Caring For Your Designer Handbags: My Top Tips

by Jessica Sweet

Designer handbags are beautiful, and while they are expensive, they can be an excellent investment if you use them regularly.

After all, appearances and first impressions matter, and the clothes you wear can play a big part in how people view you.

When you’re trying to look good and feel even better, a designer handbag can make a significant difference. They’re ideal for jazzing up any look and turning you from a Plain Jane into a Superstar. If you choose the right style, then your bag could become a regular companion for many years to come.

While designer handbags are well-made and will usually last for many years, if not decades, they need to be taken care of or else they could get damaged.

If you’re new to owning a designer bag and have just invested in your first one, then here’s my guide to taking great care of it, so it brings you many years of happiness.

Wear Your Bag In The Right Situations

Designer handbags are quality items that can last for many years, but you need to make sure that you don’t overuse them. Make sure that you keep your designer bag out of the rain or wind, and that you don’t wear it anywhere muddy, dusty or particularly dirty.

If you need to spend time in dirty spaces, such as on a farm or at a factory, then make sure that you use a less valuable, more durable bag. Designer handbags should be kept for indoor use, such as wearing to the office to impress your boss or to an exciting celebration. If you wear them too much and in bad conditions, then they won’t last.

Keep Your Bag Away From Irritants

Strong chemicals such as perfumes, hair dyes, coffee and other irritants can damage your handbag irrecoverably. Many designer handbag fans love the buttery feel of the materials used on these bags, such as leather and calfskin.

While these materials might feel amazing, they’re also highly absorbent and can be completely ruined by contact with damaging irritants. As such, you should make sure that you’re careful with your bag, and don’t store makeup or other irritants in it. When you’re using it, make sure that you know where your bag is at all times, and keep it away from any potential spills.

Check The Materials Your Bag Is Made From

Every designer bag is different, and some styles will use leather or suede for the outside and different materials such as silk or velvet on the inside. Each material requires a unique form of cleaning and care, so the first step towards keeping your new bag looking fabulous is to understand what materials it is made from so that you can take care of it correctly.

Many designer handbags use multiple materials, so you might have to learn how to care for several different types of material. Designer brands will usually offer online information about the materials it uses on the different styles of bags it sells, and most will also provide you with information when you buy your bag. As such, you can easily find out everything you need to know about caring for your new luxury bag.

Use The Right Cleaning Products

Once you know what materials your bag is made from, you can start to buy the best cleaning products to keep it looking clean and fresh. Many materials, such as leather, can be protected with leather care kits, so take the time to explore all the cleaning products and protection solutions on the market to find the ones that will rejuvenate your designer bag.

Never put your designer bag into the washing machine; instead, always wash your bag by hand. Make sure that your bag is completely dry before you start using it again after cleaning. If your bag is even slightly damp when you use it, then this could damage the material, so leave the bag to dry naturally in an airy space for at least 24 hours after cleaning it.

Clean The Handles With A Microfibre Cloth

If your new designer bag has silver or gold handles, fastenings or clasps, then you should buff them with a microfiber cloth. A microfibre cloth will make the fastenings last longer and retain their lustre.

There are many microfiber cleaning cloths on the market, so you can find the perfect one that will keep your designer bag;’s fastenings and clasps looking shiny and beautiful. If you’re a perfectionist, then you could consider keeping a small microfiber cloth in your bag or car, so that you can always buff your designer bag wherever you are to keep it looking perfect all the time.

Consider A Professional Bag Cleaning Service

Buying your first designer handbag can be a daunting experience, but equally, so can cleaning it for the first time. If you’re worried about damaging your new luxury bag, then consider using a professional bag cleaning service.

Choose a company with experience caring for and cleaning designer bags, so that you can rest assured that your precious treat is in safe hands. They can clean your bag and restore it to its original beauty.

Store Your Bag Correctly

When you’re not using your designer handbag, you need to make sure that you store it correctly. Store it in a cotton dust bag, to make sure that it’s covered and protected from dust, insects and other irritants. Make sure that the dust bag covers the entire bag, and that it is securely fastened so that nothing can get in and damage your precious bag.

If your designer handbag is made from calfskin or other natural materials, then you should consider stuffing the bag to ensure that it keeps its shape. Stuff your bag with socks or other clothing that you don’t wear often so that it will maintain its shape. Once you’ve stuffed your bag and placed it into a dust bag, store it in a dry, clean space, such as a wardrobe or chest.

Designer handbags are a significant investment, so you need to make sure that you take great care of them. I hope these tips help you to make the most of your new designer handbag and keep it looking like new.