray. Blot at it with a clean cloth. You may need to repeat this process.
Step 3: If you have a water stain
Allow the handbag to dry thoroughly. Use a leather conditioner to make it soft again. Do not put it in a clothes dryer. This can and will ruin the handbag.
Step 4: If you have a blood stain
Use a clean and damp cloth to remove a blood stain. Blot at the stain repeatedly. Allow to dry and follow up with a leather conditioner. You can also try using a tiny amount of an enzyme based cleaner but as always, test on an inconspicuous area before proceeding.
Step 5: To remove a grease stain
If your handbag has picked up a grease stain, blot the extra grease with a clean cloth. Sprinkle cornstarch on the affected area. Let the cornstarch sit for several hours. Wipe off the powder with a clean and dry cloth.
Step 6: If gum gets on your handbag
Gently scrape off excess gum with a dull knife. Heat any remaining gum with a hair dryer and wipe away. Gum can be really hard to remove so you may want to take it to professional cleaner.
 | If these tips do not work, please take your leather handbag to a professional. A professional leather cleaner will probably be able to fix your bag. It may require a dye job to get it back to normal. The best plan is to always take special care not to stain your bag in the first place. Think about a special seal or waterproof spray to protect your handbag for many years to come. |
