How to Clean a Leather Coach Handbag

Handbags become dirty easily, as their resting place is often on floors, tables, chairs, and other potentially dirty surfaces. Most of the time, you can spot-clean handbags, a method used to just clean the areas that look dirty. However, it is necessary to handle leather more carefully in order to maintain its quality. Coach is known for its handbag collections using high-quality leather and other fabrics, like denim and canvas, in both classic and trendy styles. Regular cleaning of your leather Coach handbag keeps it looking brand new and saves you from having to buy a new one. It is also cost efficient to clean it yourself instead of paying for dry cleaning. Leather requires special care, making it important to learn some special techniques to help you clean it properly.

Leather Coach Handbag Cleaning Tools
There are different ways to clean leather bags; however, it's important to note that each method can help you achieve the same result.

Coach Brand Bag Cleaner
Coach makes their own leather handbag cleaner. The package includes a bottle of cleaner and a bottle of leather moisturizer. Sometimes you can purchase these items separately.

DIY Method
If you choose not to use the Coach brand cleaner, there are other options for you as well. Avoid using paper towels to clean your bag because they generally disintegrate and leave residue behind when dampened. It is best to use a very soft cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, and a very gentle soap, such as baby soap or unscented bar soap. It is also suggested that you follow this with a leather moisturizer or sealer to help protect the handbag.

Cleaning the Outside of Your Leather Coach Handbag
Once you have all of the necessary materials, you can begin cleaning your bag. Each method has more or less the same instructions, just with different soaps.

If your leather Coach bag is stained, depending on the severity of the stain, you may want to wash the stained area with water before applying the cleaner. To do this, use a wet cloth and gently rub the area until it is saturated but not soaked.

Before using any of these methods on your leather Coach handbag, a good tip is to test them out on an inconspicuous area. This ensures you do not ruin the handbag. After you have determined it is safe, you may begin cleaning.

Once you are ready to use the cleaner, apply a small amount of the desired cleaning solution to the soft cloth. Gently rub the stained area in a circular motion. Wipe off any residue and allow the area to dry for 30 minutes or longer.

After the bag is dry, you can apply the moisturizer. You can add this product in almost the same way as the cleaner. Using a soft cloth, gently rub the bag in circular motions. Then, use a dry cloth to "buff" the leather.



Removing a Grease Stain
Accidentally getting grease on your handbag does not have to be the end of the world. With a few extra household products you can easily treat the stain on your own using these instructions:

Cover the stain with talcum powder or cornstarch. Use a generous amount of powder and gently rub it in with your fingers. It's best to leave the powder on overnight, or at minimum for four hours. After the powder has set, remove the excess before wiping the area gently with a damp soft cloth to remove all powder residue. Mix a little grease-cutting liquid soap in a bowl with warm water, then dampen the soft cloth with this mixture. Wipe any remaining grease using the cloth, then use another damp cloth to clean off the area completely. After allowing the area to dry completely, finish by applying leather cleaner which helps restore any moisture lost during the cleaning process


Cleaning the Inside of Your Leather Coach Bag
Not only is it important to keep the outside of your bag clean, but you need to maintain the inside as well. The lining of most leather Coach handbags is sateen, which is a cotton fabric with a shiny finish similar to satin. The easiest way to clean this is to use an attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Small handheld vacuums also work.

To keep the inside from becoming dirty, take a few preventative steps; for example, do not store pens without caps in your handbag. Make sure to cap all liquid items, such as lotion or hand sanitizer, before placing them in your bag. Keep all makeup in a separate bag to avoid any spills or stains.

Maintaining Your Leather Coach Bag
It is good to clean all stains as soon as possible before they have time to set. To help maintain your bag in between cleanings, wash and moisturize it about once a month. You can clean less often if you do not regularly expose your bag to dirty environments. You can also use alcohol wipes to clean the Coach handbag in between regular cleanings. Do not forget to moisturize afterwards to help keep the bag from drying and cracking.

Handbags should be stored carefully when not in use. An old pillowcase is a great means of storing your bag to keep it from rubbing against other fabrics, and be sure to pack each bag with clean towels, an old shirt or bubble wrap to help maintain its shape. Keep them out of the sun and away from dust by placing them in a drawer or breathable storage container.