Couture Handbag Cleaning
The hefty price tag on couture handbags makes them collector's items that you want to keep for a long period of time. Couture handbags are frequently made with luxurious fabrics like leather, snakeskin and alligator skin -- which require special care and delicate cleaning. If you want to preserve your couture handbags and keep them in top condition, you will need to clean them regularly. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Lint roller
- Alcohol-free baby wipes
- Pre-moistened leather wipes
- Vinegar
- Ammonia-based window cleaner
- Cheesecloth
- Soft white cloth
Instructions
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Create a clear surface, such as your kitchen table, with plenty of space to clean your handbag. Put a towel or dish cloth down to protect from the products you will be using.
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2
Empty the contents of your couture handbag, including all of the pockets and pouches. Shake loose any dust, dirt or debris from the interior. You will probably want to do this over a trash can.
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Flip the interior of the bag inside out and use a lint roller to remove any extra dust or hair. Be sure to slide your lint roller into any interior pockets and crevices to pick up any straggling bits of debris. If you are unable to flip your bag inside out or remove the lining, use a small fabric attachment with a vacuum cleaner to suck up stubborn dirt.
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4
Wipe away any surface dirt from the exterior of your couture handbag using an alcohol-free baby wipe. Wipe the surface clean with a soft, white cloth.
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Clean tougher stains by using a pre-moistened leather wipe. Buff the stain by wiping in small, circular motions. Wipe the surface clean using a cheesecloth.
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Dampen your soft white cloth with an ammonia-based window cleaner and wipe the surface of your couture handbag to add extra shine. Wipe the surface clean afterward using a soft cheesecloth.
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Use two tablespoons of vinegar diluted in one cup of water to clean patent leather handbags. Use a soft, white cloth to dab the solution onto the surface of your couture handbag and use a cheesecloth to wipe it clean.
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Spray a little of your ammonia-based window cleaner onto a soft, white cloth to clean any hardware on your handbag, such as zippers or buckles. You do not need to wipe hardware clean afterward.
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Tips & Warnings
Store your handbags in the provided dust bag to protect them in between uses.
Fill your handbags with tissue paper to help them keep their shape during storage.
Keep makeup, cosmetics and perfume in a separate bag to avoid staining the interior of your handbag.
For large stains, take your couture handbag to be cleaned by a professional.
Exotic fabrics, such as snakeskin, should also be cleaned by a professional.
References
- Photo Credit woman with handbag image by Valentin Mosichev from Fotolia.com
