Quick answer

Clean faux leather charms and keychains with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking, harsh chemicals, or scrubbing. Pat dry and let air dry completely before reattaching.

Why Faux Leather Needs Different Care

Faux leather is a synthetic material that does not absorb moisture or oils like real leather. That means you cannot condition it, and soaking it can cause peeling or cracking. Instead, gentle surface cleaning is the safest approach. Charms and keychains often pick up dirt, makeup, or hand oils from daily handling, so regular light cleaning keeps them looking fresh.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

  1. Step 1: Remove the charm from your bag or keyring: Unhook or unclip the charm so you can clean every side without stretching the attachment. This also prevents cleaning solution from getting onto your bag. Common mistake: cleaning while attached can leave residue on your bag’s hardware or fabric.
  2. Checkpoint: If the cloth picks up color, stop immediately—do not rub it in.: Gently wipe the entire surface to remove dust, lint, or crumbs. Microfiber lifts particles without scratching the faux leather finish.
  3. Step 3: Dampen a cloth with mild soap and wring it well: Mix a drop of dish soap or gentle hand soap with water. Dampen the cloth, then squeeze until it is barely moist. Faux leather should never be wet. Special note: soaking can soften the adhesive that holds the charm layers together.
  4. Step 4: Wipe the charm in one direction, then rinse with a clean damp cloth: Wipe the charm from top to bottom (or left to right) to lift dirt. Follow with a second cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap residue. Common mistake: using circular motions can spread dirt or cause streaking.
  5. Step 5: Pat dry with a soft towel and air dry completely: Lay the charm on a dry towel and pat it. Do not rub. Let it dry fully away from direct heat or sunlight for at least 2–3 hours before reattaching. If the charm feels sticky or tacky after drying, wipe again with plain water and dry again.

Products That Benefit from This Care

  • Iris Initial Letters Small Charms Decorative with Keychain (#CL12) By Iris & Rainbow: Iris Initial Letters Small Charms Decorative with Keychain (#CL12) are made from faux leather and have a 6-month warranty. They are final sale items, so proper care is essential. Because these charms are final sale, you cannot exchange them if damaged. Cleaning them gently helps preserve their appearance and ensures they stay vibrant on your bag or keys.