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A woman’s purse is not only an accessory -- it's something she values and can be an extension of her personality. Despite the extra care you give them, some bags require cleanup eventually. Many handbags feature gold-tone hardware that's easily scratched and will eventually need to be cleaned and repaired or replaced. Hardware can also become dirty and build up residue with repeated use. Restore the gold-tone hardware on your purse so it looks its best, helping you look good too.

Use the polishing cloth to rid the metal of any dirt. Doing so will also buff out any surface scratches that can be easily removed.

Dip the toothbrush in the cleaning solution. In small circular motions, begin cleaning the hardware. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid scratches. Soft bristles allow for a gentle cleaning and lets you get to tight areas.

Dry the metal with a cotton swab. This ensures there is no leftover residue from the cleaning solution. Finally, go back over the hardware with the polishing cloth for an extra shine.

Tip

Overall, taking good care of the gold-tone hardware on your handbag is important. The hardware is an essential part of how the bag functions and its overall look. Normal wear and tear will eventually break down the gold-tone hardware, but keeping it clean helps it last longer.

Warning

When you want to restore the gold hardware on a purse, you should contact the handbag manufacturer first. Some hardware is fragile and any attempt to repair it will result in permanent damage. In cases where the hardware cannot be cleaned or repaired, it can usually be replaced. For instance, Louis Vuitton discourages hardware restoration, preferring that customers bring bags into the store so they can be evaluated and sent to the corporate factory for replacement. Often, completely replacing the hardware on a bag not only repairs it, but it restores the bag to its original beauty.