Can You Wash a Leather Bag: Complete Care Guide

Your leather bag might be dirty or discolored, making you wonder, “Can you wash a leather bag”? Yes, you can, but it's important to use appropriate techniques and minimal moisture to avoid damaging the material.

Using the right methods and items from our The Product Care collection can ensure that your leather bag remains in excellent shape.

In this article, we at Andar will explore the best practices for cleaning and caring for full grain leather handbags and more, including how to handle wet leather and address unpleasant odors.

We'll also discuss the dos and don'ts of washing leather bags and provide expert tips to keep your leather accessories looking and feeling pristine.

What this article covers:

Can I Wash a Leather Bag with Water?
How to Clean a Leather Bag by Hand
How to Wash Your Leather Bags with a Washing Machine
Wash Leather Bag FAQs

Can I Wash a Leather Bag with Water?

While it's possible to use water to clean a leather bag, it should be done sparingly and carefully.

Caring for leather bags involves understanding their sensitivity to moisture. If your leather bag got wet from rain or accidental spills, it's critical that you act quickly. We recommend using a damp cloth made of microfibers rather than soaking the leather directly.

When cleaning leather with water, always make sure that the water source is clean and only a small amount as excessive quantities can cause the leather to become brittle and lose its shape. Next, gently wipe the surface in circular motions to gradually remove dirt and grime.

Drawing from our experience, it's crucial to dry the bag thoroughly after this type of cleaning to stop mold and mildew from forming.

Additionally, never use direct heat sources like hair dryers or radiators afterward because they can ruin the leather. Instead, let it air-dry naturally in a well-ventilated area away from sunlight for a few hours.

How to Clean a Leather Bag by Hand

Cleaning a leather bag by hand is often the safest and most effective method.

At Andar, we understand the importance of maintaining your leather accessories, and we're here to guide you through this process step by step.

Empty The Contents Of The Bag

Start by emptying your leather bag thoroughly. This means removing all items, including those in hidden pockets or compartments.

This step is vital as it not only makes cleaning easier but also protects your belongings from potential damage during the cleaning process.

Use A Lint Roller To Clean The Interior

Based on our observations, a lint roller is an excellent tool for cleaning the interior of a full grain leather bag like The Blake.

Roll it lightly over the back pocket with its magnetic closure and soft, inner canvas lining to pick up dust, crumbs, and other small particles that accumulate over time. Also pay special attention to The Blake's corners and seams where debris tends to gather.

This initial step can significantly freshen up your Andar bag.

Wipe The Bag Down

For the exterior, use a dry, microfiber cloth to wipe your leather bag down.

Gently wipe the surface in circular motions, working specifically on areas that show visible dirt or stains.

For stubborn marks, you can use our specialized leather cleaner from The Leather Care Kit, but be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Buff The Bag With A Microfiber Cloth

After cleaning, use a dry microfiber cloth again and The Leather Cream from us at Andar to buff the bag and restore the leather's innate sheen.

We recommend slowly massaging it in circles across the entire surface. This will not only enhance the bag's appearance but also evenly distribute any remaining moisture and promote uniform drying.

After buffing, we recommend leaving your leather bag to air-dry for approximately 8 hours overnight. This will allow our leather cream to properly permeate the fabric's fibers for added protection against dust and dirt.

Clean The Metal Hardware

Next, utilize a soft microfiber cloth slightly dampened with our leather cleaning solution to clean the metal components of your bag, such as your:

zippers
clasps
other hardware

Be careful not to let excess moisture seep into the leather during this process. After cleaning, dry these metal parts thoroughly to prevent water spots or potential rusting.

Apply A Leather Conditioner

Choose a high-quality leather conditioner like ours from The Leather Care Kit for this final and pivotal step.

Apply it sparingly using a clean and dry microfiber cloth, massaging it gradually into the leather in light circles for even coverage.

As per our expertise, conditioning helps maintain the leather's suppleness. It does this by curbing drying and cracking, and can even provide some protection against future stains.

How to Wash Your Leather Bags with a Washing Machine

Overall, we at Andar recommend sticking with hand-washing your leather backpack.

This is because the generally haphazard spinning motion and excessive water exposure from a washing machine can potentially ruin the fabric, causing it to become deformed and discolored.

Also, the bulk of machine-washable detergents are too strong for leather. They can easily remove its natural oils, resulting in brittleness and cracking.

While we strongly advise against machine washing leather bags, you should follow these steps below carefully if you must do so:

can you put a leather purse in the dryer

1. Check That Your Bag Is Machine-Washable

Ensure that your full grain leather purse or bag is explicitly labeled as ‘machine-washable' by the manufacturer. This is extremely rare for leather carrying options, so double-check before proceeding.

Based on our first-hand experience at Andar, most leather bags aren't designed to withstand the agitation and water exposure in a washing machine.

If you're unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and opt for hand cleaning instead.

2. Clean Out Your Bag Completely

Next, remove all items from the bag before machine washing. An empty bag reduces the risk of harm to the contents and your appliance.

Check all pockets and compartments thoroughly. Even small items left inside can ruin the material during the wash cycle.

3. Set The Washing Machine Settings

Use the gentlest cycle available on your washing machine. In this instance, cold water and a mild detergent specifically designed for leather are best.

Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals as these can severely impair the leather. Set the machine to the lowest spin speed to minimize stress on the fabric.

4. Wash One Leather Product At A Time

Only wash one leather item at a time in the machine to prevent them from rubbing against each other or other clothing. This can greatly reduce the chances of scratches and wear.

Additionally, consider placing the bag in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection during the wash cycle.

5. Dry Your Leather Bag

Air-dry the bag away from direct sunlight and heat sources for several hours.

Stuff the bag with white paper towels or unprinted paper to soak up excess moisture and help retain its shape while drying.

Replace the paper as it becomes damp. Never use a tumble dryer, as the heat can cause the leather to crack or shrink.

After washing and natural air-drying in a well-ventilated room, apply a leather conditioner or The Leather Cream from us at Andar to restore moisture and sheen, stopping the leather from becoming stiff or brittle.

Wash Leather Bag FAQs

How Do You Clean Genuine Leather?

Clean genuine leather by wiping it with a dry microfiber cloth and a leather cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals or soaking the leather in water.

After trying out these products, we found that regular cleaning and conditioning with products from Andar's The Leather Care Kit can keep genuine leather products soft and prevent cracks from developing.

Which Type Of Leather Is The Hardest To Clean?

Suede and nubuck leathers are the hardest to clean due to their delicate texture. They're more susceptible to stains and water damage, so they require specialized utensils (brushes or cloths), cleaners, and a gentle touch.

Here's how best to clean bags made of these leather types:

Ventilate The Bag Properly: Air out the bag in a well-ventilated area to eliminate any trapped moisture and stop mold growth.
Use A Vinegar Solution: Utilize a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to lightly wipe the interior. This helps remove stains and disinfect the fabric without ruining it.
Absorb Bad Odors With Baking Soda: Place an open container of baking soda inside the main compartment overnight. Our investigation demonstrated that baking soda is a natural deodorizer and effectively neutralizes smells in this context.
Freshen The Material With A Leather Deodorizer: Use a leather deodorizer specifically designed for suede and nubuck. This product is typically formulated to freshen these hard-to-clean materials without causing further warping.
Finish With Conditioning: Once the bag is fully dry, apply The Leather Cream from our Andar collection to buff out the leather, restoring its innate texture and enhancing its suppleness.

Conclusion

In this article, we discovered that while you can wash a leather bag, it requires careful techniques to avoid damage.

We explored various aspects of leather bag care - from basic cleaning methods to do's and don'ts with cleaning and drying various leather types.

Following the right techniques ensures your leather products remain in top condition, so invest in high-quality leather care products to achieve the best results.

Ready to elevate your accessories game?

Explore our collection of premium full grain leather bags at Andar and start carrying what matters in style and confidence right now!

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:

Can You Wash a Leather Bag?

Can I Wash a Leather Bag with Water?