How to Clean a Leather Bag: Genuine Leather, Suede and Vegan Leather
A good leather bag can stay with you for years, as long as you clean it right. Rule one: check what the bag is made of first, because genuine leather, suede and vegan leather are cleaned differently. Our product pages always state the material.
Cleaning genuine leather
- Empty the bag and shake out crumbs from the lining.
- Wipe off dust with a soft, dry cloth.
- Treat a light mark with a slightly damp cloth, without hard rubbing. Add a drop of mild soap if needed, then wipe dry.
- Let the bag dry at room temperature, away from heaters and sun.
- Every few months, condition the leather with a leather cream. Test on a hidden spot first.
How to clean a white leather bag
White leather likes quick action: wipe a mark as soon as you see it, gently, with a damp cloth. Avoid alcohol wipes, bleach and solvents, which dry the leather and leave yellow stains. Store it in a fabric dust bag, away from dark denim.
Cleaning suede
Suede doesn't like water. Brush it with a soft brush in one direction, and use a suede eraser on dry marks. If it gets wet, blot gently, air-dry, then brush to restore the nap.
Cleaning vegan leather
Vegan leather (PU or microfiber) is the easiest: a damp cloth with a little mild soap, then dry with a soft cloth. No alcohol and no products made for real leather.
What not to do
- Don't put it in the washing machine.
- Don't dry it with a hair dryer.
- Don't scrub with a rough sponge.
- Don't store it in a sealed plastic bag.
More tips in our full care guide. Still choosing? A few of our favorite genuine leather bags:
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