How to Repair a White Handbag

Repair your white leather bag using common household products.

Almost every spring and summer, white handbags are featured in runway presentations and in popular fashion magazines as must-have warm weather wardrobe staples. Unfortunately, this popular and pristine fashion accessory is a magnet for dirt, dust and ink stains. Repairing your white handbag---whether it is constructed of patent leather, pebbled leather or suede---requires a steady hand, common household products and a meticulous cleaning process.

Things You'll Need

• Lint roller
• Pre-moistened leather wipes
• Small-bristled brush
• Emery board
• Suede eraser
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton swab
• White vinegar
• Water
• Old T-shirt
• White cloth
• Ammonia-based window cleaner
• Cornstarch

Instructions

1. Clean the interior. Pull out the inside lining of the purse. Pick up any debris, hair or dirt using a lint roller.

2. Remove minor canvas and leather stains. Clean your leather bag with a pre-moistened leather wipe. Remove any dirt or dust stains from canvas using a small-bristled brush---no water needed.

3. Remove dirt trapped in suede with a suede eraser or emery board. Rub the suede tools gently, using a circular motion, to free dirt from the nap.

4. Remove unsightly ink stains with rubbing alcohol. Dip a cotton swab in a capful of rubbing alcohol. Press the swab into the stain lightly to remove from leather. Wipe the purse with a damp white cloth dipped in cold water. Let the bag air-dry overnight in a well-ventilated area.

5. Mix vinegar and water to remove black scuffs from white patent. Mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 1/2 cups of water. Using a clean white cloth, wipe the bag with the diluted vinegar. Clean the bag with cold water and an old T-shirt to remove the vinegar smell and residue.

6. Restore patent leather's shine with window cleaner. Spray a white cloth with an ammonia-based cleaner. Wipe the handbag clean with water to remove any residue.

7. Repair your purse professionally. For damaged exotic skins, beaded handbags or large tears in your purse's exterior, Bag Vanity recommends the use of a handbag restoration service, like Artbag or Avelle.

8. Sprinkle cornstarch onto a grease-stained white handbag. Leave the powder on the bag for a maximum of 15 minutes. Brush the stained area gently with an old cloth to remove the oil and the cornstarch.

Tips & Warnings

• The cost to repair a purse in 2010 ranges from 40 to 300 dollars, depending on the damage and the material used to construct the bag.

• Test a small area underneath your white handbag for colorfastness with the alcohol or ammonia-based cleanser.

References

• Bag Vanity: How to Care for Your Designer Handbag
• Mrs. Clean USA: Removing Leather Stains

Resources

• Artbag: Handbag Repair
• Avelle: Handbag Repair