How To Care for Your Luxury Bag: Cleaning and Storage Tips
Just bought a preloved luxury handbag and want to make it last a lifetime?
We got the ultimate care, storage, and cleaning tips so that you will know how to take care of your luxury bag.
6 care tips for luxury pieces
1. Don't hang the bag
Hanging a bag by its handles can distort its shape and put stress on the leather or fabric, leading to stretching or sagging.
Over time, it weakens the seam where the body of the bag meets the handles and causes the bag to lose its structure.
To keep your bag looking its best, store it upright or in a way that supports its natural shape. It’ll also help prevent damage and maintain its overall structure.
2. Use a twilly for handle protection
A silk scarf or twilly can protect the handles of your bag from oils, dirt, and wear.
Tie it around the handles, and it creates a barrier between your bag and everyday wear and tear.
Plus, it adds a stylish touch. So, you can switch it up and coordinate with different outfits.
3. Keep it out of extreme temperatures
Extreme heat or cold can seriously affect your bag’s material.
The heat might make the handles or trim sticky and peel. With leather, it can dry out and crack. While the cold can make the material stiff and brittle.
Store your designer bags in a temperature-controlled space, away from direct sunlight, heaters, or air conditioners.
That way, it’ll stay in top condition for years to come!
4. Inspect and do a mini wipe down
One of the easiest ways to care for your items is to quickly inspect your items before putting them away. If you spot anything, use a dry or damp cloth to clean any dirt you see.
You’ll prevent any ongoing stains or marks.
5. Baking soda for order removal
You bag having a weird smell? Don’t worry, because that’s where baking soda comes in.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can eliminate unpleasant odors. Place a small amount of baking soda in a breathable bag or pouch and leave it inside your bag overnight. Remove the baking soda before use, and your bag should be freshened up.
Avoid direct contact with baking soda to prevent residue from getting on the bag’s material.
6. Preserve your bag’s shape
When your bag isn’t in use for extended periods, stuff it with acid-free tissue paper, bubble wrap, or even plastic bags if that's more accessible and convenient for you.
This helps prevent creases and collapses, keeping your bag in its best shape.
Bonus Tip: Use a protector spray
If you are concerned about the outer layer or color transfer, your best option is to use a spray for a protective coating.
Try using test leather on a small area that’s not usually seen. This way, you can confirm that it won’t affect the bag’s material.
How to clean a designer bag
First, never use bleach, acetone/nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, or any household cleaners. These can discolor, dry out the coating, which can lead to cracks and damage to the material.
Instead, use a mild, pH-neutral soap or leather cleaner specifically made for handbags along with microfiber cloths or soft brushes.
For a deep clean, here are the steps:
- Consider buying a cleaning solution specifically made for handbags.
- With a soft cloth, rub it together with the solution to create a foamy solution.
- Gently wipe the inside and outside surfaces with a foamy cloth.
- Wipe away any extra foam and moisture with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
- Let the bag air dry for 10 minutes.
- Apply a small amount of leather conditioner with a soft cloth.
You can also lightly buff the area to help moisturize the leather afterwards to keep it soft.
How to treat stains on designer handbags
Leather stains
For any tough stains on leather, dab the spot with a clean, dry cloth to lift any excess liquid. Then use a slightly damp cloth with warm water to blot, not scrub, the area.
Using leather cleaner, lightly dab on the stain away. Leave your bag air-dry for a few minutes.
Stubborn stains like grease and oil, try sprinkling cornstarch or baking soda, and let them absorb any excess liquid.
Suede stains
Use a suede brush to brush off any small stains or dirt you see.
If your suede gets wet and doesn’t have a stiff structure, then use cardboard or paper to hold up your bag as it dries to prevent it from losing its shape.
Only introduce suede cleaning if absolutely necessary.
How to store a luxury handbag?
You can store your luxury handbag in a dust bag or standing up right on an open shelf.
However, if you choose to store it inside a bag, let it out from time to time to let the bag breathe and to prevent mold growth. Especially if you are in a high-humidity environment.
Luxury to lasts a lifetime
Many believe these designer handbags are too nice and expensive to use, resulting in many sitting in the back of the closet.
These luxury bags are meant to be used and cherished. The fact that they are made from super high-quality material lets them be used for everyday use.