Cleaning and restoring handbags: Returning discolored white handbags to brilliant white

White leather handbags, purses, wallets and backpacks are the perfect accessory.

The problem, however, is that white tends to magnify soil, stains, scratches, scuffing and the like.

So what to do?

If you search the internet, the "solution" to soil, stains, scratches and scuffing on white leather handbags, purses, wallets and backpacks often involves magic erasers, saddle soaps, mink oils, warm water, ammonia, lemon juice, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, pumice-based hand cleaners, moisturizing creams, hair shampoos, hair conditioners, leather furniture cleaners, automotive leather cleaners and/or sandpaper.

On the flip side, for every "solution" proposed, you can find someone who'll vigorously argue against any or all of these "solutions".

When it comes to white leather handbags, it's highly unlikely that a Do-It-Yourself "cleaning product" will cut it. And it's even more unlikely that your local shoe repair shop will produce a result that's any better.

Your only option may be to utilize the services of a handbag restoration professional.

Here's an example of a restored white Jimmy Choo leather handbag with extensive gold hardware.

The transformation

The results of the transformation can be seen in the following BEFORE and AFTER photographs:

For even more BEFORE and AFTER photographs on the transformation of this handbag, please view our slide show below:

To view this slide show on a full screen, hit the X button with the arrow tips.

The takeaway

The takeaway from this episode is simple:

High-end handbags, purses, wallets and backpacks should always be cleaned by hand. And, then, only by a cleaner who

• specializes in cleaning and restoring handbags, purses, wallets and backpacks,
• employs skilled, full time handbag cleaning specialists, and
• completes all their work in-house (does not ship the work to unknown, undisclosed, out of state subcontractors).

In Arizona, there is only one cleaner who meets these 3 criteria: RAVE FabriCARE in Scottsdale.

By the way, if you don't live in the metro Phoenix area, all is not lost. We ship throughout the USA, Canada and selected other countries.

Send us your photos for a free, no-obligation evaluation and price guesstimate.