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suede handbag care

How To Care For Your Suede Handbag

For the first time in our My Bag My City women’s collection, a selection of our timeless ladies handbags are handcrafted from the finest soft suede. Here is how to care for your suede handbag so that it can be treasured for years to come…

suede handbag care
The Nola Medium Suede Shoulder Bag in Wine

Our suede handbags – as with all of our leather bags, briefcases, luggage bags and accessories – are an investment which, with the correct care and attention, will be by your side for many more years to come. Similarly to our Classico leather, when it comes to caring for the suede, minimum effort results in maximum reward. However, it is important to note that caring for suede is very different from caring for more classic leather which is why this advice is particularly important. Do not use our cowhide care recommendations on your suede bag.

As such, here is a small collection of advice so that your premium suede handbag maintains its natural beauty throughout the years.

suede handbag care
The Nola Medium Suede Shoulder Bag in Tan
Storage & Care

How To Store

If you choose not to use your suede handbag for a prolonged period, it is best to store it in a fabric dust bag. This will not only protect the handbag from dust but will also prevent its eventual discolouration due to sunlight.

General Care

So that your premium suede handbag remains as beautiful as the day it was bought, traces of dust have to be regularly removed from the leather. A special brush, for example, can be used to this effect. In order to give the suede a brighter appearance as well, use such a brush and follow the suede grain with little, gentle movements. This, simply, will be enough to maintain its natural beauty.

suede handbag care
The Nola Medium Suede Shoulder Bag in Wine & Tan

The Nola Medium Suede Shoulder Bag

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How To Clean Suede
suede handbag care
The Nola Small Suede Crossbody in Tan

A mark on suede can come about quite quickly without any warning. Particularly caring for your suede leather handbag then, is necessary in order to ensure that is remains clean. Importantly, the majority of products that are often used can leave unsightly marks on the suede. So, here is the best way to clean a suede handbag instead.

One general rule: protect your suede from water. Water not only stains the suede but also alters the grain pattern. Therefore, it is crucial never to use a water-based cleaner.

suede handbag care
The Nola Small Suede Crossbody in Black
suede handbag care
The Nola Small Suede Crossbody in Wine
How To Remove Stains

Just After

If you notice a mark whilst it is still wet, then wipe it off as soon as possible with a cloth. Buffering with the cloth will absorb the majority of the dampness and will, therefore, limit the damage. In order to dry the mark completely – overnight for instance – cornstarch or talcum powder can be applied.

For The Smaller Stains

In order to remove smaller stains and dust, a special suede brush is ideal. It is important to brush with the grain, as otherwise the stain can become impregnated into the suede. Once the mark has been removed, you can then carefully brush against the grain in order to readjust the suede fibres and restore texture. 

suede handbag care
The Nola Small Suede Crossbody

The Nola Small Suede Crossbody

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What To Do If You Don’t Have A Suede Brush

If you don’t have a suede brush to hand, you can use a toothbrush or even a rubber to clean your handbag. Thanks to its texture, the rubber absorbs the dirt. However make sure that the rubber is clean otherwise, those residues can also be transferred to the leather.

For Larger Stains

For more significant or persistent stains, you can use a specific suede rubber like the Nubuk Box. These rubbers have a rough edge to clean the suede handbag and another more supple side to remove dust and polish the leather.

suede handbag care
The Varallo Suede Shopper Tote in Black
suede handbag care
The Varallo Suede Shopper Tote in Black

The Key To Cleaning Products

If neither the brush nor the rubber can remove the stain, a special suede cleaner should then be used. Of course, these cleaners should not contain water in order to avoid further damaging the suede. It needs to be a specific suede cleaner as classic leather cleaners are often water-based. In order to clean the suede then, use a small quantity on a piece of clean cloth and delicately dab the stain.

suede handbag care
The Varallo Suede Shopper Tote in Black
suede handbag care
The Varallo Suede Shopper Tote in Black
In The Case Of Rain

Ideally, you should always assure that your suede handbag remains dry. Of course, this is difficult with our temperamental British weather so, if your handbag is damp, there is no need to panic. 

Firstly, without doubt, leaving your suede handbag at home on rainy days is the best way that you can protect it. But, if the weather surprises you, start by leaving your suede handbag to dry and dab the small marks with a clean cloth.

Moreover, you can fill your handbag with newspaper in order to absorb the remaining damp and restore its shape – though do not overfill it as otherwise you risk permanently deforming your bag. Leave the bag to dry at room temperature, away from heat sources such as radiators or sunlight to avoid discolouration. When your suede handbag is completely dry, finally brush it to realign the fibres and restore structure. In the end, though, there is beauty in the ageing process as your handbag becomes completely unique to you. This should be treasured. 

suede handbag care
The Varallo Suede Shopper Tote in Black

The Varallo Suede Shopper Tote

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