Biggest Challenges

1. Grimy straw tote or hat

2. Dirty leather or fabric purse

3. Dingy espadrille shoes

Tools You’ll Use

Kneadable eraser

Mild liquid glycerine soap and water

Soft cloths, such as old T-shirts or dishtowels

Foaming carpet and upholstery cleaner

Soft brush, like a baby’s toothbrush

Fastest Fixes

1. Restore the straw. The woven texture is what gives straw its breezy, summery look, but it’s also what makes it a magnet for dirt and tricky to clean. To keep the natural fibers of your hat or tote in shape, avoid wet cleaning. Instead use a soft, slightly sticky kneadable eraser (available at art-supply stores) to gently dab or rub the soiled straw, going with — not against — the weave. Be sure to turn the eraser as it absorbs the dirt so you’re always working with a clean portion.

2. Freshen fabric or leather. On dark purses, fingerprints, dirt, and body oils are invisible; on light-colored summer ones, they make a bag look old before its time. The good news: Both leather and fabric handbags (or ones that combine both materials) can be cleaned with the same simple solution; just test it first in a hidden spot to be sure it won’t fade or darken the color (for items that don’t pass muster, grab your kneadable eraser and set to work on the smudges). Mix a few pumps of a mild liquid glycerine facial soap, like Liquid Neutrogena, in two cups of warm water. Dip in a soft cloth, squeeze out excess liquid, and blot away grime. Take a little extra time on very soiled areas. Hold the cloth under running water to remove suds, then wring well; use it to wipe the soap off your bag. Finally, with a clean, absorbent cloth (like a dishtowel), buff leather or blot fabric dry.

3. Brighten braided trim. Even if you’ve made it a point not to wear them in the rain, rope-trimmed sandals and wedges can get dingy in no time. The key is to clean this trim without excess moisture, so it doesn’t unravel or become unglued. How? Use the same product that pulls dirt out of your rugs: a foaming carpet and upholstery cleaner. Apply some foam to the shoe and gently work it into the braid with a small, soft brush (like a baby’s toothbrush). Let dry (about 30 minutes), then brush away any residue, going with the direction of the cords. Repeat if necessary — there’s no need to rinse.

 Make It Easier Next Time

Before wearing, spray new accessories with a soil repellent, like Kiwi Protect-all ($5.50; 800-392-7733), to keep them cleaner longer.

To ensure that woven hats, bags, and braided shoes stay bright, periodically clean them with a soft brush during the season.

Store white and pastel bags in old pillowcases and shoes in boxes so they’ll remain dust- and smudge-free when not in use.

 

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