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.
 LADIES VINTAGE ROUND SUEDETTE BLACK HANDBAG US $7.88 |
 Vintage Genuine Snakeskin Quality Handbag Classic Shape c40 50s Snake skin Bag US $189.60 |
 Vintage Genuine Art Deco Handbag with Hand sewn Beaded Detail c20 30s Purse Bag US $47.40 |
 EXCOND ROOMY VINTAGE 1960s BOXY HANDBAG MATCHING GLOVES WEYMOUTH AMERICAN US $56.88 |
 VINTAGE ART DECO 1940S CHROME AND CROCODILE SKIN HANDBAG US $58.62 |
 STUNNING VINTAGE FRENCH 1940S GENUINE BURGUNDY LIZARDSKIN HANDBAG FAB CLASP US $15.78 |
 GENUINE VINTAGE 1980S BLACK GENUINE CROCODILE HANDBAG CROCODYLUS POROSUS US $33.18 |
 AMAZING BLACK CALF LEATHER RARE VINTAGE 40S FRENCH HANDBAG STUNNING SHAPE MINT US $35.96 |
 VINTAGE womens BROWN BLACK CHILTERN ITALIAN LEATHER HANDBAG 11 x 8 US $12.62 |
 RARE FABULOUS VINTAGE BLACK LEATHER SILVER WELSH WOOL TAPESTRY CLUTCH HANDBAG US $15.78 |
 Cute Vintage Gold Tone Coloured Clutch Handbag Purse US $30.00 |
 VINTAGE 1950s GENUINE SNAKESKIN CLASSIC TOP HANDLE STYLE HANDBAG BEIGE BROWN US $142.20 |
 VINTAGE GENUINE BLACK CROCODILE HANDBAG DATES 40S 50S GORGEOUS US $31.60 |
 Vintage Tapestry Handbag Evening Bag Ladies Accessory US $12.62 |
 VINTAGE BLACK LEATHER HANDBAG 1 US $15.78 |
 VINTAGE BROWN LEATHER HANDBAG 2 US $11.04 |
 Vintage Embroidered Chinese Style Clutch Bag US $31.58 |
 VTG 50S CASHMERE ROYAL BLUE CLUTCH COAT HUGE SHAWL KNOTCHED COLLAR L US $69.99 |
 VINTAGE 70s MOD VTG KNIT BEIGE OP ART PUFFY CLOUD POCORN PRINT CLUTCH COAT M L US $39.99 |
 ANTIQUE 1940S FILIGREE MARCASITE NEEDLEPOINT CLUTCH BAG US $55.30 |
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RARE FABULOUS VINTAGE BLACK LEATHER SILVER WELSH WOOL TAPESTRY CLUTCH HANDBAG US $15.78 |
Cute Vintage Gold Tone Coloured Clutch Handbag Purse US $30.00 |
 VTG Ray Strauss Spain Plaid Wool Clutch Wrap Shawl Cape Coat Fringe Boho S M US $40.00 |
 Vtg CLEMENTS RIBEIRO LINEN Geometric POP ART SWING CLUTCH COAT DRESS Punk Rock US $62.99 |
 VTG 50s Lilli Ann Wool Clutch Swing Coat Rainbow Lining US $39.99 |
 Vintage 1930s evening clutch bag sequins faux pearls on oyster colour satin US $9.48 |
 Vintage stamped black leather clutch evening chain bag US $86.90 |
 70s vintage rare fendi leather handbag clutch designer indie hipster classy US $118.50 |
 1950s Lilli Ann turquoise mohair Paris clutch coat w arctic fox collar sz M US $229.99 |
 1970s Vtg BLACK SNAKESKIN LEATHER CLUTCH SHOULDER Bag US $71.10 |
 MOD 60s Vtg PONY SKIN LEATHER CHUNKY CLUTCH PURSE Bag US $94.80 |
 DECO 1950s Vtg RICH BROWN PYTHON SNAKESKIN POUCH CLUTCH HANDBAG Bag US $150.10 |
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 don't 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: For suede handbags, do the following.
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, lightly wipe the interior with a damp cloth after removing small particles with a lint or fabric brush.
Step 5: Special cases.
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 doesn't 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: Hardware
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 don't have a dust bag available use white cotton pillow cases. Stuff them with acid free tissue to retain shape. I don't recommend using plastic. Plastic has the potential to cause mold 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. Vintage leather luggage naturally darkens over time creating a natural patina. Some vintage leather handbag manufacturers advise not to treat them with commercial cleaning products in order to preserve the patina. Don't use a toothbrush to clean hardware; scratches may occur.
