Quick answer
To clean a faux leather bag, wipe it with a soft cloth lightly dampened with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap, then dry it straight away with a dry cloth. Avoid bleach, acetone, hot water and hard scrubbing, and test any method on a hidden spot first. With stains like ink and makeup, the sooner you deal with them, the easier they come off.
In this guide
Before you start: know what your bag is made of
Not every part of a bag is the same material. Some bags are all faux leather, while others have a woven or canvas front with faux leather sides or handles. Each part needs its own cleaning method, so check the material description on the product page first. If you want to understand the difference between materials and why faux leather can peel, read faux leather vs real leather: the difference and how to judge quality.
What you will need
Two soft cloths, such as microfibre: one for wiping and one for drying.
Lukewarm water, not hot.
A mild liquid soap without bleach, just a drop or two.
Cotton buds for small areas and spots.
A very soft, clean brush, like a soft toothbrush, for woven parts and embossed textures.
The most important rule: test anything on a hidden spot first, such as under the base or inside the flap, and wait until it dries to check the result before you carry on.
A weekly clean in 5 steps
Empty the bag completely and shake out the dust and crumbs.
Wipe off surface dust with a dry cloth.
Dip the second cloth in the soapy water and wring it out well, until it is just damp and not dripping.
Wipe with light strokes and no hard pressure, paying attention to the handles since they are touched the most.
Dry straight away with the dry cloth, and let the bag air for a while away from the sun before closing it.
Example: the large faux leather shoulder bag with zip and magnetic flap has a pebbled surface where dust can settle, so a weekly wipe makes a real difference. The product page recommends wiping it with a soft, slightly damp cloth without hard rubbing. Its lining is high-density polyester fabric, so if it gets a mark inside, clean just that spot with a damp cloth rather than soaking it. It is currently 799 EGP.
White bags and wallets: a little extra care
White shows everything, so the secret is cleaning it regularly before dirt builds up. Give it a light wipe every week even if it looks clean, and if you notice a new mark, deal with it the same day.
Example: the white croc-embossed wallet with square clasp. The raised pattern collects dust in its lines, so use a dry soft brush or a damp cotton bud along the pattern. The product page recommends wiping it with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth, keeping it away from direct sun and humidity, and not overfilling it so it keeps its shape. Wipe the gold-tone clasp with a dry cloth and no cleaning products. It is 129 EGP.
A small tip: do not keep a white wallet next to pens or open makeup inside your bag, and give it its own pocket if you can.
How to remove tough stains
Ink stains
Ink is one of the hardest stains on faux leather, especially on white and light colours, so act fast:
Do not rub, because rubbing spreads the stain.
Start with a cloth dampened with water and mild soap, press it on the stain and lift, and repeat gently.
If it does not come off, some people use a cotton bud with a very small amount of rubbing alcohol on the stain only. This can help with fresh ink, but it can also fade the colour or affect the top coating, so test it on a hidden spot first, then wipe with a cloth dampened with water and dry straight away.
If the stain is old or large, do not keep trying, because a small mark is better than a faded or peeling surface.
Makeup and oil
Lift off the excess with a dry tissue by pressing, not wiping. Then wipe with a cloth dampened with water and mild soap, since soap helps break down grease, repeat gently if needed and dry. To avoid this in the first place, keep your makeup in a closed pouch inside the bag.
Marks from a dark abaya or jeans
Dark clothes, such as a black abaya or new jeans, can leave colour on light bags through friction, especially in hot weather. If the mark is light, wipe it with a cloth dampened with water and mild soap and repeat gently. Sometimes the mark fades, and sometimes the dye soaks into the surface and is hard to remove completely, so do not press hard or use strong cleaners.
Prevention is easier: if you wear a dark abaya every day, consider a darker bag for daily use and keep light bags for days when you wear light clothes. You can also try carrying a light bag in your hand instead of letting it rub against your body all day.
Woven and canvas parts
Woven fabric and canvas absorb water more than faux leather, so never soak them and never put the bag in the washing machine.
Remove dust with a dry soft brush in the direction of the weave.
For a stain: use a barely damp cloth with water and mild soap, press on the stain without rubbing, then use a cloth dampened with plain water to remove the soap.
Let it air dry away from sun and heat, and do not use a hair dryer.
Example: the woven hand and shoulder bag with key charm has a beige woven front and back, with faux leather sides and handle. Clean each part its own way: the sides with a soft, slightly damp cloth as the product page recommends, and the woven front with a soft brush and spot cleaning only. When you wipe the sides, make sure water and soap do not reach the fabric, and keep the metal charm away from water. It is 799 EGP. The same applies to the woven hand bag with front belt detail and the canvas crossbody bag with front lock.
Good storage saves you half the cleaning
Stuff the bag with paper to keep its shape, which is also advice from our product pages. Plain white paper is better than newspaper, whose ink can transfer.
Store it away from direct sun and humidity.
Keep it in a fabric bag or a cotton pillowcase, and avoid a sealed plastic bag because it can trap moisture.
Do not hang it by the strap for long periods while it is full, so the strap does not stretch.
Do not pile bags on top of each other, especially light ones next to dark ones, so colour does not transfer.
Empty it before storing, especially of pens and makeup.
Things you should never do
Bleach, acetone, nail polish remover and strong cleaners.
Hot water, or soaking the bag.
The washing machine or tumble dryer.
Drying with a hair dryer or in the sun.
Hard scrubbing with a scourer or stiff brushes.
Any cream or oil without testing on a hidden spot, because it can leave greasy marks.
If a bag reaches you with a defect or different from what you ordered, do not try to fix or clean it yourself. Message us on WhatsApp at 01226580500 with your order number within 30 days of receipt, and Loly Bags covers the shipping cost in that case. Details are in the return and exchange policy.
And if you are still choosing your next bag and want to know the types of bags and their names, see the guide to types of women's bags and their names.
Frequently asked questions
Tap a question to see the answer
How do I clean a white faux leather bag?
Use a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap, wipe lightly and dry straight away. Clean it regularly every week, and test any cleaner on a hidden spot first.
How do I remove ink from a faux leather bag?
Act fast and press a cloth dampened with mild soapy water on it without rubbing. Rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud can help with fresh ink, but it can fade the colour, so test it on a hidden spot first.
How do I clean abaya colour marks off my bag?
Gently, with water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Light marks usually fade, while old ones may not come off completely, so preventing it with a darker bag for dark clothes is easier.
Can I wash a faux leather bag in the washing machine?
No. The washing machine and too much water can damage the bag's shape and material, so clean it by wiping only.
How do I clean a woven fabric or canvas bag?
Use a soft brush for dust, and for stains a barely damp cloth with mild soap, pressing without rubbing, then let it air dry away from the sun.
How do I keep a faux leather bag in shape?
Stuff it with paper when you store it, do not overfill it, and keep it away from direct sun and humidity.
