Vintage Leather Handbags
The best method of caring for vintage leather handbags (designer and contemporary included) is taking care of it from the beginning by treating leather and suede with leather protection spray, storing it properly and cleaning it regularly.
Step 1: To clean the exterior of vintage leather handbags, wipe the outside of the bag with a white damp towel. Dry the exterior by rubbing the bag in light circular motions. For leather or suede, lather up the saddle soap by rubbing it into the leather with a damp cloth. Using a separate damp cloth wipe away the lather. Polish the leather using a dry towel. Apply leather conditioner.
Step 2: If you dont have saddle soap, to remove dirt from leather apply a small amount of leather cleaner to bag with a clean white towel using circular motion. Next, condition/moisturize using a separate clean white towel in circular motions. Allow to dry after wiping off residue.
Step 3
Suede:
1. Brush the suede in an upward motion with a thick towel.
2. Remove dry stains with a pencil eraser.
3. Brush suede in an upward motion using a suede brush.
4. Apply a small amount of white vinegar to stains.
5. Use a dry cloth to wipe the stains away.
6. Allow to air dry.
7. Brush the suede with a suede brush in a downward motion.
Step 4
To clean the INTERIOR CLEANING, lightly wipe the interior with a damp cloth after removing small particles with a lint or fabric brush.
Step 5
Ink: You may attempt to remove ink by applying vinegar or powder citric acid dampened with water, by using the tip of a course eraser or by using fingernail polish remover. You may not be able to remove set-in ink. The best protection is to keep ink pens in a separate container stored in your purse.
Fingernail polish: Use fingernail polish remover. Generally, it doesnt harm leather and if its on suede...the damage is already done.
Lipstick and facial makeup: Use a white cloth/towel soaked with warm water and soap. Gently rub in circular motions until gone. Blot dry with white towel. The best prevention is to place makeup, lipstick and nail polish in a plastic baggy and place that into a separate cosmetic bag inside your purse. This way your purse and cosmetic bag is safe.
Step 6
To Clean and polish HARDWARE (brass, gold, silver and other metals), wipe with a damp lightly soaped (mild soap) towel then polish with a dry towel. I recommend not using commercial chemicals; they may get onto the leather and fabric material of the bag and cause damage. Shoe repair stores can re-plate hardware. Fobs and straps: Contact the manufacturer/designer for replacement.
STORING
Many designer bags come with their own dust bags. Store your bag in its original dust bag. If you dont have a dust bag available use white cotton pillow cases. Stuff them with acid free tissue to retain shape. I dont recommend using plastic. Plastic has the potential to cause mould and mildew through humidity. More likely than not, tissue paper will not attract moths. Drop moth balls in the storage area-NOT in the bag. Store bags in a cool, dark, but dry place. Leather bags naturally darken overtime creating a natural patina. Some vintage leather handbag manufacturers advise not to treat them with commercial cleaning products in order to preserve the patina. Dont use a toothbrush to clean hardware; scratches may occur.