How to Clean and Care for Fabric and Straw Handbags

How to Clean a Fabric Handbag

1. Prep the Bag for Washing

   Begin by emptying the purse and all its pockets. Open all zippers and clasps, and shake the bag well upside down to remove dirt and trash.

   Next, if possible, pull the interior of the bag to the outside, or turn a fabric bag inside out so you can see the lining. Use a lint roller to capture dust and crumbs. Then use the fabric brush attachment on a vacuum to tackle the interior and exterior.

   Examine the bag for care labels and/or type of materials used. Follow any recommended care guidelines, and attempt to identify any stains.

2. Wipe Down the Bag

   Begin by simply wiping down the bag with a soft white cloth (colored cloths could bleed dye onto the fabric) that’s clean and dampened with plain water. Wipe down the bag completely from top to bottom.

3. Treat Stains and Heavily Soiled Areas

   If stains and soil remain, add a few drops of dishwashing detergent liquid to 1 quart water. Dip a white cloth in the solution, and blot heavily soiled areas. Keep moving to a clean spot on the cloth as grime is transferred. If there are stubborn stains, use a toothbrush dipped in the soapy solution to scrub them out. Finish by rinsing the cloth well in water and wiping away any detergent residue.

4. Clean the Hardware

   Use a good-quality metal polish or brass cleaner to help bring the shine back to the purse's hardware. This will work best if you use a light hand because most hardware is simply plated base metal. Dip a cotton swab in the polish, and apply to the metal. Use a soft white cloth to buff away the tarnish. Be very careful to keep the cleaner off the handbag fabric as it can cause discoloration.

5. Allow the Bag to Air-Dry

   Allow the bag to air-dry in a cool place away from direct sunlight or heat. If the bag won't hold its shape while damp, fill it with white tissue paper. Don't use colored paper or newspapers because ink can transfer. Don't use the bag while it's damp because damp fabric picks up stains more quickly than dry fabric.

How to Clean a Straw Handbag

1. Empty and Vacuum

   Completely empty the purse and all interior pockets. Woven straw bags attract dust and dirt into the crevices; using your vacuum cleaner's upholstery brush attachment is the best way to keep the straw free of dust and grime.

   If you don't have an upholstery brush attachment for your vacuum, place an old pair of pantyhose over the vacuum hose nozzle, and use a rubber band to hold it in place.

2. Clean the Lining

   If the straw bag has a fabric lining, vacuum it well, and spot-treat any stains as you would on a fabric handbag. If the lining is removable, hand-wash it in the sink, and allow it to dry completely before reinserting.

3. Clean the Straw

   For surface dirt, slightly dampen a clean cloth with water, and gently wipe the dirt away.

   To treat a heavily soiled area on the straw, mix a few drops of dishwashing detergent in 1 cup warm water. Find an old toothbrush, and dip it in the mixture. Gently rub the stained area with the soapy toothbrush following the grain of the straw. Wipe the area with a clean white cloth that has been dipped in water to remove any soap residue and loosened soil. Don't wet the straw too much.

4. Dry the Bag

   Allow the bag to air-dry away from direct heat and sunlight.

Treating Stains on Fabric and Straw Handbags

To clean ink from a fabric handbag, dip a cotton ball or swab in rubbing alcohol, and squeeze it so it's damp but not wet. Dab the stain gently to dissolve the ink, and then blot firmly with a dry paper towel. Repeat until the stain is gone.

To remove makeup stains from a fabric handbag, remove as much damp or dry makeup as possible with a dry paper towel or a hand vacuum. Next, wipe with a damp paper towel, and treat with a laundry stain remover as recommended for specific types of makeup stains.

Treating stains on a straw handbag can be almost like caring for a straw hat. For an oily or greasy stain on a straw handbag, cover it with cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the stain. Wait a couple of hours, and then brush away the powder with a soft-bristled brush.