Tote bags are the It accessory. They’re practical, fashionable and come in a variety of styles and colors. But if you’re like me, you might be wondering how to keep your tote bag clean. Here are some tips on how to clean a leather tote bag.
Step One: Prep your work space. Find an area where you can lay out all of your supplies and won’t be interrupted. I like to do this step in my kitchen or dining room table because I can easily switch over to another task if needed and I have good lighting. Gather your materials: microfiber cloths, saddle soap, cotton balls or pads, water and a soft bristle brush. You might also need rubber gloves, depending on the cleaning method you choose.
Step Two: Do a quick once over. Take a microfiber cloth and give your bag a once over, removing any dirt or debris on the surface of the bag. If there are any areas with caked on mud or dirt, use the soft bristle brush to remove it. Be gentle so you don’t damage the leather.
Step Three: Deep clean with saddle soap. To deep clean your bag, create a lather with saddle soap and water using either a cotton ball or pad. Rub the lather into the leather in circular motions being careful not to soak the fabric lining on the inside of the bag. Once you’ve gone over the entire bag, rinse it off with water making sure to remove all of the soap suds. Allow your bag to air dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step Four: Protect & restore with mink oil. Mink oil is perfect for restoring dry or cracked leather. It will also help protect your bag from future wear and tear. Simply apply a small amount of mink oil to a microfiber cloth and rub it into the leather in small circles. Pay close attention to any areas that look dry or cracked. Allow the mink oil to soak in for at least 20 minutes before buffing it out with a second microfiber cloth.
Depending on how often you use your bag and what type of leather it is made from , you might need to repeat this process every few months.
Tote bags are practical, fashionable and come in a variety of styles and colors but they can be difficult to keep clean. By following these simple steps, you can easily clean your own leather totes at home and keep them looking new for years!
