How can I stop my leather bag staining my clothes?

June 27, 2014 11:14 AM

I have a swell new leather shoulder bag. I wore it walking for an hour slung diagonally across my chest. It was a warm day leaving a very attractive diagonal line of sweat across my chest and shoulder from the strap. So far, so typical. However, with this new brown bag brown stains were left as well. Is there any way to treat or wash the strap to make sure it doesn't stain again? It is a fairly pricey bag, which I had assumed would mean it would not do this.
posted by shothotbot to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (2 answers total)

I'd wash it with saddle soap or leather cleaner to see if the additional oils and polishes come off.

If it looks dry after the cleaning, wipe on some of this leather conditioner. It's awesome for couches, belts, leather shoes, jackets, etc., and you can use it to keep your handbag conditioned (so that it won't crack and will maintain its flexibility) in the years to come.
posted by barnone at 2:14 PM on June 27, 2014 [3 favorites]

It is a fairly pricey bag, which I had assumed would mean it would not do this.

It shouldn't be bleeding like this. I'd take it back to the retailer and demand a replacement.
posted by Thorzdad at 6:11 AM on June 28, 2014