Luxury handbags aren’t just a tool for storing your phone or keys – they’re a symbol of investment and status. In addition to the beautiful design and brand recognition, the price of a designer handbag may remain and sometimes exceed its retail price. But once it’s sold again, depreciation from aging, wear and tear can become a headache. So how should you clean the inside of your designer handbag? You must first remove all items from the bag and pay attention to items that may leak or leave stains. Pull out the liner and wipe carefully with an alcohol-free baby wipe or a damp cloth soaked in soapy water. For stubborn stains, gently wipe with a cotton swab dipped in soapy water or a suitable stain remover to restore the inside of the bag to its pristine condition.
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Clean the inside of your luxury handbag
Some bags, especially leather bags, may look stylish on the outside, but are a mess on the inside. Keep the leather tote in condition and clean the inside of it by emptying the bag and wiping the lining with a soft cloth soaked in a mixture of warm water and liquid soap. These can also remove some stains, but you can also use the right stain remover.
1) Empty your bag
Take everything out of the leather tote and organize it. If your stuff is still inside the bag, the cleaning process will be difficult, and if possible, get rid of all the little junk you might have in your pockets or anything you won’t be using anymore. Leave nothing behind – remove any dust that collects in the inner corners of your luxury handbag. Make sure you’ve emptied all your bags down to the last piece. To remove all dust, turn the bag upside down and shake it. You can also use a lint roller to remove stubborn debris, but make sure to check that the material isn’t too sensitive – you don’t want tiny bits to come off. While you’re at it, this is the perfect time to reassess the organization of your bag. You may need more bags to store things that might make a mess, such as powder, makeup, lipstick, and other things.
2) Wipe the liner with a damp sponge
If possible, pull out the fabric inside the bag to protect the leather. You may notice how dirty it is by now, but a soft cloth dampened in soapy water should suffice. Prepare soapy water by mixing a little soap with hot or lukewarm water. For leather handbags with the same leather lining, continue wiping with the same mixture, but be careful of getting wet. Make sure to wring out the sponge or soft cloth well, as the leather can become brittle if it gets too wet.
3) Stains
When you’re emptying your stuff, we bet you’re going to have a mild heart attack when you see some stains. Wiping with soapy water may fix common stains, but if it becomes too stubborn, you can use a soft brush. If the marks still won’t come off, seek the help of a professional cleaner as they will know the correct way to clean. Trying different types of stain removers on your authentic designer handbag may do more harm than good.
A) Makeup Stains
To clean foundation stains, wipe with a dry cloth – the cloth should not be wet or the stain will worsen. If it still won’t come off, then you will carefully wipe the damp cotton swab according to the bag’s material. For linings made of polyester or cotton, you can use a cotton swab dampened with soapy water and wipe in circular motions. Change the cotton generously so the color doesn’t spread on the bag.
B) Lipstick Stains
If the inside of your handbag is made of cotton, the lipstick stains should come off if you wipe off the lipstick stain with a soft cloth dampened with liquid soap and water. For liners made of nylon, you can drip dry cleaning solvent on the area. Soak a white cloth with the same solution and press firmly on the actual stain for a few minutes. Repeat this process until the lipstick stain is gone, then carefully rinse off the remaining solution with water.
C) Ink stains
If the ink is coming from your pen, you can use a cotton swab dampened with a few drops of denatured alcohol – make sure not to wet it too much to avoid spreading the stain. Just dab carefully, then blot dry with a white microfiber towel or paper towel. You can also try removing these stains with a white eraser. If your ink stains become too stubborn, seek the help of a professional cleaner for professional cleaning tips and stain removal services.
D) Water stains
Water stains can be removed by wiping lightly with a cloth moistened with soapy water. If it doesn’t go off, you can try a white eraser. If you still can’t get it out, seek the help of a professional handbag cleaner.
4) Dry the lining
Dry the lining of the handbag so it doesn’t get too moldy. You can use a hair dryer to speed up drying, or place it on a shelf above the radiator. If you think the material is too sensitive to withstand extreme heat (such as sun drying, hair dryer or machine dryer), you can use something gentler, such as a fan.
When to seek professional help
Clean your bag regularly, but not so often that it wears out. Prevention is better than cure, so be mindful of what you put in your Louis Vuitton or Chanel tweed bag. Remember to be gentle when cleaning the inside of the bag to avoid any damage. Any wear and tear can devalue your bag. If your wallet has any stubborn stains, it is best to find a professional leather bag cleaner for regular maintenance.
