Despite popular belief, leather is surprisingly responsive to care, and you can even restore it to make it look new. Although leather is a resilient and long-lasting material, its appearance will change and even deteriorate over time due to wear and tear or neglect. However, what could happen, and how might a leather handbag be revived?

Since leather naturally stiffens with use, it usually happens when the bag is wet or dry. Contrarily, leather requires the same tender loving care and is susceptible to stains, dirt, and abrasions as any other accessory.

However, you should be aware that some variations in the appearance of leather are entirely normal. You see, leather will eventually patina with time, which can cause a leather bag to have an uneven colouration. This, however, is a sign of quality and occurs in all leather goods.

Bleach cleaner or ammonia: -

To start with, a bleach-based cleaner or ammonia should never be used to clean leather. Additionally, leather can become stained by water, so make an effort to keep the material moist throughout the process rather than wet.

This is an excellent method for removing ink stains and scuffs. Lightly blot the stain with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Do not rub, as this may cause the ink to spread. Blot gently until the stain is removed. Dry with a towel after wiping with a clean, damp cloth.

Moisturise And Condition: -

We recommend a thorough cleaning if your leather has been neglected for a long time. Dehydration is the most common cause of leather ageing. Apply leather moisturiser to help repair this. Using a moisturiser will aid in the evaporation of any pores within the leather. Don't be alarmed if the leather looks or feels different after using a moisturiser, as moisturisers typically leave the leather arid.

The following step is to apply leather conditioner. The conditioner will not only treat the leather's dryness but also help prevent future cracks. When using conditioner for leather products, exercise caution. Here are a few easy steps you can take:

Remove or cover any laces, zippers, or other product detailing to avoid staining.

Allow your leather to air-dry before applying the conditioner.

Use only a tiny amount! Remember that a little leather conditioner goes a long way.

Apply with a warm cloth or a sponge.

Allow the leather conditioner to soak in overnight.

Wipe away any excess conditioner after leaving your leather alone.

Attempt Natural Remedies: -

We have a few suggestions if you want to avoid using chemicals on your leather. While these will not remove every stain, they will make a noticeable difference.

  • Baking soda: - Boil some water in a kettle, then pour it into a big bowl. Put a soft cloth in the bowl with two to three tablespoons of baking soda. Then, you can use the material to rub any scuffed or stained leather items gently. Move the cloth gently in circular motions to prevent the stains from spreading. You ought to start noticing the marks fading with time. Before applying a protector or buff, let the leather items you're using air dry naturally. Dip a soft cloth into a cup of baking soda after wetting it.
  • Water and vinegar: - Dip a clean cloth into a cup filled with an equal mixture of water and vinegar. Dab the mixture onto the stains after liberally soaking your fabric in it.

LEMON JUICE AND CREAM OF TARTAR: -

Additionally, you can make a paste by combining lemon juice and tartar cream, which works exceptionally well to remove stains. Apply a small amount of this solution to the colour and let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping away any leftover paste with a damp cloth. Simply put, this pastes functions as a mild bleaching agent and works particularly well on light-coloured leather bags.

LEATHER-CLEANING PRODUCTS: -

To clean a leather bag, there are also leather-cleaning products available. Choose a neutral cleaner from the range of colours available and test it on a small bag area before using the same procedure on the rest of it. And that only tells part of the tale.

To clean a leather bag, you will require a sponge, clothes, saddle soap, and a special dressing containing neat’s-foot oil. In case you were wondering, saddle soap is simply a soap designed specifically for cleaning leather, and this dressing can be purchased at many department stores. Here are a few quick instructions for correctly using cleaning products to clean a leather bag:

Removing Stains from a Leather Purse (Nail Polish Remover or Rubbing Alcohol): -

This is an excellent method for removing ink stains and scuffs. Lightly blot the stain with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Rubbing will cause the ink to spread. Gently blot the stain until it disappears. Dry with a towel after wiping with a clean, damp cloth.

Consider using a Protective Spray: -

Pre-treat your bag with a protective spray like Nikwax if you frequently use it and expose it to water. It's crucial to test these products first because they can alter the colour and texture of your handbag.