Guide to Leather and Suede Handbag Care

Your handbags are investment pieces. With the right care routine, your favorite leather totes and suede satchels will last many years.

Here is how to clean, protect, and store your bags to keep them in pristine condition.

Finished leather is resilient but requires regular hydration to prevent cracking.

Protect: Apply a specialized guard like the Apple Brand Gardé Leather Protector before your first wear to shield against water stains.
Clean: Wipe down the exterior weekly with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. For deeper dirt, use a gentle cleaner like Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner which cleans and conditions without darkening the leather.
Condition: Every 3 to 6 months, massage a small amount of conditioner into the leather using circular motions to keep it supple.

Your used bag has been treated with a water repellent finish. Suede is porous and highly sensitive to liquid. Never use water to clean suede.

Waterproof: Continue to treat the bag once a month with an alcohol-based formula like Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector or Fiebing’s Water Protector to prevent liquid damage. Spray from at least one foot away.
Brush: Use a dedicated suede brush to brush gently in one direction to remove surface dust and lift the natural nap.
Erase Stains: For scuffs or dry spots, use a specialized suede eraser. Rub the spot gently, then brush away the residue.

Storage

Stuff your bags: Fill empty handbags with acid-free tissue paper to maintain their original shape.
Dust bags: Store your handbag inside a breathable dust bag. Never use plastic bags, which trap moisture and cause mold.

Avoid Environmental Hazards

Sunlight: Keep storage areas cool and dark. Direct sunlight fades color and dries out leather.
Cosmetics: Always place pens, lipsticks, and liquids inside a separate makeup pouch before putting them in your bag to prevent internal stains.