How to Clean Your Nylon or Microfiber Purse

Is your favorite Prada microfiber crossbody, in need of a thorough cleaning?

 

Whether you own a nylon backpack or are looking to clean your favorite Longchamp work tote, here’s how to restore the tightly woven polyester and nylon fibers, without damaging your handbag.

 

Things You’ll Need to Clean Your Nylon or Microfiber Purses

• Small-bristled brush
• Vacuum cleaner attachment
• Microfiber cleaning solvent
• Alcohol
• Soft bristle toothbrush
• Baking soda
• Gentle wet detergent
• Dry cleaning fluid
• Water
• Clean white cloth
• Hair dryer

 

Step 1-Read the cleaning instruction tag

Some microfiber purses include specific cleaning instructions. If so, follow them. The instruction tag is usually found inside the purse, attached to the lining.

 

Look for a “W�on the purse tag. That indicates that water can be safely used.

 

If there is no “W�present, it is best to assume that the use of water or other wet material is discouraged.

 

Step 2- Test for colorfastness

It is important to determine how the bag will respond to the cleansing process as well as whether or not it will retain its color.

 

Test on an area of the purse that cannot be seen, such as the bottom or inside of the bag. But skip testing the solvent on the inner lining of the purse.

 

Some pricey, designer Microfiber purses are lined with silk fibers and tend to watermark easily. These purses will generally require professional cleaning.

 

Step 3 �Determine the stain’s type.

Dry stains and dirt may be removed more easily than wet or set-in stains or dirt.

 

Handle wet stains immediately to prevent watermarks from forming. Always dry wet stains with a hair dryer on low setting to prevent watermarks from forming.

 

Step 4 -Use a gentle brush to lift the stain.

Brush soiled area with a small-bristled brush to lift dirt from the top layer of the microfiber. Then, use a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove loose particles.

 

If that doesn’t work, move on to the next step.

Step 5 �Use a powdered household cleaner to lift oil stains

If you spill any type of oil on your nylon bag �including car oil, salad dressing or body oil �you’ll want to remove as much of the grease as possible immediately.

 

Using a cloth napkin or towel, dab at the oil to remove as much as you can. Pour a small amount of baking soda onto a dry stained area of a microfiber purse.

 

Using a soft bristle brush, work the powder very gently into the fiber. Then using a clean soft bristle brush or toothbrush, try brushing the stain away. If the stain remains, and the microfiber is water safe, move on to the next step.

 

Step 6 �Use a dime-sized amount of liquid soap to remove stubborn stains

Drop a small amount of a gentle wet detergent onto the stained area of a water-safe microfiber purse.

 

Using a damp, soft white cloth, gently blot the stain with cold water until the stain is removed. If necessary, work the detergent into the fiber with a soft bristle brush to loosen the dirt for easy removal. Dry immediately with a hair dryer on low setting.

 

Step 7 �Try a swipe of alcohol

If any stains remain after steps 2-6, pour a small amount of any type of rubbing or isopropyl alcohol on the stain of a water-safe microfiber purse.

 

Use a clean, dry white cloth to blot away the stain and then dry with a hair dryer on low setting.

 

Step 8- Use a microfiber or nylon cleansing solvent

Pour 1 tbsp. of microfiber cleaning solvent or rubbing alcohol on an old T-shirt or lint-free cloth.

 

If any stains remain, try using a microfiber cleanser to lift the stains off your purse. Press the liquid into the stain using firm pressure; hold for 15 seconds.

 

Blot the wet area with the dry edge of a cloth or T-shirt. Air-dry the spot away from heat.

 

Cleaning Your Microfiber or Nylon Handbags ( Dos and Don’ts)

• Keep a soft bristle toothbrush inside the microfiber purse for use in immediately removing dry stains and dirt.
• Clean a small section of the purse at a time if the stain is large rather than attempting to clean the entire thing at once.
• Keep baby wipes on hand to blot away wet stains as soon as they occur to prevent them from setting in.
• Use cloths for cleaning rather than paper towels, as they can be abrasive and stick into the microfiber and mar the finish.
• Do not saturate the purse with water even if it is supposedly water safe.
• Do not use detergents with bleach to clean any type of microfiber.
• Avoid using cleaning solutions on microfiber unless specific claims are made to their safe use.
• Microfiber is heat sensitive, so do not tumble your handbag in the dryer to dry quickly or apply direct heat from a hot blow dryer.
• Purchase cleaning solvent for microfiber at a hardware store or store that carries industrial cleaning supplies.
• Do not immerse your nylon or microfiber handbag in water to clean. The bag’s lining may not be waterproof and permanent water stains may develop.

 

More Resources to Clean Your Nylon Purse

• Care & Cleaning Fabric- Dooney & Burke
• Longchamp â€?Care and Cleaning of Nylon Purses

 

Our Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to clean your nylon and microfiber purses, you can pull those dirty, grungy bags out of the closet and make them look like new. Just follow our steps and be sure to use trusted products, following their instructions as well.