How to clean bags?

There always seems to be a debate about how to clean bags and the only way you can experience it is by doing it yourself. If you don’t take care of your bags or if something spills on the bag chances are pretty good that your entire outfit will reek like whatever else was in the bag. 

However, our bags are especially inclined to collect all manner of grime and grit. It is just that some of that is just gross!

There are different types of bags available, and each one requires a different technique to clean. Hence, doing thorough research about proper care and cleaning of your bags is important.

This article tells you how to clean your bag properly and take good care of them so that they remain in top condition and increase their longevity.

How to clean bags: Longchamp

Stylish and practical, Longchamp bags have gained a large following in the past few years. But with daily use, comes exposure to stains and general dirt. That’s why Shoe Mo has decided to share with you some need-to-know tips on how to clean Longchamp neo and nylon.

The best way to clean a Longchamp bag is by hand. Ensure that you condition the leather after cleaning to keep it looking its best for years to come. The best way to clean a Longchamp bag is by hand. Ensure that you condition the leather after cleaning to keep it looking its best for years to come.

Removing stains

Below you can find one of the best ways to clean a Longchamp bag, proven to effectively remove stains. All you need to do is follow the two steps we’ve shared here:

1. Notice a stain on your precious Longchamp? Don’t panic! Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub the surface of the stain until it disappears. Take care to only rub the stain.
2. For more stubborn stains create a paste from ½ cream of tartar and ½ lemon juice. Once applied to the stain, leave for 10 minutes. Use a clean, dry rag to remove any excess paste.

Machine Washing

We recommend hand washing as the best way to clean your Longchamp, That being said, though, if you think you absolutely need to use the washing machine, then here’s how you should do it:

• Empty your bag before washing.
• Put your Longchamp into an empty washing machine. Never wash with any other colored item to prevent risks of color run.
• Use a mild detergent. Never use more than ¼ cup of any soap product.
• Use the gentlest setting on your machine, for example, a “delicate” or “hand-wash” setting.
• Make sure the machine is set to cool, as it should not be more than 104°F.
• Hang the bag from its straps and allow it to air dry for a minimum of 5 hours. To prevent damage, it is best to leave it to fully dry.
• Once dry, add a coat of leather conditioner to the leather parts.

How to Clean White Leather bag?

Basic Maintenance

For basic maintenance, make sure to wipe your bag frequently with a dry soft cloth (preferably microfiber). This simple method will easily keep your bag free of smudges and dust build-up if done regularly. For more thorough cleaning, you can use a commercial cleaner for white leather, but you can also make your own.

If you already have a bag and want it to really last and stay in a good shape, consider ordering leather care cream. It will keep it moisturized and oiled so the product can keep its natural beauty and properties.

How To Make Your Own Leather Cleaner For White Leather?

• First, take a bowl of warm water and mix in a few drops of mild liquid dish soap or Castile soap and just a few drops of vinegar. Dip a soft cloth into this solution and wipe down all the surfaces. Don’t use too much water, as it is harmful to leather. When you are finished with the cleaning, wipe your bag one more time with a cloth dampened with clean water to remove soap residue. Let dry. Remember to never let your leather bag dry out in the sun. It is relevant for any color leather bag, not just white.
• Another recipe for white leather cleaner asks for olive oil and vinegar. You will also need a spray bottle. Mix the oil with vinegar in a 2:1 ratio and put it in the bottle. Spray the mixture on the stain, let it sit for a couple of minutes, and wipe off.

Both of these methods are completely safe to use on white leather. Be careful with experimentation though, because many cleaning products can damage the leather. Never use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners. In addition, whether you have made a cleaning solution yourself, or you have purchased it somewhere else, test it on an invisible place of a product to oversee possible negative side-effects.

Removing Stains From White Leather

It’s always best to wipe any spills as soon as possible, as this will minimize the chances of staining. Still, no matter how fast you are with a cleanup, at some point you will probably encounter tough stains that can’t be removed with a simple leather cleaner. Here are some items that can help you in removing stains from white leather:

1. Rubbing Alcohol: Rubbing alcohol works best for removing ink stains. Alternatively, you can use a nail polish remover but make sure to test the method on a hidden corner first. Dip a cotton swab in the liquid and gently blot the stain, without rubbing. When the stain is removed, wipe the area with a damp cloth.

2. Cornstarch or Baking Soda: For oil or grease stains, take a small amount of cornstarch or baking soda and rub gently over the spot. If the stain is not removed, let it sit for a few hours or until the starch has absorbed the oil.

3. Toothpaste: To clean stains with toothpaste, slightly dampen the stained area with water first. Use non-gel toothpaste. Just put a small amount on the stain and use a soft toothbrush to scrub gently. Wipe with a clean cloth when finished and dry.

4. Cream of Tartar and Lemon Juice: Mix the two ingredients in equal parts, apply to the stained area and let sit for 30 minutes. Then, wipe off the paste with a damp sponge.

How to clean Cath Kidston bag?

Because Cath Kidston Bag is waterproof, machine washing is not recommended and will not be effective.

Wipe clean with a soft soapy cloth and rinse with vinegar to restore shine if needed. Ironing or machine drying is not recommended.

It is relatively stain-proof but pen marks or other surface stains can be easily removed. There is no UV inhibitor added so extended exposure to strong sunlight can fade.

How to clean metal buckles on bags?

Cleaning

• Cleaning Metal Buckles using Metal Polish 
  1. Use a clean white soft cloth.
  2. Before polished wipe away the dirt on the hardware.
  3. Apply a small amount of Metal polish on your white cloth. it should be sufficient enough to cover the buckle that you will clean.
  4. If your cleaning a tiny brass material you can also use a cotton ball or the tip of the cotton buds.
  5. Don’t let the cleaner touch your leather, vinyl or canvass bag it may form discoloration and can ruin your bag. If in case you will have it in your bag just wipe it off as quickly as possible.

• Cleaning Brass material using Ketchup
  1. Apply a small amount of ketchup in your soft cloth or enough amount to clean your brass hardware.
  2. Rub the ketchup on the tarnished are of the hardware that you need to clean.
  3. Use a dry cloth to remove the ketchup to your brass hardware and with a damp cloth after.
  4. Buff it continuously with a dry cloth and in a circular motion.

Polish

To apply polish for any metal, you can generally use a soft cloth or a Q-tip to buff that good stuff in. It should generally cover up scratches, and give you a good shine, even if it may require a healthy exercise of elbow grease first. Try to give your leather bag metal buckles polish as they need it. If a scratch turns up, it’s alright to give it some polish and hide it away.

If the metal begins to dull or oxidize, it’s a good time. Play it by ear. And above all, treat your manufacturer’s advice as gospel. Everything here is intended to get you started, but try to conduct your own research to make sure you’re using the right treatment for your metal buckles.

How often should you wash your bags?

How often you wash your bags depends entirely on how often you use them. For those of us that use our bags for everyday use, it is recommended that they be washed or cleaned every few weeks. That is because they often end up being placed on different surfaces when we are not carrying them, which we all know is a hotbed for bacteria. 

If your bags serve as reusable grocery bags, then it is recommended that you wash them after each shopping trip. This helps to avoid allowing bacteria to grow between trips to the store. It’s definitely worth it to have your bag professionally cleaned once every 6 months.

Bag Cleaning Service

ShoeMo bag cleaning service includes anti-bacterial cleansing on the exterior, interior lining cleansing, hardware, and metal buffing. This service does not include restoration services such as stain/ink/mold removal, scratch, or other repairs. Available in Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia – we’re the leading shoe care service brand in Southeast Asia.

Bag cleaning is often not the most pleasant activity. But it doesn’t have to be! If you love your bags, cleaning them is a must. But if you love bags but hate cleaning them, we can get it done for you professionally. We have cleaning experts and the right tools to help you get the best out of your bags for as long as possible.

ShoeMo provides professional bag cleaning services to businesses, locations, and families. We provide services 7 days a week, so your bags are kept in pristine condition all the time. Book your appointment today on our website or contact us through Whatsapp at +673 7373 123 for any inquiries.

References: 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOLVQtDxTkw&t=118s 
• https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-to-clean-disinfect-luggage
• https://www.cleanipedia.com/ph/clothing-care/how-to-clean-a-longchamp-bag.html
• https://dominileather.com/how-to-clean-a-white-leather-bag/
• https://koboguide.com/how-to-clean-brass-on-handbag/