Can you wash a leather bag in a washing machine?

A leather bag is an essential accessory for any woman. It can serve its owner for a long time, adding style and appeal to her look. However, not everyone knows how to care for such an expensive item. Some even risk washing a leather bag in the washing machine, which can permanently damage its appearance. How do you properly wash a leather handbag, and is it worth it?

It's risky to "trust" your bag to a machine

To answer this question, you need to look at the bag's care label. Manufacturers often advise against machine washing. If you throw such an item in the washing machine, the end result will be disappointing.

On the other hand, some manufacturers do allow this type of care, but with some caveats. Specifically, the use of regular laundry detergents is prohibited. The abrasive elements in the detergent will cause creases in genuine leather bags or wear out imitation leather. Suede handbags should also be avoided, but sports accessories can easily survive a washing machine wash. However, the following washing instructions should be strictly followed:

• set the water temperature to no higher than 30 C;
• select modes for delicate materials;
• set the minimum speed.

Although the manufacturer may not prohibit machine washing, it's not worth risking expensive items. High spin cycles will cause a genuine leather bag to lose its shape. Long-term exposure to moisture can negatively affect the structure of the material.

Classic cleaning option

If you need to wash a leather bag, use only hand washing to minimize exposure to water. It's best not to wash the bag at all; just wipe it with a dry or damp sponge dipped in liquid soap. You can wipe it inside and out, but don't rub too hard, as this will cause the lining seams to come apart.

Caution! When cleaning a leather bag, avoid using strong mechanical force to avoid damaging the material.

If you need to clean the lining, an alcohol solution is ideal. It will help remove stubborn stains and unpleasant odors. Take the required amount and wipe the soiled areas of your genuine leather bag. Don't worry about the solution damaging the fabric, as it's completely harmless. After cleaning, the alcohol will quickly evaporate from the surface, leaving no trace.

After you've wiped the inside of your bag, you can move on to the outside. Here, we'll need a different solution—one made of ammonia, laundry soap, and warm water. This solution will help remove even stubborn stains from the bag's surface. But don't overdo it, as the solution is quite harsh.

If the bag is made of suede

Suede items look stunning, but they also require extremely delicate handling. For example, after prolonged exposure to sunlight, a bag will fade, leaving whitish spots on the surface. Accidental dirt can also ruin the item, as it's difficult to remove from the delicate material.

You cannot wash a suede handbag in a washing machine.

To remove stains, wipe these areas with a soft cloth. For best results, steam the bag after removing all items. If you don't have a steamer, hold the genuine leather bag over boiling water for 5-10 minutes.

Hot steam will straighten the fibers, making stains easier to remove. After steaming, wipe the bag again with a soft cloth. To ensure that the item does not lose its appearance and is easier to clean, you should use special products for suede. You can buy them in any store.

Sports leather

The only exception to this rule is sportswear, which isn't as fussy to care for as suede or a handbag. These items can be washed fairly easily in the washing machine. However, even in this case, it's important to use a delicate cycle, otherwise the bag will lose its shape.

As an example, the following washing machine settings can be given:

• Gentle mode for 30 minutes, temperature 30 C, 1000 rpm;
• Manual mode for 45 minutes, temperature 30-40 C, 400 rpm;
• Quick wash for 30 minutes, temperature 30 C, 400 rpm;
• Colored laundry for 40 minutes, temperature 30 C, minimum revolutions.

By strictly following all washing instructions for a leather sports bag, you can preserve its original appearance. Use only cool water, as leather does not tolerate high temperatures. Avoid high speeds to prevent the bag from becoming misshapen.

   

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