To clean a leather bag, empty it, wipe off dust, clean the leather with Angelus Easy Cleaner and a microfiber towel, and let it air dry in its natural shape. Treat leftover stains with Angelus Spot Remover after a spot test, then condition with Angelus Leather Balm and protect with Angelus Water & Stain Repellent. Easy Cleaner is gentle enough for luxury handbags and tough enough for everyday totes and briefcases.
Angelus has been family owned since 1907. Our cleaners, conditioners, dyes, and paints are used to care for, restore, and fully customize leather bags, purses, and wallets.
Quick answer: cleaning a leather bag
- Empty and stuff the bag to hold its shape.
- Clean with Easy Cleaner, one panel at a time.
- Spot treat ink and stains with Spot Remover (spot test first).
- Condition with Leather Balm.
- Protect with Water & Stain Repellent.
Shop This Guide
Also handy: Leather & Saddle Soap for deep cleaning, the Detail Cleaning Brush Set for seams and hardware, and the Nubuck & Suede Kit for suede bags.
Real reviews from Angelus customers
Bags and purses saved with Angelus
★★★★★
"This is the holy grail in a little bottle! I had scuffed up a brand new *not so cheap* purse a week after my husband purchased it and someone recommended this to me..... took it right out!"
Verified buyer · Leather Balm
★★★★★
"I start the restoration of my vintage leather goods with Angelus Easy Cleaner it works well in cleaning my leather goods and preparation for restoration. I suggest this cleaner to anyone with leather goods from bags to shoes."
Anita M. · Verified buyer · Easy Cleaner
★★★★★
"I use it to prepare and deglaze my customers Louis Vuitton purses. I was a little worried at first because I don't want to ruin the luxury leather, but this product is gentle yet does the job."
Krystle M. · Verified buyer · Deglazer
How to Clean a Leather Bag, Step by Step
Empty and Shape the Bag
Take everything out, open every pocket, and shake out crumbs. Stuff the bag loosely with paper or a soft towel so it holds its shape while you clean and dry it.
Remove Dust and Spot Test
Wipe the outside with a dry microfiber towel, using the soft brush from the Detail Cleaning Brush Set in seams and around hardware. Then test Easy Cleaner under a strap or inside a flap and let it dry, especially on light, vintage, or designer bags.
Clean With Easy Cleaner
Apply a small amount of Angelus Easy Cleaner to a microfiber towel and work it over the leather in small circles, one panel at a time. Focus on handles, straps, and bottom corners, where body oils and dirt build up. Wipe away lifted dirt with a clean towel.
Pro tip: Clean whole panels, not just spots, so the bag dries evenly.
Deep Clean Grimy Handles (If Needed)
For years of built-up grime on heavy-duty smooth leather, especially handles, deep clean with Angelus Leather & Saddle Soap, then wipe clean.
Customer story
"My husband saw my grimy Hobo bag, especially the handle... He said I needed saddle soap. Ours from 30 years ago was dried out... It cleaned up that old bag!" (Susan F., verified buyer, Leather & Saddle Soap)
Treat Leftover Stains
For stains still visible after cleaning, spot test Angelus Spot Remover, then dab it onto the stain with a cotton swab, switching swabs as it lifts.
Air Dry, Condition, and Protect
Let the bag dry stuffed, away from sun and heat. Apply a thin layer of Angelus Leather Balm, let it dry, and buff to a soft gloss (keep it off suede and fabric trim). Finish with 2 to 3 light coats of Water & Stain Repellent, 30 minutes apart, and let dry 12 hours.
How to Remove Stains From a Leather Bag
| Stain | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Ink (leaky pens) | Spot Remover on a cotton swab, after a test. Ink guide |
| Oil, lotion & makeup | Blot, Easy Cleaner, then Spot Remover for shoulder-strap darkening. |
| Water spots | Evenly dampen the whole panel, air dry, condition. |
| Food & drink | Blot, Easy Cleaner, Spot Remover for what's left. |
| Denim dye | Easy Cleaner, then Spot Remover for stubborn transfer. |
| Scuffs | Leather Balm often buffs them out; deeper scuffs need a touch-up (below). |
Every other stain: how to get stains out of leather.
Different Types of Leather Bags
Suede & nubuck
Brush and erase with the Suede Kit, clean with Easy Cleaner on a barely damp brush or Foam-Tex. Revive with Mink Oil Aerosol, or Suede Renew on one faded spot. No Leather Balm.
Patent & faux leather
Easy Cleaner and a microfiber towel only, then buff dry. No Spot Remover.
Exotic leather
Clean with Reptile & Exotic Cleaner & Conditioner; deep condition with Exotic Conditioner, with the scales.
Briefcases & backpacks
Heavy daily use: Easy Cleaner, Saddle Soap for built-up grime, Leather Balm to finish.
Lining & hardware
Vacuum or lint-roll the lining, spot clean with Easy Cleaner on a damp towel. Wipe metal with a dry towel; keep products off it.
How to Restore a Worn or Faded Leather Bag
Faded color, soft leather: Dye
Deglaze with Leather Preparer & Deglazer, recolor with Angelus Leather Dye, buff off excess, then finish with Leather Balm or a color-matched Lustre Cream so it stays soft and breathable.
Scuffs, worn corners, color change: Paint
Fill deep scratches with Paintable Repair Filler, sand with Wet Sandpaper, paint with color-matched Angelus Leather Paint, then seal the paint with Acrylic Finisher.
Customer story
"Used on a 66 year old leather purse. The purse was severely cracked and dirty. Used the whole system. Cleaning, moisturizing and the repair filler followed by Angelus acrylic paint. The strap was so bad I thought I'd have to cut it off... it worked, flexibility and no cracks."
Karen D. · Verified buyer · Paintable Repair Filler
Full process: how to restore vintage leather bags. Want to go further? Angelus Leather Paint is what artists use to completely customize bags; see how LOVEHELLY paints custom leather bags.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Household remedies. Rubbing alcohol, dish soap, cornstarch, baking soda, and lemon juice strip color, dry leather, or leave residue.
- Soaking the bag. Too much water causes spots and soaks the lining.
- Drying with heat. It cracks leather and warps the shape.
- Skipping the spot test, especially on light, vintage, or designer bags.
- Hanging it by the straps in storage. Store it stuffed in a breathable dust bag.
Leather Bag Cleaning FAQ
What is the best cleaner for leather bags?
Angelus Easy Cleaner. It's powerful enough for everyday dirt but gentle enough for luxury handbags, and works on leather, suede, nubuck, and canvas.
How do you clean a leather purse at home?
Empty it, wipe off dust, clean with Easy Cleaner and a microfiber towel, let it dry stuffed, condition with Leather Balm, and protect with Water & Stain Repellent.
How do you get ink out of a leather bag?
Spot test Angelus Spot Remover inside a strap or flap, then dab the ink with a cotton swab until it lifts. Condition afterward.
Can I use dish soap on my leather bag?
We don't recommend it. Dish soap strips the oils that keep leather supple and can leave residue. Angelus Easy Cleaner is made for leather.
How often should you condition a leather bag?
Every few months with Angelus Leather Balm, and after every deep clean.
Can you restore the color of a faded leather bag?
Yes. Deglaze, then recolor with Angelus Leather Dye and finish with Leather Balm or Lustre Cream. For scuffs, worn corners, or a color change, use Angelus Leather Paint and seal the paint with Acrylic Finisher.
