Maintaining a white leather bag?

Hello Fabbers, for those of you that own white leather handbags, how difficult is the upkeep? My goal would be that it looks reasonably clean (barring major spills) for a good while using it about half the time in the summer months. I have wanted an off-white bag for several years now, but I'm hesitant because of the possibly fussy maintenance. I am willing to wipe it down once in a while and sponge off minor dirt with mild soap, but not much more than that. I do realize that I shouldn't wear white leather against dark rinse newer denim and such. I see in online research results that one is supposed to condition the leather every so often. Honestly, it is unlikely I would do that since I am not in the habit with my other bags. Otherwise, I am not prone to rough handling but also not terribly precious in how I treat my bags.

This has come up because there is a lovely Coach handbag in a perfect soft white the same basic style of my beloved mustard NAS bag from last year. I'm on the fence...

4 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wipe it down after use each day, set it down gently and on a clean surface, and don't allow dark jeans to rub stains onto it. Easy!

I have MANY white bags ChristelJ, and keeping them clean is a non-issue. They are in rotation all year, outside in the elements, and with doggies in tow. It's no problem!

Get the bag. Life is too short

ChristelJ

Veteran

Thank you, Angie! That's wonderful to hear that it's a non-issue. And I really want to get the bag.

Roberta

I second Angie's rec, I've never had a problem with white or light color bags. I have one guideline - don't carry a pen in them!

Oh yay, thanks, and good advice about the pen! I do usually carry one.

Dead right, Roberta

ChristelJ, currently I have these white and cream bags. Some of them are new-ish, and others are really old. They look pristine and beautiful, and are in constant rotation. I travel the world with them too. Good brands make quality, robust bags!

Macy's

COACH Cara Soft Pebble Leather Crossbody Satchel

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Top Pick

COACH Leather Barrel Bag

Yoox

Furla Across-body bag

Breathtaking collection, Angie! And I see some Coaches are included. I am traveling a lot lately, and the bag would need to travel too. I am leaning towards purchasing...

Thanks, ChristelJ!

I've travelled with the large cream Coach bag many times - on planes, trains, trams, buses, and through all sorts of airports. In snow, hail, and rain too. And it's in perfect condition - thanks to IMPECCABLE and robust quality. Can't go wrong with Coach

That's sooo reassuring! Thank you! I ordered the bag. Posted in NAS section, but I can't do Finds. Happy birthday month to me, and if I remember right, to you too!

cat2

I don’t have Angie’s magic ability to maintain white things pristine. I have had light colored bags ruined by leaky pen ink, weird black smudges from setting the bag down; weird black smudges on the sides from a subway commute, and stains from a flight attendant dropping a beer near one.

Ha ha, cat2, I will be sure to leave the pens out of the bag! And how unlucky about the flight attendant! I guess that sort of thing could happen at any time, and stain any light color. I'm sorry your bags were assaulted, though. I doubt I have any magic white preserving ability but I'm hoping for a moderate dose of good luck.

JAileen

I was going to suggest a nylon bag but I saw you already bought a lovely Coach bag. I have an old Baggalini that I’m sure I’ve put in the washing machine, in a pillowcase, but on Macy’s website they say “spot clean.”

That's great to know you can machine wash a Baggalini! I do have a nylon travel bag in a darker color that will someday need washing.

Active Member

I started using a very light tan leather bag and had a similar question. Like all leather bags in summer, it’s getting a little ooky from sunscreen. I thrifted it for at most $6 so no big deal really, but it’s a decent purse and I quite like it!

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Val

I wipe down bags with baby wipes (also shoes inside and out), it kind of conditions them too. This way even white summer shoes are in a good condition after days of dust, sand and dirt. Bags keep even better. I keep a box of baby wipes at the entrance, close to where I put my keys, it takes 1 or two minutes to thoroughly clean both shoes and bag when coming home.

April

Here to add that it also depends on how you use the bag.

To use a bag as most people do, i.e. setting it down once you get where you're going, the wipe-and-go method will do the job.

Since I keep my crossbody on all day, however, my hands are constantly in and out of it and the top edge gets quite dirty very quickly. Not such a problem with leather, but with my nylon bags it's more challenging.

Angie is quite right, though - keep on top of it and all will be well.

Cookie, that bag is a great score! I will watch out for the sunscreen.

Val, I never would have thought about baby wipes, thanks.

April, such a good point about where one touches the bag the most. It sounds like you are able to clean the leather, though. I am reassured.

Joy

What Angie said. I have lots of white bags because I have lots of white shoes. They last about as long as any bag in any color. I wondered about a pricy rattan bag with a scarf handle. Now it is on its third or fourth summer. A perfect summer bag. Zip top but holds everything including spare bags and a book. I can’t find a little rattan bag but it goes ok with light brown leather. So I am settled.

I wipe down shoes that have been previously worn. Most are leather loaders. No sandals or heels. I am 78 and have no foot ailments. In summer I go sockless in my shoes. I used to have black and maybe brown shoes. Now thanks to YLF I have lots of shoes and boots. I change them often .

Joy, it's good to hear your experience. I will try to get more in the habit of wiping down my bags (and shoes!). Your rattan bag sounds great and I think it's wonderful you have no foot ailments.

MsMary

Also to protect the bottom, if your bag doesn't come with "feet," you can get them on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=han.....x=handbag+

Thanks, MsMary! I had no idea such a thing was available.

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