4 mistakes to avoid when cleaning a leather bag

4 mistakes to avoid when cleaning a leather bag

A top-of-the-range leather bag is much more than an accessory: it's an investment, a key piece in your wardrobe and sometimes even a sentimental object. But for it to keep its shine over time, regular maintenance is essential.
And yet, many people make mistakes that can irreversibly damage leather or finishes.

Here are the 4 mistakes to avoid when cleaning a luxury bag, and our tips for looking after your high-end pieces.


1. Use unsuitable (or overly aggressive) products

❌ C ommon mistake: Cleaning a leather bag with conventional soap, household wipes, multi-purpose products... or even a magic sponge.

➡️ Although popular for "cleaning everything", themagic sponge acts as an abrasive. It can smooth leather grain, remove finish or cause lighter areas, especially on smooth, delicate leathers.

What to do: Use only products designed for leather, gentle and non-abrasive. At Luxury Care, our natural formulas clean deeply without attacking the material. Always test on a discreet area before full application.


2. Rub too hard (especially with the wrong texture)

❌ C ommon mistake: Thinking we're doing the right thing, we rub a stain insistently, often with a rag that's too rough.

➡️ This action can scratch the leather, alter its grain, or cause stains.

What to do: Gently dab with a soft, clean cloth, ideally microfiber. Use circular strokes, without excessive pressure, and always test the product on a small, discreet area beforehand.


3. Forgetting to moisturize after cleansing

❌ C ommon mistake: Cleaning a bag without thinking about feeding it afterwards.

➡️ Even gentle cleaning can strip leather of its natural oils. Without hydration, it becomes dull, stiff and more sensitive to marks.

What to do: After cleaning, apply a leather moisturizing cream or milk. This restores elasticity, prolongs the life of the bag, and revives the color. Our care LEATHER CARE is perfect for this step.


4. Neglect finishing touches: handles, buckles, lining...

❌ C ommon mistake: Focusing only on the outside of the bag.

➡️ However, it's often the contact areas such as the handles or the inner lining that suffer the most rapid damage. Handprints, make-up and pen marks can become embedded and difficult to remove.

What to do: Also clean handles, edges, metal parts (with a dry cloth) and the inside of the bag. A little regular maintenance is better than a big, risky clean-up.


In a nutshell

Here are 4 mistakes to avoid when buying a luxury bag:

  1. Use unsuitable products, such as a magic sponge

  2. Scrubbing too hard

  3. Forgetting to moisturize leather

  4. Neglecting details and finishing touches


Taking care of your luxury bag means giving it a second life. With the right gestures and the right products, you can preserve its beauty and value over the years.
And if in doubt, always opt for softness... leather will thank you.

Discover our natural and effective cleaning products in the Luxury Care boutique.

Back to blog