How to Remove Stains from Leather Bags – 5 Efficient Hacks

Leather is an excellent and attractive material, and so you invest good money in it. But your investment remains exposed to spills and spots as leather items aren’t immune to stains. Whether your leather bag picks up something on the street or an accidental spill of any substance, such discolorations can mess up this fashion item.

Thus, “how to remove stains from leather bags” remains one challenge that many lather enthusiasts face at one point in their lives. Since leather bags are pretty expensive and difficult to replace, cleaning leather purses would help maintain their pristine condition.

With stains or discolorations in the picture, you have to do more than the regular cleaning to save your most cherished bag. This guide provides effective cleaning techniques to get tough stains off leather bags.

How to Remove Stain from Leather Bag – 5 Easy Hacks

It is not uncommon for your leather bag to get dirty and develop stains, especially if this piece is at your side each time you step out. So, when you have top-quality leather briefcases, totes, and clutches, it is ideal to know how to remove stains from bags made from leather.

But, it would help if you first determine the exact stain type to ascertain the best cleaning method in such a scenario. While a simple wipe using a damp cloth and a suitable leather cleaner can remove superficial stains, you should employ other efficacious measures to eliminate tough discolorations.

Before reading further, here are a few stain-removal supplies you may need:

With that in mind, below are some effective stain removal methods that would leave your leather bag attractive again.

Getting Rid of Water Stains

Water spills are inevitable, and you may encounter a few drops that could leave some marks on your leather bag. First, try to do away with the excess moisture spilled on this fashion item (dab with a cloth).

Such an action would reduce the chances of the bag developing a stain afterward. But what happens when the moisture dries and leaves some marks? Wiping the purse surface with a cloth damped with distilled water + leather cleaner is the way to go on how to remove old water stains from the leather bag.

Once you erase the water stain, condition the leather clutch. Massage a generous amount of leather conditioner onto the bag using a soft cloth to replenish its stripped oils.

Removing Wine Stains

While partying or during a casual meeting with your friends, you can accidentally get some wine spilled on your leather bag. So, how to remove the black (or red) spots on the leather bag should be your top concern.

While this might notoriously leave a permanent stain, there are effective restoration processes to make your bag whole again. Begin by determining the leather type; finished or unfinished leather.

You can get quick answers by sprinkling a few drops of water on the bag – Finished leather wouldn’t absorb the moisture, while the opposite is a renowned characteristic of unfinished leather. For finished leather, apply a paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar.

Allow the mix to sit on the wine stain for about 10 minutes, and wipe the residue with a cloth damped with warm soapy water. Allow the leather bag to dry and rub a small amount of leather conditioner to retain its shine. If, however, the bag is made of unfinished leather, it is best to seek expert leather cleaning services.

Tackling Pen Marks or Ink Spills

An ink leak is common with bags; perhaps you left a pen in your bag that could leave such a nasty stain. While this discoloration might seem permanent, it would interest you to know that there are easy ways you can remove it.

However, the key lies in acting fast, as the sooner you treat this issue, the better your chances of successfully ridding the ink stains. So, the focus is on how to remove this color stain from your leather bag.

The best treatment to get the pen off leather is alcohol; damp a cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol and apply it to the pen mark. Let this remedy sit for some time (say 10 to 15 minutes) while you lightly wipe the affected area in small circular motions.

Clean the leather surface with a soft, damp cloth after the stain disappears, and let it dry in a well-ventilated area. If the discoloration remains persistent, and you seek a more effective method on “how to remove ink stain from the leather bag,” kindly apply acetone.

Leave it on the ink stains overnight and watch the stain fade away. Wipe off with a cloth damped with water and rub a leather conditioner later on.

Taking Out Grease/Oil Stains

Grease or oil stains can always make your leather bag look trashy. But, whatever you do to salvage this situation, never depend on only water to remove oil stains from leather – that wouldn’t be effective. Start by wiping the affected leather surface with a dry cloth.

Then, absorb the oil residue by sprinkling some amount of baking soda or talcum, or cornstarch. Pat the grease removal powder and let it remain on the stained area overnight. Employ a soft-bristled brush to remove the powder, and employ a damp cloth to wipe and obliterate the stain.

How to remove old oil stains from leather bags?

It would help if you started by using a putty knife to scrape off the dried grease, ensuring you don’t scratch the bag’s surface. Damp a cloth with vinegar and water to moisten the grease or oil marks. Then, scrub with a soft sponge to get the stain off.

Removing Stains on White Leather Bags

“How to remove stains from white leather bags” remains one of the trickiest challenges you may face if you have one of those fashionable white clutches. But, you can employ the following effective remedies.

Please avoid using bleach, as it can cause severe damage to the leather. Also, do not use saddle soap, linseed oil, and olive oil on a white leather clutch or purse, as they can darken the leather.

Note: If the discolorations persist after trying these stain removal methods explained above, we recommend that you seek professional assistance for proper restoration.

Final Words

A leather bag is a considerable fashion investment to cherish. So, the last thing you would want on your leather handbag is stain. But, it is not uncommon for leather bags to get stained; thus, knowing how to remove stains from leather bags is essential.

From food to ink spills, you can find various DIY techniques to help you get rid of stain marks on your priceless leather piece. You can rely on the tips we’ve provided in this write-up on “how to remove stains from leather bags” to help you out.