I love my bags and I am especially partial towards leather bags because a good leather bag can last a long long time and stay looking good… if you care for it properly.
Here’s 5 tips on how I care for my leather bags – high end and low end.
1. Clean them with proper leather cleaner
For my more expensive bags, I use the Leather Cleaner and Leather Moisturizer from Coach. They retail for RM75 (US$10 in the USA) each for 6 fl. oz. Mine are the old packaging – they last ages! For regular bags, I use the Leather Cleaner by Amway. Works a treat on most leather from my bags to my sofa set! 😀
There is one exception to cleaning leather – vachetta leather or untreated leather. This is the light pale leather you get in the trim or straps or handles on Louis Vuitton monogram bags and on some Coach bags. If they get dirty or wet, its hard to clean because applying anything on them can change the color of the leather. What I do is just leave it. Over time, the pale leather will darken to a dark honey brown shade and all stains/marks will disappear or blend right into the new color. Looks better too in my view 🙂
2. Clean your leather bags often
Do not wait until they look dirty before cleaning your leather bags. I clean mine once every 2 weeks if I’m using the same bag for the whole duration. Otherwise, I clean them and air them just before storing them. Cleaning it often means you are cleaning off dirt and when you polish it or moisturize, you are helping to prevent dirt from sticking to it. I use a soft old cotton T-shirt to clean my bags or a microfibre cloth – key word : Soft. You don’t want your precious leather bag scratched.
3. Stuff your leather bag when storing
When you buy your new bag, have you wondered why its always full of stuffing? Do you get irritated with all the wads of paper in it? The answer is so that it holds its shape while being stored. You can do the same at home either with the same stuffing that came from the store or you can stuff it with old T-shirts or towels or even bubble wrap. This way, your bags will hold up well and you will not have those awful creases you sometimes get in improperly stored bags.
4. When storing leather bags do not squeeze them into a confined space
Yes bags can take up a lot of space when storing but please resist the urge to stuff as many bags as you can in one space. You risk creasing the leather and a creased leather bag isn’t pretty. This is especially true if its a structured leather bag – once it bends or there is a crease its gone. So store them nicely, standing up where possible. It makes it easy for you to find your bag of choice too!
5. Store your leather bags in dust bags
A good bag should always come with a dust bag. It keeps your bags dust free when being stored and can prolong the life of your bag as it will not get scuffed or scratched. Dust bags also do not scratch your bag as plastic can. If you do not have a dust bag, do not fret. Just get an old cotton pillow case and use that as a dust bag. That’s what I do! 🙂
Can you waterproof your leather bag?
You can also waterproof your leather bags by spraying a water repellent on them e.g. Scotchguard by 3M which is easily found in most supermarkets. I used to scotchguard my leather shoes, with ScotchGuard or any water repellent – it really works! Rain water just rolls right off without seeping in.
But I’d only do this with dark coloured shoes and similarly with dark coloured leather bags because water repellents can stain the leather and turn it a darker shade or change color totally. So, before you do anything to your bags or shoes, be sure to check on a small spot first before spraying your whole bag and then regretting it later. So, I do not scotchguard my bags at all – I value their bright colours too much!
Leather bags can dry out if they get soaking wet. But if its just a few drops of rain, I let it dry thoroughly then clean, moisturize and polish them. Good as new! 🙂
If you have more tips for caring for your leather bags, please feel free to share! We could all learn a thing or two from each other 🙂
Stay beautiful,
Paris B
giddy tigress says
May 3, 2009 at 12:42 pmYes! I got myself a bottle of the leather cleaner from Coach at $10. The lady told me I don’t need the moisturizer if I only wanna clean stains…hmmm…but I am thinking of also getting the moisturizer now that I know it costs RM75!
ParisB says
May 4, 2009 at 9:27 amHey giddy tigress
Just get the moisturizer! Your wallet will thank you once you get back 😛
adeline says
May 3, 2009 at 2:49 pmRM75 is not US$10 =)
thanks for the post! very helpful =))
ParisB says
May 4, 2009 at 9:27 amHi Adeline
I meant its RM75 in Malaysia and US$10 in the USA. I’ll clarify. Thanks
Jamilla Camel says
May 3, 2009 at 8:08 pmI agree with you about the Coach leather cleaner stuff–it works!
I also use some English leather boot cleaner on my bags to moisturize…it works wonders and also weatherproofs the leather for English weather!
ParisB says
May 4, 2009 at 9:28 amHey Jamilla
Does the boot cleaner thing change the color of the leather? I’m always worried about that happening especially with light shades. Otherwise it sounds lovely and yes you do need waterproofing in English weather!
Tracy says
May 4, 2009 at 12:48 pmCan the Leather Cleaner by Amway clean the white leather bag? My bag just a regular bag not the branded bag. I like white color bag but now it turn to yellowish color.
ParisB says
May 5, 2009 at 2:27 pmHi Tracy
The cleaner will clean dirt off the bag but it won’t change the color back to white I’m afraid. White bags do have this problem of getting yellow over time. But I do find that if you use it often, and keep it clean its less likely to yellow.
lauri says
October 24, 2009 at 3:46 amHey all, I know this is an old post, but white bags that have yellowed can be restored with “bartender’s friend”. it’s a powder cleanser that reverses oxidation. Remember to use a soft cloth and remove all residue when done.
Jamilla Camel says
May 4, 2009 at 8:26 pmParis,
I use Wheelers Traditional Leather Balm, made in Crewe, Cheshire, UK, and it’s suitable for use on all leathers except suede.
Neatsfoot oil and beeswax are the secret ingredients!
ParisB says
May 5, 2009 at 2:38 pmThanks Jamilla, I’ll keep this in mind for the next time anyone visits the UK 🙂
Tine says
May 11, 2009 at 8:03 amYou just reminded me that I have to get my leather bags conditioned. I keep forgetting to do it. Gah.
winnie says
July 13, 2009 at 9:59 pmdo u have this problem where the colour of leather handle of the lv bag fade off a bit due to fraction? what can i do
ParisB says
July 14, 2009 at 12:47 pmHi Winnie
I’ve never had a problem. The handle does get a little darker due to the oils from my hands but otherwise, no fading.
Jo says
March 12, 2010 at 10:18 amHi, I just bought a new RM Nikki hobo bag in vintage violet! I’m just wondering if you have any tips on how to care for the bag? I’m concerned that using a leather cleaner on its gorgeous leather skin may cause it to discolour.
ParisB says
March 12, 2010 at 10:20 amI use the Coach leather cleaner and moisturizer on all my leather bags, high end and low end. Thus far I have not had problems. I don’t use the Amway cleaner on my more expensive bags though just in case.
ag says
January 3, 2011 at 4:22 pmdo u know if i can apply the coach leather cleaner to my lv vachetta leather after like 3 years of use? the leather is tanned already.
Bun Bun Makeup Tips says
August 7, 2011 at 11:47 pmSo does that mean I don’t have to clean my LV bag? It’s the monogram canvas Neverfull model. By the way, I quickly dug out my dust bag that has been, erm, collecting dust and put my stuffed LV bag in. Thanks for the tips!
ParisB says
August 8, 2011 at 1:50 pmFor my monogram I only wipe the canvas part down with a damp cloth when I’m done using it. I don’t clean the leather trim because I want it to age and thus far, its aged beautifully to a dark honey brown which I prefer 🙂 I do store it in its dustbag when I’m done with it though.
Tracey says
October 17, 2011 at 11:58 amHi do you know if there is anything suitable to clean LV Rosewood? Mine is white in colour and besides turning yellowish slightly, there are some some colour migrated from clothing. I can post a picture of it to show you.
ParisB says
October 17, 2011 at 3:33 pmIf its the one in the Vernis leather, I”m not sure what can be used to clean it especially if its white. White leather has a tendency to turn yellow and to stain. It might be best to take it back to an LV store and ask.
Kara says
December 30, 2011 at 11:58 pmI just got lipgloss on my new louis vuitton hand bag. It is on the handle and am wondering what I should do? Alcohol? Some friends recommended a baby wipe? Please help!!
Paris B says
January 2, 2012 at 8:51 pmThe best thing to do would be to take it back to LV or to a bag cleaner to be professionally cleaned. Alcohol may cause it to stain further or spoil the leather.
Upset mom says
January 8, 2012 at 3:06 amPlease help, my daughter just got a speedy 30. I scotch guarded it and the leather handles are fine but the bag turned white with a coating. What do I do? Is it ruined
Elaine says
February 1, 2012 at 4:24 pmHi, I got a bag from cArlorino and they say is winer bag.but they say i can use leather bag lotion 2 polish it 2.my bag is having the chair stain.how 2 clean it?thanks.
Paris B says
February 2, 2012 at 10:35 amHi I’m not sure what a “winer bag” is but if its leather, you should be able to use a leather cleaner to remove stains, depending on the type of stain and how long its been. You could also take it to a bag cleaner – there are a couple around that might be able to help you.
Elaine says
February 2, 2012 at 11:08 amI’m staying in melaka but so far i haven’t found any person 2 help me out.any suggestion?
Carolina says
March 22, 2012 at 12:46 pmHey Paris B
Silly Me I Washed My Leather Tan Bag And It Changed Colors But 2 Days Later It Went Back To Normal But Theres One Part Thats Blue What Should I Do
Paris B says
March 23, 2012 at 12:35 amIf its a stain I’d suggest taking it to be redyed or to a professional cleaner to be restored if they can. Otherwise I’m afraid you’re stuck with it 😛
Xiauhui says
October 2, 2013 at 10:50 amHi…thanks or your post…I have a vachetta leather monogram lv.there are stains on it…which cleaner do u suggest?n where I can get it…thank u 🙂
Paris B says
October 2, 2013 at 2:34 pmWhen it comes to Vachetta leather, I have no recommendations. I just let mine age and it sorts itself out after a while. Putting product on vachetta can stain it further because it’s untreated.
MRCLR says
October 13, 2013 at 6:58 amHi my coach legacy Harper got a fingernail scratch on the handle after which I immediately applied the coach moisturizer. End result is now there’s a dark stain instead of a scratch. The leather looks horrible now. What can lighten or remove it? Thanks!
Paris B says
October 14, 2013 at 4:39 pmActually for scratches what I do is just buff them out with a piece of soft cloth, without any product on it. A product will seep into the leather and change the colour. I’m not sure what you can do at this point, except let it age and lighten on its own. Or take it to a bag/leather refurbisher and see if they can help.
MRCLR says
October 13, 2013 at 7:06 amWish I could send a pic!
Lee says
December 30, 2013 at 12:12 pmWhere can I buy the coach moisturiser and cleanser in Malaysia?
Paris B says
December 30, 2013 at 5:59 pmCoach stores should carry them.
Anna Wong says
July 9, 2014 at 11:01 amHi! So is better we do nothing on the vachetta leather, right? But i scare it will get dirt and water stain on it. Do you have any photo of untreat vachetta leather bag which patina already?
Paris B says
July 24, 2014 at 2:36 pmHi I do have vachetta leather that has a patina and I love the effect because I hate the white new vachetta colour, but I’m afraid I don’t have a picture. There are many pictures online if you do a quick search. From what I read and from personal experience, it’s best to leave vachetta leather alone. Water stains will be less noticeable once it ages and dirt depends on the sort of dirt you expect to get on it. With just regular oils from your hands (without using hand cream or other dirts or stains) it’ll all even out into a deep honey brown over time without looking patchy. Hope this helps.