Our handbags go everywhere with us. From office floors to restaurant tables, bathroom counters to car seats, they pick up germs from countless surfaces throughout the day. Here are 5 practical tips to keeping your handbag clean and hygienic without making it feel like a chore.
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1. The weekly clean-out
Sunday evenings are perfect for a quick bag refresh. Dump everything out onto a clean towel on your bed or table. You’ll probably find old receipts, forgotten lipsticks, and mysterious crumbs. Take advantage of this moment to sort through what you actually need.
Grab your vacuum with the small attachment and give the inside a good once-over. For fabric bags, a few spritzes of fabric sanitizer will freshen things up nicely. If you have a leather bag, use a leather wipe or cleaner – just like you’d care for your leather shoes.
2. Watch your placement
Think about where you set your bag down during the day. Restaurant floors and public bathroom surfaces are some of the germiest places around. Instead of placing your bag on these surfaces, hang it on a chair back or use a purse hook (they’re small enough to keep in your bag). When you get home, avoid putting your bag on kitchen counters or dining tables where you prepare and eat food. Give your bag its own dedicated spot – a hook by the door or a shelf in your closet works perfectly.
3. The inside story
The inside of our bags can become a bit chaotic. Make life easier by using a few washable pouches to keep things organised. One for makeup (this prevents messy disasters), another for personal items, and maybe one for snacks and mints. This way, if something leaks or spills, it’s contained. Plus, you can easily pull out the pouches and wipe them clean. For your phone and keys – items you touch constantly – keep them in easy-to-reach spots that you can wipe down regularly.
4. Quick daily maintenance
Before bed, take a moment to wipe down the bottom of your bag – it’s the part that touches all those questionable surfaces throughout the day. A quick swipe with an antibacterial wipe does the trick. While you’re at it, give the handles a quick clean too – they’re probably the germiest part since we touch them so often with unwashed hands. This takes literally 30 seconds but makes a huge difference.
5. Special care for different bags
Your leather tote needs different care than your fabric crossbody. For leather, use specific leather cleaners and conditioners to keep it healthy and prevent cracking. Canvas bags are usually machine washable (check the label first). Suede needs special attention with a proper suede brush and cleaner. If you’re unsure, most department stores have handbag specialists who can show you exactly what products work best for your bag.
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Feature Image: Pexels
