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DIY Cleaning Methods for Handbags

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 15, 2025

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for handbags. Keep your bags looking new with simple, effective tips for every material. Perfect for at-home care!

DIY Cleaning Methods for Handbags

Mild Shampoo and Soft Cloth

Apply a small amount of mild shampoo to a damp, soft cloth. Gently wipe the surface of the handbag in circular motions to lift dirt and stains. Wipe off any residue with a clean, damp cloth and let the bag air dry. This gentle method cleans without damaging delicate materials.

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How to Clean Handbags with Mild Shampoo and a Soft Cloth

Start by emptying your handbag completely. Check every pocket and shake out any crumbs or debris. If you find a mystery mint from 2017, consider it a bonus.

Mix a small amount of mild shampoo with lukewarm water. “Mild” means something gentle—think baby shampoo or a basic, fragrance-free option. Avoid anything with added conditioners, dyes, or strong scents, as these can leave residue or affect the material.

Dampen a soft, clean cloth in your shampoo solution. Wring it out thoroughly. The cloth should be just barely damp, not dripping. Too much moisture can seep into seams or linings and cause issues down the line.

Gently wipe the exterior of the handbag. Use light, circular motions and don’t scrub. Pay extra attention to handles and high-touch areas, but avoid soaking any part of the bag. If your bag has embellishments or hardware, work around them carefully.

For stubborn spots, dab—don’t rub. Press the damp cloth onto the area for a few seconds, then lift. Rubbing can push stains deeper or rough up delicate finishes.

Immediately follow with a dry, soft cloth. This helps absorb any leftover moisture and prevents water spots. Again, be gentle—think of it as blotting, not buffing.

Let the bag air dry in a well-ventilated area. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources, which can warp or fade the material. Stuff the bag with clean, dry towels to help it keep its shape as it dries.

Once dry, check for any missed spots or streaks. If needed, repeat the process on those areas, always using a fresh section of your cloth.

Stain Penetration Limits

Mild shampoo and a soft cloth may not remove deep or stubborn stains because they lack strong cleaning agents and scrubbing power, allowing stains to penetrate and remain in the handbag material.

White Vinegar and Water Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a bowl. Dampen a soft cloth with the solution and gently wipe the surface of your handbag. This natural cleaner helps remove stains and refreshes the material without harsh chemicals. Allow the bag to air dry.

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How to Clean Handbags with a White Vinegar and Water Solution

Check the care label first. Before you even think about mixing up a solution, peek inside your handbag for any care instructions. Some materials (like suede or untreated leather) can react badly to moisture, so always double-check.

Mix your solution. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a small bowl or spray bottle. This creates a gentle cleaning mix that can help wipe away surface grime and some light stains.

Test a hidden spot. Dab a bit of your solution on a discreet area—like the bottom or inside seam. Wait a few minutes to make sure there’s no discoloration or weird texture changes. If it looks good, you’re clear to proceed.

Use a soft, lint-free cloth. Dip the cloth into your vinegar-water mix, then wring it out so it’s just damp, not dripping. Too much liquid can seep into seams or damage certain materials.

Gently wipe the exterior. Work in small sections, using light, circular motions. Don’t scrub—just let the solution do its thing. Pay extra attention to handles and high-touch areas, which tend to collect the most grime.

Dry with a clean towel. After wiping, use a dry, soft towel to blot away any remaining moisture. This helps prevent water spots and keeps the bag from getting soggy.

Let it air dry completely. Set your handbag somewhere with good airflow, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This helps the material dry evenly and keeps it from warping.

Condition if needed. If your bag is made of leather, consider using a leather conditioner after it’s dry to help maintain its texture and appearance. Skip this step for fabric or synthetic bags.

Material Sensitivity Risk

Using white vinegar and water on handbags may cause discoloration, damage to delicate materials, or alter the texture, especially on leather or untreated fabrics, due to the material’s sensitivity to acidic solutions.

Baking Soda and Dry Brush

Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a dry, soft-bristled brush. Gently brush the surface of the handbag in circular motions to lift dirt and stains. Wipe away any residue with a clean, dry cloth. This method helps deodorize and refresh your handbag without harsh chemicals.

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How to Use Baking Soda and a Dry Brush to Clean Handbags

Gather your supplies: You’ll need a box of baking soda, a dry soft-bristled brush (think: a clean makeup brush or a soft shoe brush), and a clean, dry cloth. Make sure your handbag is empty—check all those pockets for stray receipts and gum wrappers.

Test a small area first: Before you go all in, try a little baking soda on a hidden spot. Some materials (especially delicate leathers or dyed fabrics) can react in unexpected ways. Wait a few minutes and check for any changes in color or texture.

Sprinkle, don’t dump: Lightly sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the area you want to clean. You don’t need a thick layer—just enough to cover the surface. Too much can be tough to remove and might leave a residue.

Brush gently: Using your dry brush, work the baking soda into the surface with gentle, circular motions. This helps lift surface dirt and can help with mild odors. Don’t scrub hard—especially on delicate or textured materials. The goal is to loosen grime, not grind it in.

Let it sit (optional): For stubborn spots or lingering smells, let the baking soda sit for 10–15 minutes. This gives it a little more time to absorb oils and odors from the surface.

Brush off the excess: Use your dry brush to sweep away as much baking soda as possible. Follow up with a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any remaining powder. Pay extra attention to seams and crevices where powder can hide.

Repeat if needed: If you still see or smell something you don’t like, you can repeat the process. Just be careful not to overdo it, especially on sensitive materials.

Finish up: Once you’re done, store your handbag in a cool, dry place. If you notice any lingering powder, a quick once-over with a handheld vacuum (on low) can help.

What is a “dry brush”?
A dry brush is simply a brush that isn’t wet. For handbags, a soft-bristled brush is best—think of something you’d use on suede shoes or for dusting delicate items. Avoid anything stiff or scratchy, which can damage the surface.

Odor Retention Issue

Baking soda and dry brushing may not fully remove deep-seated odors from handbags, as they only address surface smells and do not penetrate the material, leading to lingering or returning odors after cleaning.

Dampen a cotton pad with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the surface of the handbag. Focus on stained or dirty areas, then let it air dry. This method helps remove grime and disinfects without damaging most materials.

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How to Use Rubbing Alcohol and a Cotton Pad to Clean Handbags

Spot test first. Before you even think about cleaning the whole bag, grab a cotton pad, dab a little rubbing alcohol on it, and test it on a hidden spot—like the inside seam or bottom. Wait a few minutes to see if there’s any discoloration or weird texture change. If the material looks the same, you’re good to go.

Choose the right rubbing alcohol. Use standard isopropyl alcohol (usually 70%). Anything stronger can be too harsh for most handbag materials, especially faux leather or delicate finishes.

Work in a well-ventilated area. Rubbing alcohol has a strong smell and evaporates quickly, so crack a window or turn on a fan. This isn’t just for your nose—good airflow helps the bag dry faster, too.

Gently dab, don’t scrub. Moisten a cotton pad with rubbing alcohol (don’t soak it—just dampen). Lightly dab the stained or dirty area. Avoid rubbing in circles or scrubbing, which can damage the finish or push dirt deeper into textured surfaces.

Blot with a dry cotton pad. After dabbing with alcohol, use a fresh, dry cotton pad to blot away any excess moisture and lifted grime. This helps prevent streaks and keeps the area from getting too wet.

Let it air dry. Set the bag aside and let the cleaned area dry completely before using or storing it. Don’t use a hair dryer or heater—just let it breathe.

Condition if needed. If your handbag is real leather, consider following up with a leather conditioner once it’s dry. Rubbing alcohol can sometimes leave leather looking a bit thirsty, so a little conditioner helps keep it supple.

Repeat only if necessary. If the spot didn’t come out the first time, you can try again, but don’t overdo it. Too much rubbing alcohol can be tough on some materials.

Color Transfer Risk

Using rubbing alcohol and a cotton pad can cause color transfer or fading on handbags, especially on delicate or dyed materials. The alcohol may strip or dissolve the dye, leading to uneven color patches or permanent discoloration.

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