How to Clean Microfiber Handbags

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By Langley Cornwell
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Microfiber Handbag

Microfiber is all the rage, and for good reason. Handbags and purses made from microfiber fabric are velvety soft and water repellant. Microfiber is a popular material for handbags because it is lightweight and easy to care for. Fashionable microfiber handbags, purses and pocketbooks can be made to simulate the more expensive suede or leather handbags.

Though highly durable, be aware that your microfiber handbag is not indestructible. There are specific steps required to properly clean a microfiber purse.

Always test microfiber cleaning techniques in an inconspicuous place on the handbag to determine how the fabric will react to the cleaning process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Clean white cloth
Hair dryer
Gentle liquid soap
Water
Clear alcohol
Soft bristle brush
Baking soda

Step 1

Water spills on a Microfiber Handbag

Microfiber repels water, which beads up immediately following a spill. To maintain the beauty of your microfiber handbag, there are specific actions required when a water spill occurs.

Quickly dab the water before it soaks into the microfiber fabric. Be careful to lift as much of the spill as possible before it soaks into the microfiber fabric. Blot the microfiber with a cloth; do not rub the handbag material. If possible, thoroughly dry wet stains with a hair dryer on low setting. Act fast, if water is left long enough to soak into your microfiber handbag a water marks may occur.
Step 2

Grease stains on a Microfiber Handbag

Microfiber traps grease and oil, which if spilled, will absorb into your microfiber purse quickly. If your microfiber handbag is soiled by oil, a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent combined with a small amount of water will dissolve the oils effectively.

Mix the soap and water together and dab a small amount onto the grease stained area of the microfiber handbag. With a soft cloth gently but swiftly blot the stain, removing as much of it as possible. Let the fabric completely dry, using a hair dryer if necessary.

If an oily residue remains, very gently work the mixture deeper into the microfiber purse stain with a soft fingernail brush or tooth brush. Dry immediately.

Continue these steps, removing part of the stain each time. Always allow the microfiber handbag to dry completely after each application.

Test this technique in an inconspicuous place on the microfiber handbag.
Step 3

Water marks on a Microfiber Handbag

Microfiber handbags may be left with a water spot after cleaning. If this happens, do not use additional soap and water. A solvent-based cleaner is required to lift the water mark.

Dampen a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol (even vodka will work). Gently smudge the water stain with the alcohol, concentrating primarily along the outline of the water mark. Do not saturate the microfiber handbag with alcohol. Work slowly, and allow the alcohol to dry completely between steps. It may take several attempts to remove a water spot completely from a microfiber handbag so be patient. Repeat this sequence as often as is required to lift the water stain. If there is no alcohol on hand, household strength ammonia may be an effective substitute.

As in every case, test this technique in an inconspicuous spot on the handbag.
Step 4

Dry Dirt on a Microfiber Handbag

Microfiber handbags may pick up dry dirt. If this happens, simply use a soft nail brush or toothbrush to ‘dust’ the dirt away. For more stubborn dirt stains, use a small sprinkle of dry baking soda on the dirt stain and work it into the microfiber fabric with the soft bristled brush. Then brush out the dirt and the baking soda.

Did I remind you to test this process first on an unseen area of the handbag?