How to Clean a Leather Bag At Home: A Complete Guide

2025-05-26 17:37:00

A leather bag is a timeless accessory made from treated leather, valued for its durability, elegance, and classic appeal. It can elevate both casual and formal looks, making it a staple in many wardrobes. To clean a leather bag, simply wipe it with a soft cloth, mild soap, and water, then let it air dry. This simple care keeps the bag’s texture, shine, and structure intact for years.

Things You Need to Clean Leather Bags at Home 

Before you get scrubbing, prep your cleaning toolkit. The right tools and products are key to taking good care of leather. You don't need fancy products—just a few things you likely already have at home. Here's the list that you need to consult. 

What you’ll need: 

• Soft microfiber cloth: Gentle on leather, perfect for wiping during the cleaning process. 

• Mild soap or baby shampoo: Harsh detergents are a big no for the health of leather. 

• Lukewarm water: Helps dissolve surface grime without being too harsh on the surface. 

• White vinegar (optional): Great for spot cleaning tougher stains, but only to be used for stains. 

• Cotton swabs or Q-tips: For detailed areas and seams, great for precision. 

• Leather conditioner: To keep the bag supple and crack-free for years to come. 

• Dry towel: For blotting and post-clean drying, which can be key to keeping it mould free and germ free. 

Pro tip: Just like skincare products, leather products also need spot testing. Always test any product on a small, hidden section of the bag before applying it all over. Better safe than sorry! 

Step-By-Step Guide to Clean Leather Bags 

If you’ve been googling how to clean leather bag at home, here’s your easy, no-stress, follow-along routine, laid out in a step-by-step manner. 

Step 1: Empty the Bag Completely 

Remove everything (yes, even the random gum wrapper from two months ago). Shake it out gently to release dust and crumbs from corners. Tap or pat a couple of times after inverting it to knock any lodged dust free from the bag. 

Step 2: Wipe the Exterior 

Dip a microfiber cloth into lukewarm water mixed with a drop of mild soap. Wring it out well—you want it damp, not soaking. Take a couple of wrings to make sure that it’s rid of any unwanted moisture. 

Gently wipe the surface of your bag in circular motions. Focus on areas with visible grime like the base, handles, and flap. Use your fingers to get any persistent dirt out. 

Step 3: Wipe It Dry 

Using a dry towel, blot away any moisture. Don’t rub—you don’t want to risk scratching the leather. Give it a couple of shots to make sure you’re being thorough. 

Step 4: Condition the Leather 

Once your bag is dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner with a clean cloth. This restores moisture and keeps the leather from drying out or cracking over time. 

Buff it in lightly, then leave the bag to air dry naturally—away from direct heat or sunlight. This is crucial so don’t foget this. 

How to Remove Stains from Leather Bag

Let’s face it—accidents happen. And when they do, you might feel like it is the end of the world for your bag. However, most stains are removable if you act at the right time and in the right way. Whether it’s coffee, ink, or an oil transfer from your favourite lipstick, here’s how to remove stains from a leather bag without panicking. 

For Water Stains: 

Blot gently with a dry cloth. If a ring forms, dampen the area evenly with water and let it dry naturally. Time is of the essence when this happens. 

For Ink Marks: 

Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol or non-acetone nail polish remover. Gently dab the ink—don’t rub. This method works best when the stain is fresh so make sure you act fast if any ink has been spilled. 

For Oil or Grease: 

Sprinkle a little cornstarch or baking soda over the spot and let it sit for a few hours. It will absorb the oil. Once that is done, you can simply brush it off gently with a soft brush. 

For Food/Drink Spills: 

Wipe with a mild soap solution, then blot dry. Avoid over-saturating the leather. Hence, it is important to get it right in your first attempt. 

Always remember: The sooner you tackle the stain, the better your chances of removing it completely – in all possible cases. So don’t leave it for later, even if it means interrupting your current activity for a bit. 

What Not to Do When Cleaning Leather Bags 

While it’s tempting to treat your leather bag like any other washable accessory, trust us—it needs a gentler touch. Here are a few rules to live by when tackling cleaning leather bags: 

Don’t Use Harsh Cleaners 

Avoid bleach, ammonia-based products, or household cleaning sprays. They can discolour or dry out leather. 

Don’t Soak the Leather 

Never submerge your bag in water or apply too much moisture. Leather is porous—it absorbs and warps easily. 

Don’t Dry Under Direct Heat 

No hair dryers, no radiators, no sunlight drying. Let it dry slowly in a shaded, well-ventilated area. 

Don’t Scrub Aggressively 

Scrubbing can remove protective coatings and damage delicate finishes, especially on soft-grain leather. 

Conclusion 

Your leather bag deserves the same care and attention you give to the rest of your wardrobe. Whether you're freshening it up for the new season or saving it from a dreaded coffee spill, learning how to clean a leather purse the right way keeps your favourite pieces looking good for years. 

At Mochi, we know bags aren’t just functional—they’re a part of your identity. That’s why our collection of leather bags is designed to be stylish, durable, and easy to care for. From roomy totes to compact slings and crossbodies, our edit of bags for women blends fashion and practicality perfectly. 

Ready to refresh your wardrobe with something clean, bold, and new? Discover our latest drop of stylish bags now. 

Treat your bag well, and it’ll carry you in style—day after day.
Shop the latest Mochi leather bags today.  

FAQs - How to Clean Leather Bag

1. How do you clean a leather bag at home?

To clean a leather bag at home, wipe it with a soft cloth dipped in mild soapy water, then dry it with a clean towel. Avoid soaking the leather, and let it air dry naturally.

2. Can I wash a leather bag with water?

No, leather bags should not be soaked in water. Too much water can damage the material. Instead, use a slightly damp cloth for gentle cleaning.

3. How do you remove stains from a leather bag?

For small stains, dab gently with a cloth dipped in mild soapy water. For oil or ink stains, use a leather cleaner or take the bag to a professional for safe stain removal.

4. Can I use polish or conditioner on a leather bag?

Yes, applying a leather conditioner or polish occasionally helps keep the leather soft and prevents cracks. Always test it on a small area first to avoid discoloration.

5. How do I protect a leather bag from damage?

Keep your leather bag away from direct sunlight, rain, and sharp objects. Store it in a dust bag, and stuff it with paper to maintain its shape when not in use.

6. Can I use household cleaners on a leather bag?

No, avoid harsh cleaners, alcohol, or bleach as they can ruin the leather. Stick to mild soap, water, or leather-specific cleaning products.

7. How often should I clean my leather bag?

Wipe your leather bag every couple of weeks to remove dust, and deep clean it every few months depending on how often you use it.