Whether you have a large collection or just a few special purses, storing and displaying your handbags requires some care and planning. We have your guide to caring for them and showing them off.

Storing and Cleaning

Your handbags likely go through a lot on a daily basis, from being on your car floor to getting caught in the rain, not to mention what you put inside them. Keeping them in good condition when you’re not using them is key to helping them last longer.

When you’re not wearing your purses, how you store them matters. If they came with dust bags, place the handbags inside. This will protect them from dust, of course, and also light, while allowing them to breathe.

Avoid hanging them, which can cause stress on the straps. Stuff your larger purses with sweaters or paper to maintain their shape when they’re not in use.

Wipe your leather bag with a damp cloth after cleaning it with warm water and dish soap, then dry it with a towel.

Pretreat your suede or leather bags before wearing them. Check the label to ensure that whatever you use – leather cream, spray or other protectant – is safe for the material.

You might not think about cleaning your handbags, unless you spill something on them, but they occasionally could stand to be refreshed. Hand wash nylon purses with a mild detergent, rinse with water, towel dry and let air dry for another couple of hours. Leather bags require gentle wiping with a cloth dipped into warm soapy water, followed by removing the soap with a damp cloth and drying with a towel.

By taking care of them now, your bags will remain in good condition for years to come.

Displaying

Even though your purses are best kept hidden under protective coverings, you may want to show them off – or at least have them convenient for your regular usage.

In your closet, dedicate a shelf to the handbags you frequently carry so you can swap them out as needed to match your look. Put any special occasion or out-of-season purses in their protective bags on a higher shelf.

The Modular Closet Shoe & Shelf Kit provides the perfect place for your purse – right by the front door.

Your most-worn handbags can sit in your mudroom or entryway when you’re home. This way, you’ll always know where to find it as you dash out the door. If you have built-in storage, create a habit of putting your purse in the same place every time. Cube storage would also work for this purpose.

Caring for your handbags will save you money and thoughtfully storing them will save you time (no more hunting for your purse all over the house).