Caring For Leather Purses and Clutches
A beautiful leather purse or clutch is a functional fashion statement. Leather is a durable and classic staple for any wardrobe. But the wear and tear of everyday life sometimes take its toll on your beautiful leather clutch or purse. With a little TLC, your Wilderness Dreams leather clutch and purse will last for many years.
Clean your leather regularly
Whether you have a beautiful purse, a clutch, or any other leather piece, the most important thing you can do to make sure it looks great and has a long life is clean it regularly. Your purse and clutch goes everywhere with you and is exposed to dirt, sweat, liquids, sunlight, heat, and many other things that are harmful to leather. Keeping your leather clean will maintain its beautiful appearance. Start by emptying your bag or clutch then shaking it upside down to get rid of crumbs, dust, and debris from inside and out. Then brush your purse or clutch with your hand to wipe away any loose dirt. Use a clean, dry rag to give it a little more thorough wipe. Dirt and dust particles are abrasive to leather and will cause damage over time. If your purse or clutch is a little dirtier than usual, after you brush away the dirt with a dry cloth, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away more stubborn dirt. Don’t forget to clean in the seams and folds of the leather because that is where dirt likes to collect.
Deep clean when necessary
Avoid using soaps or chemicals on your leather. Chemicals can dry out the leather by removing the natural oils, causing the leather to crack. If possible, use only a damp rag. If your clutch or purse becomes very dirty, use a few drops of baby shampoo or gentle, unscented soap in warm water. This is especially helpful on the bottom of your purse since you put your purse down on tables, floors, and chairs where it can pick up germs and grime. Gently massage the soapy water into the leather. You don’t need to create a lather and only use as much soapy water as necessary. Then, either rinse off the soap or gently wipe it away with a damp rag. Rub the leather with a clean, dry towel and lay your purse or clutch in a cool, dry place. Keep the leather away from heat and sunlight. These will cause the leather to become stiff as it dries.
Address stains
Purses and clutches tend to pick up all sorts of stains, but don’t worry! Leather is surprisingly resilient! If a pen leaks in your leather purse or your clutch becomes scuffed, dip a cotton ball in nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol and blot the stain or scuff gently. Don’t rub an ink stain as that may cause the ink to spread. Gently blot until the alcohol draws all the ink out. Then, wipe everything with a clean, damp cloth. Oil or grease stains come from a variety of places, from the oils in your hands to grease on a restaurant table. Spread a little baking soda or cornstarch on the oil stain and gently rub it in with a clean, damp rag. Let it sit overnight so the baking soda or cornstarch can absorb the oils. Then, wipe away the powder with a soft dry towel and your leather should look beautiful and new again!
Condition the leather
Like lotion moisturizes your skin, leather conditioner keeps your purse or clutch supple and healthy and prevents cracks. If you carry your beloved clutch or purse daily, set a reminder on your calendar to condition it every three months. If you only use your leather piece occasionally, conditioning it every six months is sufficient.
Care for polished leather
If you have a polished leather clutch or purse, it requires just a little different care. Start by brushing away the dirt with your hand, then with a soft, clean rag or leather brush. Once clean, add a small dab of shoe or leather polish and massage the polish all over the leather. Don’t be afraid to use a little elbow grease! Use a clean rag to polish out any extra leather polish (any extra polish on the surface of the leather will allow dirt to stick to the leather). Leather purses and clutches are an excellent investment. With a little care, your Wilderness Dreams leather will look beautiful and last for many years.