Save the purse!

[sweet sparrow]

I wasn't sure where else to post this, but my leather purse has a stain of something spilled on the lining. I think all my stain remover sprays say not to use on leather, which, if I spray the lining, will be wet touching the leather. Any ideas on how I can clean it?

[matrix82]

I only have cheap purses, but in mine you can basically lift out the liner while it is still attached to the purse. If you can do that with yours I would just do that and scrub at the stain, making sure not to get the body of the purse wet or filled with the cleaning chemicals.

What is the stain? Someone may know a natural cleaner to use on the stain, like baking soda etc.

[sweet sparrow]

I'm not sure anymore. I don't think I've opened this purse in a few years as this one my extra one (in case I need one a wee bit bigger than my regular one). It's probably some liquid from fruit that spilled out of the Ziploc baggie it was in and I never noticed. Either way, I think it's been there for a bit.

[roseofblack25]

Just try a damp cloth first. Water won't hurt it...I know lots of people that dunk leather bags in a sink of soapy water to wash them when they pick them up second hand or at thrift stores. That would be a last resort option for me personally though.

[sweet sparrow]

Thanks, matrix and roseofblack. I did try a damp cloth, but it didn't make any real change. I wonder if the Tide-to-Go pen might work? Or will be the same as others?

[matrix82]

Honestly, I find the tide to go pen doesn't work on set in stains. Was it an expensive purse? If it wasn't too expensive I would try rose of black's suggestion soapy water. I have a soft lamb's leather coat in a medium brown color. It was expensive enough ($500), but I have gotten it wet in the rain, I mean soaked and four years now it is still as good as new except for some normal wear and tear. I have learned however if I am going to get it wet to get the whole thing wet, as sometimes just a few drops here and there leaves a rain pattern when it dries.

[i_forget]

I am going to try the hot soapy water too. I bought a white leather purse last year and it is dirty as sin...and aside from dunking it and tossing it in the washer with bleach, I have tried everything so far to clean it.

[sweet sparrow]

I guess it's expensive enough, but will soapy water harden the leather? It's very soft and supple right now.

[matrix82]

Just don't use too much soap, just a little bit goes a long way.

i_forget, for the white leather purse, what about white shoe polish? I don't know how easily it would rub off on clothes. It works well on scuffed nurses white shoes that they used to wear (my mom is a nurse, she was a nurse when they had to wear uniforms with the white nursing shoes).