How to Find and Restore Secondhand Purses
There are few thrills better than spotting a quality leather purse on the shelf at Deseret Industries—especially when you can already picture what it could look like with a little love.
You know the feeling: You pick it up. The leather is still soft. The structure is solid. Maybe you see the brand and get excited. The hardware might need polishing, or the corners show a little wear, but you see the potential. Before long, it’s coming home with you.
One of the best parts about thrifting handbags is that every bag is different. Some need a deep clean while others just need conditioning. And some are only one wipe away from looking brand new.
Here's our guide on how to find great purses at Deseret Industries and bring them back to life.
How to Find Quality Leather Purses at Deseret Industries
Start in the accessories section within the household goods area of the store, where you'll find purses, wallets, belts, backpacks, and more. For higher end finds, don't forget to check the collectibles case as well, where some quality purses are often displayed separately. Be sure to check every shelf when looking for purses—the best finds are often tucked behind others.
Follow these tips when inspecting purses to get a good sense of the bag's condition and what restoration, if any, it might need:
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Look inside the purse and examine the lining to see if it is still intact, as a damaged lining can be difficult to repair.
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Inspect corners, straps, and handles for cracking or heavy wear.
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Test the zippers to make sure they open and close smoothly.
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Check hardware for verdigris—a greenish buildup that can form on metals like copper, brass, or bronze surfaces.
Pro tip: Even if you've looked before, look again. Inventory at Deseret Industries changes constantly, and great finds don’t stay on the shelf for long.
How to Restore a Thrifted Leather Purse
Once you bring the bag home, the glow-up begins.
1. Start with a deep clean.
Empty everything out of the bag and shake out any crumbs, dirt, or debris. Use a handheld vacuum or soft brush for an even deeper clean.
For leather:
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Use saddle soap or a damp cloth with mild soap to remove surface grime.
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Wipe gently using light, even, back-and-forth motions.
For fabric linings:
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Use a fabric cleaner or damp cloth.
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If the interior or lining is peeling or crumbling, consider adding a removable felt handbag organizer insert to give structure and a fresh interior.
2. Condition the leather.
Leather can dry out over time—especially in a dry climate. Apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture and prevent cracking, paying extra attention to straps and handles. You'll notice how much richer the color looks afterward.
3. Clean the purse hardware.
If you see green buildup (verdigris) on metal, it’s common and fixable.
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Clean the affected area using a cotton swab and one of the following solutions:
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A brass cleaner.
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A gentle vinegar and water solution.
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Wipe clean and dry thoroughly.
Small details like polished hardware make a big difference and make the bag look elevated.
4. Fix scuffs and scratches.
Use a leather polish that matches the bag's color. Apply lightly and buff with a clean cloth to see scratches fade and reduce visible wear.
5. Trim loose threads.
Carefully snip loose threads with small scissors. If needed, carefully run a flame from a lighter or match along the end to seal it.
Used Bag Care: Material-Specific Tips
Not all thrift store purses are created equal, so adjust care based on the material:
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Leather: Condition regularly with a quality leather conditioner and avoid soaking in water.
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Suede: Use a suede brush or eraser to lift stains; avoid moisture.
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Faux leather/vinyl: Clean with warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals as they cause cracking.
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Fabric: Hand wash gently and air dry.
How to Remove Musty Smells from a Purse
If your secondhand handbag has a musty odor, don't worry—it's a common issue and easy to fix. Try:
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Airing it out in fresh air or sunlight.
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Placing dryer sheets inside.
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Sprinkling baking soda inside and letting it sit for a few days.
How to Reshape a Leather Bag
Sometimes a used leather bag needs to be reshaped. Follow these steps to restore structure:
Step 1: Stuff the bag with tissue paper, towels, clothing, grocery bags, or bubble wrap to push out sagging areas. Do not overstuff it.
Step 2: Apply gentle, low heat with a hair dryer or a garment steamer to warm the material slightly. Keep hair dryer moving to avoid overheating the leather.
Step 3: Gently shape the bag by hand while it is warm, especially around corners and edges.
Step 4: Let the bag sit stuffed for 24–48 hours to hold its new shape.
Ready to Find Your Next Favorite Bag?
Whether you're a longtime shopper or just getting into thrifting, the right bag is out there waiting for you. It just might need a little love first.
When you shop at Deseret Industries, you're not only finding quality, low-cost items—you're also supporting the DI job training program, which helps associates build real skills and step into brighter futures. Every purchase makes that possible.
Start your search by finding a Deseret Industries near you, and don't forget to share your finds with us on Instagram or Facebook.
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