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How to Care for Your Handbags 3 Ways

Your handbag is a fashion workhorse. It carries your wallet, phone, lip gloss, and sunblock. It adds a perfect finishing touch to your outfit. It may even double as a diaper bag or shopping bag.

Whether you spent a lot or a little on your bag, it’s financially wise to care for it. Thinking in terms of cost per wear, a bag you can use for years is “cheaper” than a bag that falls apart after three months. Also, a bag that remains in pristine condition can often fetch a good price in resale later, when you’re ready to move on to something new.

Woman holding handbag behind her back with text overlay of post title.
Source: Canva.

Proper care is even more important with a bag you adore, since those can be hard to replace at a reasonable price. For help there, see best affordable purse brands.

For the girl who spends $50 on an outfit and $150 on the matching bag, here are three ways to care for your handbags and maximize their lifespan.

Water and stain repellent

Bickmore Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent 8oz- Leather Protector and Suede Protector Waterproofing Spray Guard for Boots, Shoes, Clothing, Hats, Jackets & More
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If your bag is in pristine condition and you’d like to keep it that way, use a protective product to shield the material form stains, water marks, and wear damage. There are many affordable options available for leather handbags, such as Gard-More. You can use these formulations on leather shoes and jackets, too.

For other fabrics, an upholstery protector spray might be an option. Look for a product that repels water, stains, and dirt.

Dust bags

CINPIUK Clear Handbag Storage Bags Purse Organizer for Closet, Zipper Hanging Storage Bag for Handbags, XL, 2PCS
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There’s a reason expensive handbags are sold with dust bags. Those covers effectively protect purses from contaminants. Over time, exposure to dirt, dust, and debris can affect the integrity of the purse and leave permanent discoloration in their wake.

For best results, place the purse upright in the dust bag, and stuff the inside with a thick sweater that’s fallen out of your rotation. This will help retain the bag’s shape.

If you need to buy aftermarket dust bags, look for clear options that fit easily into your closet. Clear covers give you a peek at what’s inside, so you won’t forget about that amazing leather tote you bought on sale at T.J. Maxx.

Cleaner and conditioner

Sale
Leather Honey Leather Conditioner, Since 1968. For All Leather Items Including Auto, Furniture, Shoes, Purses and Tack. Non-Toxic and Made in the USA
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Take the time to clean those bags every so often to prevent them from showing signs of basic wear and tear. This can make a huge difference in how your purse will look in a decade. The love and attention you show now will pay off in a big way.

For leather products, use a gentle leather cleaner and conditioner. The conditioning element keeps the leather from drying out and restores the handsome, like-new look. You can refresh suedes by running a gentle suede brush over the fabric. As a last step, buff the purse’s hardware to a fresh shine with a dry cloth and mild cleanser.

Handbag care for lasting style

A proper care and cleaning regimen ensures you get maximum life from your handbags. Treat them with a stain repellent, store them inside dust bags, and give them a good clean and polish periodically. Whether you plan on keeping your handbags indefinitely, or selling them later, these easy care efforts will pay off handsomely.

DEaldiva2

Friday 25th of April 2014

MissLeah,s Booth on Bonanza sells Designer Sleeper / Dust bags

libby

Sunday 5th of November 2006

You can wrap them in bubble wrap.

Anne

Monday 6th of November 2006

I wouldn’t wrap anything made of leather in bubble wrap.  Leather has to breathe.  I’d use an old pillowcase or cut up an old sheet to wrap my leather bags.

Christina C.

Monday 6th of November 2006

You should just use the pillow cases. You cannot bubble wrap leather bags. Also, don’t forget to stuff them with paper so they don’t lose their shape.

Cheri

Sunday 5th of November 2006

I’m confused… where is the advice?

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