Purses can be expensive accessories, so when one gets damaged, you don't always want to spend more money on a brand new one. One good thing about purses is that many of them can withstand substantial abuse, and even if they can't, there are quick and easy repairs you can do yourself to make yours as good as new. Whether it's removing stains or scratches, or repairing tears, there's a lot of damage you can take care of on your own, right from home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Clean and remove stains. Spots and stains on vinyl or patent leather can be easily removed by applying baking soda to a damp cloth and rubbing it gently over the spot. Then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the entire purse and buff thoroughly. It should take the stain right out. For heavier leather, use saddle soap for cleaning it. For finer leather, try a commercial leather cleaner and conditioner that you can commonly find at a shoe store. For dark marks on light leather, use a simple pencil eraser. You can even use a basic gum eraser to take out any spots on suede.
2. Remove scratches. If you discover scratches on your leather purse, don't panic. They can be easily remedied. Take some soft, creamy shoe polish and buff it thoroughly over the scratches. Use this technique only for scratches, never for regular cleaning since the polish may come off on your skin or clothes.
3. Repair tears and holes. A tear in a purse doesn't mean you need to rush right out and buy a new one. For vinyl purses, find a vinyl repair kit at any hardware store. Simply apply a matching vinyl patch to the purse with glue. For leather purses, find a patch of leather from a craft store, or even an old purse or glove. Scrape the edges thin with a razor blade to keep them from forming a ridge. Spread contact cement around the edges of the tear and apply the patch. Rub with a soft cloth after the cement has dried. For suede purses, cut an exact patch so the edges meet exactly and apply it on the wrong side. Then brush the suede to hide the tear.
Tags: buff thoroughly, purses find
