Sizeable designer handbags regardless of their latest trend could turn out to be disastrous if handled carelessly or, kept dirty.

The jokes that women practically carry everything in their big handbags ranging from the following week’s clothes are factually correct.

Women should try cleaning their handbags over the weekend to get rid of unwanted clutter; they will get surprised at how dirty they are. According to a US study, it was discovered that the bottom of women’s handbags contained at least a million bacteria per square inch.

This was attributed to the nature of things dropped into the bags or the places bags were placed. In a Facebook women’s game about the different places women dropped their bags after a long day at work, it was discovered that the hygiene of the places was not a priority. Some women posted; ‘on the kitchen table’, ‘dining table’, while others said, ‘on the floor’. This only proves how carless women are when it comes to handbag hygiene and hence these accessories become containers for germs. 

Items kept in handbags range from cosmetics, gadgets, foodstuff, keys, and handkerchiefs among other things. Just imagine what happens when your much-loved compressed MAC Powder spills in your bag or when you open your bag to pick wipes after having a snack and find that your favorite chocolate that you keep chipping off is broken into small particles that are scattered in your bag.

What about the spare flat shoes you wear when your classy high heels are torturing your feet.

Speak of the nagging shoulder pains in the morning that result from packing excessive things in your handbag. Every time women go shopping and don’t want to carry several shopping bags, their handbags become an alternative. Who would have thought that the trendy, colourful and seemingly harmless accessory we love to show off would be such a health hazard?

Women need to revise the way in which they handle their most cherished daily accessory if they want to stay healthy.

Tips on keeping your handbag clean.

• Shiny or snake-leather bags should be wiped thoroughly with another soft dry cloth to remove stains and retain its shine. Petroleum jelly also works well to bring shine but does not remove marks.

• Avoid spilling drinks or liquids on leather bags as they absorb everything. Avoid using them during rainy seasons to protect them from water damage. To clean leather bags, never use any cleaning agent or household cleaning product because they destroy leather. When a leather bag gets wet, allow it to dry naturally by putting it in a dry place away from direct heat; when it gets dirty, simply clean it with a soft damp cloth and let it dry.

• Suede bags can be cleaned using a velvet brush. This soft brush will loose the dirt and dust which are easily lifted out. Avoid using leather treatment to clean suede bags because it spoils them.

• Fabric handbags such as cotton or canvas are recommended for dry cleaning; however, they can also be cleaned at home by dipping a damp cloth in mild detergent solution to wipe dirt and spill gently. Before doing so, test in a hidden area to avoid damage or discoloration. Allow the bag to dry in a shade before using it.

Ends