Hi all! During Covid times and because I have a growing OCD behaviour, I now have a habit of wiping the bag down with wet paper towel as soon as I got back home everytime I use my Chanel and other bags. With all the sanitizing hand and touching the bag I always want to make sure that there's no sticky fingers or sanitizer residue on my bags thus the wiping habit. I know I can't use any alcohol or any harsh chemical for my bags but I'm starting to wonder if wet paper towel is actually a good idea since water contain chlorine and other harsh chemical used to purify water too? Will it strip off the top coating? I can't see it under naked eye but start to wonder about it if I'm using a wrong method sigh, the paper towel are not overly wet though, it's just a quick wipe and the water usually never seep in, the surface is slighly damp to touch and they dried within seconds.
Question about wiping Chanel bags down with wet towel
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I have only caviar bags and I usually wipe them down with an alcohol free baby wipe after use especially the light colored one. Although it does not sanitize it but I am satisfied that it cleans the bag. I would be nervous with using paper towels as the texture can be rough but it also depends on the leather...
Hmmmm I only used those proper sanitizing wipes when I first get a preloved bag, followed up by a baby wipe to clean off the chemicals. When I go out, I will then use an alcohol free baby wipes.
Unless you’re sitting your bags down in a public area I don’t see any legit reason to wipe down your bags. Any of these wipes could damage the leather. If you’re worried about sitting your bags down use a napkin underneath. Or better yet use a bag hook and hang them whenever possible.
Yes we eat a lot at patio nowadays and I feel the need to wipe it thoroughly when I got home, I thought water should be harmless but now thinking about it I think baby wipes should be the best bet sigh, but I assume not everyone will bring babywipes everywhere? What if God forbid there's food spill or wine? I shouldn't wipe it down with water and paper towel?
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Others have recommended letting the sun's UV-A and UV-B light naturally disinfect any germs. I don't know if there's a recommended timeframe. UV-C light is supposedly more effective. Then I would use a conditioner to ensure the sun doesn't dry out the leather. That's a good option if you're concerned about germs and viruses.
If you're more concerned about spills etc, then baby wipes are probably less damaging than water and paper towels. I can't get the image of paper towels leaving residue on the bag especially when wet. You'd still need to go home and clean and condition your bag after. Less of a concern if your bag is a dark color.
I haven’t read any studies that say Covid is being transmitted from handbags or clothing. If no one is touching, coughing, or sneezing on your bag why do you need to do any of this. You’re out sitting on chairs, eating from tables, and then getting into your cars or going to your homes. Are you wiping down everything else? Are you taking your clothes and shoes off and cleaning them? There’s a point when caution becomes paranoia.
Covid aside, I did them regularly also because I have sweaty hands. All the handles on my bags usually get sticky over time.
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I do that too with a leather cleaner and conditioner. You could also get a bandeau or twilly to wrap around your handles. Something that you can wash or dry clean when it becomes dirty.
Thank you! But it's just a rough illustration as I don't own a coco handle or tote, but on other brands. I mainly use my flap bag, woc and pouch during covid era, and with sanitizer, lotion, sweaty hands all combined (and probably my ocd lol) I just feel the need to wipe down after trip if you know what I mean haha. But I understand your logic as I don't always throw my clothes in the washer especially when I drop off my kids at school every morning or make a quick errands.
I understand it’s tough when you have OCD. It’s so hard to stop thinking that way. The most important things are to wear a mask, avoid getting too close to unmasked strangers and wash or wipe your hands.
I don't suggest wet paper towels or baby wet wipes too often.
I use wellman leather wipes. I doubt it disinfects... or a need to. But at least use a wipe that's specially for leather (it cleans and conditions at the same time).
I use wellman leather wipes. I doubt it disinfects... or a need to. But at least use a wipe that's specially for leather (it cleans and conditions at the same time).
You aren’t a hundred percent that using a wet paper towel is actually getting rid of any hand sanitizer residue that might be there. I wouldn’t bother wiping your purse down. Perhaps skip the hand sanitizer and just wash your hands when you can. You can carry a handkerchief in your pocket to absorb the sweat off your hands or just avoid using leather purses when you know your hands will be too sweaty.
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These leather wipes work great too.
www.target.com
Weiman Leather Wipes - 30ct
Read reviews and buy Weiman Leather Wipes - 30ct at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.
And I’ve read these are good too.
Amazon.com: Care Touch Leather Cleaner Wipes for One-Step Cleaning, Conditioning, and Protecting - Pack of 2, 40 Wipes Each for Cars, Shoes and Other Leather Surfaces : Health & Household
Amazon.com: Care Touch Leather Cleaner Wipes for One-Step Cleaning, Conditioning, and Protecting - Pack of 2, 40 Wipes Each for Cars, Shoes and Other Leather Surfaces : Health & Household
www.amazon.com