For many of us, purchasing a leather purse is an investment in an item that should last for many years. That investment needs care and when stains happen, cleaning. Even if you don't have a real leather purse, these tips will help that faux leather bag look better longer.

Before You Clean A Leather or Faux Leather Handbag

1. Begin by emptying all pockets, opening all zippers and clasps and shake well upside down to remove dirt and trash.

1. Next if the bag has a fabric lining, pull the interior lining to the outside. Use a lint roller to capture dust and crumbs. You can also use the fabric brush attachment on a vacuum to tackle the interior.
2. If the bag has no fabric lining, vacuum out the interior and wipe down with a slightly water-dampened cloth.
3. Examine the bag for care labels and/or type of materials used, especially for the lining. Follow any recommended care guidelines and attempt to identify the cause of any stains (ink, food, general grime).

Leather Handbag Care

Leather is a porous, natural animal hide that easily absorbs oils from our skin and other sources. To keep your bag looking its best, regular cleaning - every week or so - is best. Purchase a good leather soap. Add a couple of drops to some warm water; then dip in a clean, soft white cloth. Wring out excess moisture and wipe down the outside of your leather bag. Do not use a colored cloth because dye transfer is possible. After wiping down, buff the bag dry with another soft white cloth.

NEVER use harsh cleaning products on leather including bacterial wipes, baby wipes, ammonia or alcohol based cleaners or a stiff brush.

Twice per year, your bag needs to be reconditioned to help the leather remain supple and resist staining. You can purchase some great commercial leather conditioners. Just empty your bag and follow the directions on the product. Or, you can make your own conditioner by mixing one part distilled white vinegar and two parts linseed oil. Use a soft white cloth dipped in the mixture to rub it into the leather. Allow to soak in for 15 minutes and then buff dry with another soft, white cloth.

The biggest issue on leather handbags comes from stains like ink, blood, food or wine. The first key to success is to treat the stain as soon as possible. Here are some tips:

• Ink - Isopropyl alcohol, plain old rubbing alcohol, works best for home removal of ink stains from leather.
• Food, oil, wine - As soon as possible, sprinkle the grease/oil stain with talcum powder, cornstarch or baking soda. You can even use a slice of bread to help absorb the stain. When you get home, mix a paste of one part cream of tarter and one part lemon juice. Apply the paste and allow to sit for ten minutes. Then wipe off. Allow to dry thoroughly and repeat if necessary. Apply a leather conditioner to the entire bag.
• To prevent staining, keep makeup in a separate zipped waterproof bag. It's also a good idea to keep pens in a sealed bag as well.

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

If your handbag is very expensive or gets a stain that you don't know how to handle, shoe repair shops and some dry cleaners specialize in cleaning leather. Remember, first do no harm!

Faux Leather Handbag Care

Taking care of a faux leather handbag is much more simple than a taking care of a leather one. Most faux leather is a plastic or vinyl material. The key is regular cleaning with a mild soap or detergent. Simply mix a bit of mild soap with warm water and wipe down with a clean, soft white cloth dipped in the solution. Follow up with a wipe with a water-dampened cloth and dry with another soft cloth.

Handbag Storage Tips

• Never store leather or faux leather handbags in plastic bags. The plastic can actually stick to the leather and ruin it; plus plastic bags trap moisture that can lead to mildew. Use an old pillowcase or cotton bag to prevent dust from accumulating during off-season storage. The fabric bag will allow the leather to breathe and remain supple.
• Stuff bags with tissue paper when not in use so they will keep their shape.
• Do not hang. Store upright or lie flat to preserve shape.