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Dooney & Bourke’s Guide to Cleaning Your Leather Handbags & Accessories
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Time to read 6 min
How Do I Clean The Inside of a Leather Bag?
If you’re an experienced leather handbag buyer, you probably know how to clean the outside of your handbag (if not, check out our FAQ section) but you might not know how to clean the inside. Depending on your bag's lining, the process may look a little different, so be sure to double-check the material before you get cleaning. Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about cleaning the inside of your leather handbag.
The first step to cleaning the interior of any bag is to take everything out! Clear out your belongings and gently shake out any debris. Then you can get started…
Fabric Lining
If your handbag has a fabric lining, use a soft-bristled brush to lift surface dirt, followed by a slightly damp microfiber cloth to address stains. Mix a small amount of mild detergent or soap with warm water and gently scrub the fabric, focusing on stains or other soiled areas. Once you finish doing so, rinse off any soap residue with some clean water and blot dry. Don’t forget to air dry completely before using again!
Leather Lining
For handbags that are unlined or that have leather interiors, please check out our best practices here. Don’t forget to let the interior air dry completely before use!
General Tips
Regular maintenance will help to prevent staining and other issues. Be sure to test all cleaning products in an inconspicuous area first, as different leather types may react uniquely to various treatments.
How Do I Clean All-Weather Leather?
Perhaps our most well-known collection, our All Weather Leather styles are crafted from soft, refined pebble grain leather and complete with meticulous tailoring and timeless gold-toned hardware. This collection has been carefully crafted to withstand everyday wear and is treated for water repellency. This leather may be cleaned with a soft cotton cloth slightly dampened with distilled water (sodium-free seltzer water may be substituted) and a mild bar soap, applied in a circular motion. Repeat with distilled water until no residual soap remains. The leather should then be allowed to dry completely. Bags and accessories from the All Weather Leather Collection require no creams, polishes, or leather conditioning products to maintain their beauty.
Please note that anything containing dyes (ball point pens, lipsticks, etc.) cannot be removed as they will re-dye the surface.
How Do I Clean Alto Leather?
Designed in America and crafted in Italy, the elegant Alto Collection offers the best of both worlds. These refined, structured bags showcase exceptional Italian leather with a rich matte finish and a patina that grows even more beautiful with time. Hand stitching and gold-plated brass hardware provide the perfect accents.
Our Alto leather has not been specifically treated for water repellency. Thus, the leather may temporarily darken when wet, returning to its original tone once completely dry. The waxed surface may assist in staving off some dirt. With continued use, a lovely shine or patina will develop, enhancing the beauty of this leather.
To clean, use a soft cotton cloth,slightly dampened with distilled water (sodium-free seltzer water may be substituted) and a mild bar soap, applied in a circular motion. Do not saturate with water and avoid using detergents, solvents, and other abrasive materials to clean. This collection requires no creams, polishes, or leather conditioning products to maintain its beauty.
Please note that anything containing dyes (ball point pens, lipsticks, etc.) cannot be removed as they will re-dye the surface.
How Do I Clean Florentine Leather?
Florentine leather has not been specifically treated for water repellency. It will temporarily darken when wet and return to its original tone once completely dry. The waxed surface may help stave off some dirt. With continued use and exposure to light, this leather develops a beautiful patina which enhances the natural beauty of this leather. It also grows even more supple over time.
Minor abrasions may be removed or lessened with the use of a very soft cloth and a gentle buffing action.
The Florentine Collection requires no creams, polishes, or leather conditioning products to maintain its beauty.
Please note that anything containing dyes (ball point pens, lipsticks, etc.) cannot be removed as they will re-dye the surface.
How Do I Clean Pebble Grain Leather?
This durable leather has been tumbled to create an iconic, supple texture. It has also been treated for water repellency. The inside of these handbags & accessories are lined in 100% cotton.This leather may be cleaned with a soft cotton cloth slightly dampened with distilled water (sodium-free seltzer water may be substituted) and a mild bar soap, applied in a circular motion. Repeat with distilled water until no residual soap remains. The leather should then be allowed to dry completely.
These instructions also apply to pieces from the Belvedere, Dillen, All Weather Leather 2, and Camden Pebble collections, among others.
Our Pebble Grain Leather Collection requires no creams, polishes, or leather conditioning products to maintain its beauty.
Please note that anything containing dyes (ball point pens, lipsticks, etc.) cannot be removed as they will re-dye the surface.
How Do I Clean Patent Leather?
Patent Leather is tanned in the traditional way. However, the final stages involve the addition of a varnish and a degree of buffing to create the polished, high-shine finish. The bags and small leather goods should not come into contact with other bags, as the color can rub off slightly. This leather can usually be cleaned with the use of a soft cotton cloth slightly dampened with distilled water (sodium-free seltzer water may be substituted), applied in a circular motion. The leather should then be allowed to dry completely.
Our Patent Leather Collection requires no creams, polishes, or leather conditioning products to maintain its beauty.
Please note that anything containing dyes (ball point pens, lipsticks, etc.) cannot be removed as they will re-dye the surface.
How Do I Clean Saffiano Leather?
The polyvinyl coating on our Saffiano leather is generally water repellent and should repel most soil. Should the leather become soiled, clean it with a soft cotton cloth or soft toothbrush slightly dampened with distilled water (sodium-free seltzer water may be substituted) and a mild bar soap, applied in a circular motion. Repeat with distilled water until no residual soap remains.
The leather should then be allowed to dry completely. No creams, polishes, cleansers, or leather conditioning agents should be applied to any portion of the Saffiano Collection’s leather. The leather trim will darken over time with use and with exposure to light.
Please note that anything containing dyes (ball point pens, lipsticks, etc.) cannot be removed as they will re-dye the surface.
How Do I Clean Suede Leather?
Our Suede Collection is crafted from leather that has been treated for general water repellency. However, some water absorption is possible under excessive water conditions. If this happens, use a dry cloth to blot excess liquid and allow the material to dry thoroughly. Once dry, a suede brush should be used to gently lift the nap.
Due to this collection’s unique texture, please use consideration while wearing in inclement weather. In addition, take care as to where these particular handbags are stored when not in use. Keeping these considerations in mind will keep the soil on the bottom to a minimum and maintain the optimal beauty of the handbag.
Please note that anything containing dyes (ball point pens, lipsticks, etc.) cannot be removed as they will re-dye the surface.
How Do I Clean Wexford Leather?
Our Wexford Collection has not been treated for water repellency. Wexford leather may temporarily darken when wet, returning to its original tone once completely dry. Its waxed surface may assist in staving off some dirt. With continued use, a lovely shine or patina will develop, enhancing the beauty of this leather. To clean, use a soft cotton cloth, slightly dampened with distilled water (sodium-free seltzer water may be substituted) and a mild bar soap, applied in a circular motion. Do not saturate with water and avoid using detergents, solvents, and other abrasive materials to clean.
This collection requires no creams, polishes, or leather conditioning products to maintain its beauty. Please note that anything containing dyes (ball point pens, lipsticks, etc.) cannot be removed as they will re-dye the surface.
How Do I Clean Lucca Leather?
Our Lucca Leather Collection is designed to add a little luxury to your life, every single day. This collection is crafted with care from Italian pebble grain leather and shining 14k gold-plated hardware, making for an unforgettable look you’ll never want to take off.
This leather may be cleaned with a soft cotton cloth slightly dampened with distilled water (sodium-free seltzer water may be substituted) and a mild bar soap, applied in a circular motion. Repeat with distilled water until no residual soap remains. The leather should then be allowed to dry completely.
These collections require no creams, polishes, or leather conditioning products to maintain its beauty.
Please note that anything containing dyes (ball point pens, lipsticks, etc.) cannot be removed as they will re-dye the surface.
Looking for more advice on taking care of your Dooney & Bourke Collection? Check out our other care and cleaning blogs here, and stay tuned for more!
