How to Clean Leather Shoes, Jacket, Bag, and Purse

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Learning how to clean leather properly can save your favorite items and make them last longer. Many people throw away leather goods because they look dirty or worn out. But with the right methods, you can bring your leather items back to life and keep them looking beautiful for years.

Leather is a popular material used in many products we use every day. You can find leather in shoes, jackets, bags, and purses. People love leather because it looks good and feels nice. However, leather needs special care to stay in good condition. If you do not know how to clean leather correctly, you might damage it forever.

In this article, we will learn how to clean leather shoes, jackets, bags, and purses correctly. We gathered these guides from various sources, Monday (15/9/2025).

Leather shoes need a clear plan. This short guide shows how to clean leather shoes so they look neat and last longer. Read each step and work slowly. Use the items below to clean gently and keep the shoe shape.

What you'll need:

- Soft shoe brush

- Saddle soap or leather soap bar

- Soft sponge or damp cloth

- Cotton polishing cloth

- Shoe polish (matching the shoe) and applicator

- Small bowl of lukewarm water

- Old toothbrush for seams

Instruction:

1. Remove the laces so you can reach all parts of the shoe. Brush off loose dirt and dust with the soft shoe brush, paying attention to the edges of the sole.

2. Dip the sponge in lukewarm water, rub it gently on the saddle soap, and work it until you see light foam. This makes the cleaning smooth and even.

3. Slowly clean the shoe surface in small circles, focusing on one area at a time. Do not rub too hard, so the leather will not scratch.

4. Use the old toothbrush to carefully clean seams, edges, and welt areas where dirt often hides.

5. Wipe off the soap with a clean, damp cloth, making sure all foam is removed. If needed, repeat with a fresh, damp cloth.

6. Let the shoes air dry naturally at room temperature. Place them on a shoe tree or stuff with paper to help keep their shape.

7. Apply shoe polish in small circles with the applicator. Allow it to rest for a few minutes, then buff gently with the cotton cloth to bring out the shine.

8. Store the shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or cracking.

Leather jackets need soft cleaning to keep the color and the fit. This section shows how to clean a leather jacket safely at home. Work in a bright room and test any product on a small inside patch first.

What you'll need:

- Microfiber cloth or soft cotton cloth

- Mild liquid soap (castile or baby shampoo)

- Small bowl of water

- Soft towel for drying

- Wide hanger for shaping the jacket

Instruction:

1. Hang the jacket on the wide hanger so it hangs in its natural shape, and you can see the whole surface clearly.

2. Mix one drop of mild soap with a cup of water in the bowl. Stir it so the soap blends well.

3. Soak the cloth in the soapy water, then wring it out so it is only damp, not wet. This prevents soaking the leather.

4. Gently blot the jacket surface, pressing lightly without rubbing hard. Work in small sections to cover the whole jacket.

5. For small stains, press the damp cloth on the spot several times. Avoid scrubbing, which may damage the leather.

6. Use a new, clean cloth, soak it in fresh water, wring it out, and wipe gently to remove soap and residue from the jacket.

7. Pat the jacket with a soft towel to absorb excess moisture. Then let it dry naturally on the hanger away from heaters or direct sunlight.

8. After it is fully dry, smooth the surface with clean hands or a soft cloth to keep its shape and natural finish.

Leather bags often carry many things and can easily get dirty or stained. This guide shows how to clean a leather bag with careful steps. Work on a flat surface and keep the bag open to reach all pockets and hidden parts.

What you'll need:

- Commercial leather cleaner or cream cleaner

- Soft sponge or cloth for the cleaner

- Cotton swabs for small creases

- Leather wax or leather balm for finish

- Clean towel or soft pad under the bag

Instruction:

1. Empty the bag completely and shake out any crumbs or dust. Open all zippers and pockets to make sure the inside is clear.

2. Apply a small amount of commercial cleaner to the soft sponge. Do not over-soak the sponge.

3. Test the cleaner on an inner seam or hidden spot first to check for color changes.

4. Clean the bag in even, light passes instead of strong scrubbing. Move in one direction to avoid streaks.

5. Use cotton swabs to reach narrow seams, folds, and stitching lines where dirt often collects.

6. Wipe away any leftover cleaner with a dry, soft cloth and let the bag air out on the towel.

7. Apply a thin layer of leather wax or balm evenly across the surface to restore shine and protect the bag.

8. Let the finish set for a few hours, then store the bag upright in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Small leather purses need fast, gentle care because they are often used every day. This short guide shows how to clean a leather purse with easy home steps. Work on a towel and use small cloths to avoid over-wetting the leather.

What you'll need:

- Soft cotton cloth or cotton pads

- Mild soap solution (one drop of soap in a cup of water)

- Soft sponge for quick blotting

- Leather touch-up cream or color pen for tiny marks

- Small pouch or dust bag for safe storage

Instruction:

1. Empty the purse completely and tap it lightly to remove any crumbs or small debris stuck inside.

2. Dip a cotton pad in the mild soap solution and squeeze out extra liquid so it is only damp.

3. Gently blot the stained area with the pad, taking your time to avoid soaking the leather.

4. Wipe the cleaned area with a new dry cloth to remove extra moisture and soap.

5. For tiny scuffs or scratches, apply a very small amount of touch-up cream or use a color pen and rub softly until it blends.

6. Let the purse dry flat on a towel in a cool place, away from direct heat or sunlight.

7. Place a small pouch of silica gel or soft tissue paper inside to help keep the purse in shape when storing.

8. Keep the purse in its dust bag and avoid putting in heavy items that may stretch or deform the leather.