Buff the Purse Dry

After wiping it down, buff the bag dry with another white cloth.

The leather should start to feel more supple and begin to shine.

Use a white cloth to gently buff away the tarnish.

A leather purse and cleaning materials

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Keep the cleaner away from the leather because it can cause discoloration.

Dip a white cloth into the mixture, and gently rub it into the leather.

Allow to soak for 15 minutes, and then buff dry with a clean rag.

A leather purse and cleaning materials

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Note that linseed oil may slightly darken the leather.

There are specific methods that are best for each bang out of stain.

Not sure if your leather is unfinished?

A brown handbag with the flap open

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Sprinkle a couple of droplets of water.

If they aren’t absorbed into the leather, your purse is unfinished.

Here are a few ways to remove various stains from leather.

Someone wiping down a bag with leather soap

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

You could also try a mail-in purse repair service.

Trim off loose threads, use the adhesive per instructions, and allow to fully dry before using.

Plastic bags can also trap moisture, which can lead to mildew and the yellowing of white leather.

Someone buffing a purse with a white cloth

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

The fabric bag will allow the leather to breathe and help it remain soft and flexible.

Stuff your handbags with tissue paper when not in use so they keep their shape.

Don’t hang them; store them upright or flat so the straps aren’t stressed.

Someone cleaning purse hardware

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

you might also use a commercial leather cleaner.

Remove any stains using a method specific to that throw in of stain.

Condition the purse once it is clean to restore it to its original condition.