Overview
The bottom line is that if you leave the house with a handbag (and that's usually the point), it can and will get dirty. Regular use takes its toll, and very little can be done to prevent your bag's inevitable fate. At some point, you're going to have to put in a little effort to return your handbag to tip-top shape. The good news: Getting your Dooney & Burke handbag clean is an easier task than you may think. Begin by emptying your purse.
Leather
1.
Dampen a clean soft cloth with a small amount of distilled water. You don't want the cloth to be completely soaked as excessive water can result in ugly water spots on the leather, which may look worse than the dirt.
2.
Rub a mild bar soap over the cloth to get it slightly soapy. Clean the dirty areas of your handbag using a circular motion.
3.
Re-dampen the cloth as needed to remove all of the soap residue from the leather. Once all of the dirt and soap has been removed, let the leather dry completely before you refill the purse.
Fabric
1.
Apply a small amount of cornstarch or talcum powder to any oily spots on your bag and let it sit for 30 minutes before brushing off the remaining cornstarch or talcum powder. This will absorb the oily substance and prepare the fabric for cleaning.
2.
Wet a cloth with distilled water and rub a mild bar soap on the cloth. Use a circular motion to remove any dirt and soil on your bag.
3.
Add more distilled water to your cloth to rinse away the soap. When you have removed all of the dirt and soap, let your handbag dry entirely before using it.