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5 Tips to Keep Your Handbag Looking New for Longer

5 Tips to Keep Your Handbag Looking New for Longer

Riya Yadav
February 21, 2025

Nowadays, A handbag is not just an accessory for women, it is a statement that compliments your outfit and your overall look. Whether you have an expensive handbag or your favorite budget friendly bag, proper care is essential for every handbag to keep it looking new for years. Daily usage of handbags leads to some wear and tear that can damage the material of your handbag. Here, In this blog, we have mentioned 5 tips to keep your handbag looking new for longer.

5 Tips to Keep Your Handbag Looking New for Longer

In this blog, we will go through top 5 tips that will help you to keep your handbags new for longer!

1. Store Your Handbag Properly

The first and foremost tip is always store your bag properly. Storing your bag maintains the shape and texture of your handbag. When your handbag is not in use, don’t keep it in a pile of other bags and in direct sunlight. Instead, follow these easy storage steps:

Use a Dust Bag: Mostly handbags come with a dust bag which are used to protect the handbag from dust, dirt, and scratches.
Maintain Shape: Always try to fill your handbag with tissue paper, newspaper, bubble wrap, or a soft clutch to maintain its shape and prevent creases.
Avoid Hanging Bags: Never hang your handbags in the wardrobe or wall as it extends the handles or can cause scratches. So, Place it upright on a shelf or in a storage box.
Keep Away from Direct Sunlight: Always put your handbags away from direct sunlight exposure as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading and drying of handbags, especially in the case of leather and suede handbags.

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2. Clean Your Handbag Regularly

Cleaning your handbag regularly is a must to keep in their original shine and texture. Dirt can be accumulated on your handbag which can make your handbag dull overtime. To ensure your bag stays fresh and new looking, try to follow these steps:

Leather Handbags: For leather handbags, use a damp, or a soft microfiber cloth to wipe away the dirt from the bag. If you want to clean it more effectively, then you can apply a specialized leather cleaner in circular motions. Still, If you find it dirty, take help from a professional cleaner.
Suede Handbags: For suede handbags, always use a suede brush to remove dirt and scuffs. Avoid water, as it can stain suede.
Fabric or Canvas Handbags: Spot-clean with mild soap and water. Avoid machine washing, as it may ruin the structure.
Zippers: To clean zippers or other metal parts, use a dry cloth or a small brush to, preventing rust and tarnishing.

3. Be Mindful of Where You Place Your Bag

One of the biggest mistakes handbag owners make is placing their bags in dirty or high-risk areas. To protect your bag from damage:

Avoid Floors and Unclean Surfaces: Always place your handbag on a clean, dry surface. Floors, especially in public places, are filled with dirt and germs that can transfer to your bag.
Use a Handbag Hook: Carry a small purse hook in your bag so you can hang it on tables when dining out instead of placing it on the floor.
Keep Away from Spills: Be cautious when setting your handbag near food, drinks, or beauty products. Spilled liquids can stain or damage the fabric and leather.

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4. Protect Your Bag from Moisture and Stains

Moisture and stains can cause early damage to your bags. Sometimes, spilling of tea, and coffee leaves some tough stains which creates moisture inside the bag, deteriorating its fabric.

Use a Water and Stain Protector: You can Apply a protective spray designed for your bag’s material to create a barrier against moisture and stains.
Avoid Carrying Open Liquids: If you carry water bottles or makeup inside your bag, ensure they are properly sealed to prevent spills.
Handle with Clean Hands: Oils and dirt from your hands can transfer to your bag, especially if it’s light-colored. Always handle your bag with clean hands.
Treat Stains Immediately: If a stain occurs, act quickly. Use a damp cloth to blot (not rub) the stain and apply a material-appropriate cleaner.

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5. Rotate Your Handbags to Prevent Overuse

Using the same handbag again and again can lead to excessive wear and tear, especially in the handles and the zippers. To maintain the longer span of your handbags you should follow the below mentioned steps:

Switch Bags Regularly: Try to rotate among your handbags so that you can prevent your handbags from early deterioration.
Use a Base Shaper: If your bag seems sagging, then using a base shaper can help maintain its structure and prevent premature damage.

Conclusion

If you want to keep your handbag shiny and beautiful, a proper and regular cleaning is a must. With a regular cleaning, the handbag not only looks beautiful but also lasts for years. With the above mentioned 5 tips, you can ensure proper storage, regular cleaning, careful placement, stain protection, and handbag rotation. You can keep your favorite handbags looking as good as new. Whether you have a collection of luxury designer bags or everyday tote bags or laptop bags, taking care of them will ensure they remain in best condition for a long time.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily purport to reflect the values or views of Tumbledry.