How to Clean the Suede Interior of Handbags

by Kimberly Johnson
Never use liquid chemical cleaners on suede.

Never use liquid chemical cleaners on suede.

Lipstick, ink, food and dirt can leave the inside of your handbag looking like an art project gone bad. If your posh purse liner is made of suede, getting those stuck-on stains out will require a creative approach. The key to removing stubborn suede stains is fluffing up the natural nap, which releases the dirt from the fibers. While cleaning the inside may require some minor acrobatics, the result is a handbag you don’t have to hide.

Remove all items from inside your handbag and set them aside in a safe location.

Hold the bag over a trash can and turn it upside down. Shake the bag briskly to remove all crumbs and foreign matter.

Hold the bag open with one hand and insert a suede brush into it with the other. Move the brush in quick, side-to-side motions to fluff up the nap of the suede. Continue brushing until you cover the entire inside of the handbag. If you don’t have a suede brush, use a terry cloth towel instead.

Examine the suede carefully to identify any stained areas. If needed, direct the beam of a flashlight into the handbag to illuminate it.

Scrub any visible stains, using a suede eraser or a pencil eraser. Move the eraser in a side-to-side motion using short, brisk strokes. Turn the bag upside down over a trash can when you are done and shake out the eraser remnants.

Apply 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to a white towel. Gently dab the vinegar onto any remaining stains inside the bag until they come out. Reapply vinegar as needed and turn the towel to a fresh section often to prevent from transferring the stains back onto the purse.

Spray the interior of the handbag with a light layer of suede protectant spray to prevent further staining.

Wait until the interior of the bag is dry and reinsert all items bag inside.

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