Close-up of a brown leather handbag with gold details.

Handbag Aftercare

Black leather handbag strap with a gold buckle.

Leather Bag Aftercare

Caring for a leather bag may seem like a daunting task, but it’s easier than you think if you follow a few simple steps. The key to leather’s longevity is in its cleaning, protection, conditioning, and storage, whether you’ve bought a bag made of pony suede or butter-soft calfskin.

Since the brand’s inception, Ralph Lauren has been setting a compelling style precedent with his visually-arresting Polo handbags which span all kinds of styles and luxurious leathers—think the Suede Clutch, Bellport Bucket, Chain Wallet, and Mini Shoulder Bag.

Look after your Polo handbag properly and it will develop a beautiful lived-in patina that ages like the finest of wines. Our guide will show you how to safeguard your investment piece from all kinds of damage while enhancing its beauty (and often its price).

Dark brown crocodile-textured bag on a chair with a smaller bag hanging from arm rest.
Tan leather bag on top of a beige plaid coat.
Black leather saddle bag with gold hardware placed on an outdoor bench.
Tan suede saddle bag with leather details hanging against a textured background.

Cleaning Your Leather Bag

Cleaning your Ralph Lauren Polo ID bag will keep it looking good-as-new, free from the kind of soiling and staining that can cause luxury leather to age prematurely. Make sure you follow any care instructions that your chosen bag comes with (different skins call for different cleaning methods, depending on their texture).

Close-up of a brown leather handbag strap with gold detailing.

Daily Leather Care

How Do You Clean a Leather Bag?

  1. After you’ve taken your Ralph Lauren bag out on the town, take a dry cloth and gently wipe away dirt, dust, and grime. This prevents any residue embedding into the leather or encouraging discoloration and unsightly marks.

  2. Avoid using water, especially on suede (as this can cause irreversible damage to its fuzzy napped texture).

  3. Purchase a leather-friendly, soft-bristled brush (like one made with horsehair) for cleaning all those hard-to-reach places like zippers, seams, and hardware).

Top Tip: If you do spill water on suede, blot the moisture with a highly-absorbent paper towel, letting the patch dry completely. Then, rub the nap gently with a terrycloth towel, or a clean white eraser.

Detailed shot of brown leather handbag handles.

Removing Stains from Leather

Grease Stains

To remove grease from your leather bag, blot with a dry cloth and sprinkle with baking soda, before taking to the stain with a good old bar of saddle soap. Alternatively, invest in a professional leather degreaser which will soak up the oil inside the pores and reduce the patch’s darker colour.

Ink Stains

If you’re faced with an ink stain, we recommend taking your bag to a professional cleaner (however, some folk have found success by applying rubbing alcohol or mild detergent to the affected patch of leather). If you’re not 100% confident doing this, err on the side of caution. You could cause more damage from a ‘quick fix’ home remedy.

Please Note: When it comes to treating grease and ink stains on suede, we suggest visiting a leather restorer. Simply search for one in your local area who’s armed with years of experience and a sound list of testimonials. They’ll get you the best result.

Detailed shot of brown leather handbag handles.

Which Ralph Bag Will You Choose?

This season, shop a stunning collection of Polo ID bags, made from the finest leathers and suedes. We love timeless designs like the Ralph Lauren Bellport Tote, the Pebbled Mini Shoulder Bag, and the equestrian-inspired Saddle Bag featuring gold pony hardware.

Which Ralph Bag Will You Choose?

This season, shop a stunning collection of Polo ID bags, made from the finest leathers and suedes. We love timeless designs like the Ralph Lauren Bellport Tote, the Pebbled Mini Shoulder Bag, and the equestrian-inspired Saddle Bag featuring gold pony hardware.

Woman holding a brown leather tote bag with flowers inside.
Waxed Leather Medium Bellport Bucket Bag Coming Soon
Woman wearing a tweed blazer and jeans, holding a small tan leather saddle bag.
Polo ID Calfskin Mini Shoulder Bag Coming Soon
Woman in a black and white outfit carrying a black leather saddle bag
Polo ID Calfskin Saddle Bag Coming Soon
Shop All Polo Bags

Protecting Your Leather Bag

Alongside water, grease, and ink stains, it’s vital that you protect your Ralph Lauren bag from naturally erosive hazards like sunlight and condensation. Invest in high-quality protective products that are made specifically for leather bags to shield from the elements and help prevent damage.

Close-up of leather handbags in white and tan showcasing the strap detailing.

How to Protect a Leather Bag:
Ralph’s Simple Guide

Waterproofing Sprays & How to Use Them:

One of the easiest ways to safeguard your Polo ID bag is by using a quality waterproof spray. This type of product can be purchased at your local leather goods store, as well as online, and offers unparalleled protection from all kinds of liquids. While creating an invisible protective barrier that buffers against rain, damp, and beverage spillage, waterproof sprays are often also enhanced with a UV protective formula, which helps reduce fading from natural light. Look for a product that targets multiple leathers (like pony suede and calfskin) with zero odour or a subtle fragrance.

Applying a Leather Protectant

Before applying a waterproof spray, make sure your leather bag is 100% dry (and free of grime) by running a soft towel or cloth over its exterior. As a general rule of thumb, press the aerosol button 6 to 12 inches away from the bag’s surface and apply in broad sweeping motions to ensure even coverage.

IMPORTANT: Always read product instructions before application, as different sprays come with different guidelines.

Large dark green leather handbag with gold hardware.

Which Ralph Lauren Bag Will You Invest In?

If you’re not keen on shielding suede from the rain, opt for a Ralph Lauren bag made from easy-to-clean leather. We recommend trending designs like the Polo ID Large Leather Tote in a sumptuous hue of bottle green or ivory.

Close-up of a brown leather handbag with gold details.

Conditioning and Maintaining Leather

Another way to keep your bag in pristine condition is to deploy regular conditioning treatments that will help prevent cracking, while further enhancing its beautiful lustre. Because animal skins are naturally porous, they can easily dehydrate when exposed to the elements, leading to premature ageing and a lacklustre colour.

Leather bag maintenance with conditioner delivers a much-needed moisture boost, which extends its longevity for years to come. Purchase creams, waxes, and oils (containing lanolin or mink) and apply in a circular motion with a lint-free cloth.

While there are many leather conditioning products on the market, we suggest choosing one that is free from harsh chemicals to avoid damaging your handbag’s unblemished outer layers. Apply the treatment every 6 to 12 months to maintain optimum moisture, or as often as needed if your leather looks lifeless.

Which Ralph Lauren Bag Will You Select?

If you’re looking for a Ralph Lauren accessory that loves a little TLC, shop our Polo ID Leather Chain Wallet and Bag that’s crafted from croc-embossed Italian hide. Alternatively, splash out on a Large Calfskin Shoulder Bag in whiskey, tan, or black that features a bonded suede interior and bombé strap detailing.

Storing and Repairing Leather Handbags

While one can easily focus on maintenance alone, storing leather bags (as well as repairing them) is just as important when it comes to their upkeep. When not in use, treat your Ralph Lauren leather to its own R&R time, out of direct light and away from high temperatures.

Drawstring dust bag with navy and white stripes.

Proper Storage Techniques

Stash your Ralph Lauren leather bag in a cool, dry place—we recommend an upright position, set on a shelf. To maintain the bag’s shape, fill its interior with clean white tissue paper before covering it in an RL issued dust bag that comes free with every purchase.

To prevent moisture build-up, make sure your storage space is very well ventilated and use silica gel sachets to help ward off damp. Do not hang your bag up, as this can cause stretching. And never enfold it in non-breathable materials like plastic, nylon, and bubble wrap.

Black crescent shaped leather bag with gold details against a plain background.

Repairing Scratches & Scuffs

Leather bag repair is relatively easy if you know a few clever tricks. If you discover any nicks or scratches, try to buff them out using a soft, dry cloth, or with the bristles of a toothbrush and a tiny dab of Vaseline.

If that doesn’t work, apply a touch of leather polish in a compatible colour and massage the cream in small circular motions. You can also use leather oil, or a leather conditioner, that can be applied to the damage and left to dry naturally.

For any major damage (including scrapes to metallic finishes, textural suede, and hardware), get in touch with a repair service that can help restore your handbag. While leather repair kits can deliver factory-looking results when it comes to smaller marks and scuffing, anything more severe needs the touch of a professional.

Black crescent shaped leather bag with gold details against a plain background.

Leather Bag Aftercare Recap

While Ralph’s Polo ID bags are masterfully crafted from the finest of leathers, it’s always a good idea to treat them with kid gloves. We want your investment to look new at all times, serving you well for decades to come.

If you regularly clean your leather bag (and store it in a ventilated space), you’ll extend its longevity and increase its value as it becomes a coveted vintage collectible. No wonder A-list celebrities like Jessica Alba, Emmy Rossum, and Madonna carry Ralph Lauren handbags—they’re luxurious, iconic, and perfectly practical.

Shop All Polo Bags