How to Clean a Louis Vuitton Bag: Vachetta Leather, Coated Canvas & More

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The safest ways to renew your leather and keep it pristine for the long-term
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When you’ve bought an expensive, high quality Louis Vuitton bag or purse, you’ll want to take good care of the leather to keep it in a pristine condition for as long as possible. If the leather or canvas is looking a little tired and in need of some TLC, you can easily give your Louis Vuitton a makeover with a few simple ideas. You'll also want to ensure you can clean any stains without damaging the delicate leather. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean both vachetta leather and coated canvas, plus how to care for your leather long-term. It’s time to get that bag looking good as new!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Vachetta Leather

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  1. [1] For small, surface satins or dirt, you can simply clean the leather with a soft, damp cloth. To avoid a water stain, you'll want to wring the cloth out thoroughly to remove as much water as possible before you start.
  2. Use an absorbent cloth immediately to blot any spilled water. If the water has left a mark, you can pat down the entire area with a damp cloth to make the original mark disappear, but you’ll have to work fairly quickly so that you don’t end up with a new water stain.
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  3. Small oil stains can be successfully removed by rubbing corn starch quickly into the stain. Vacuum or brush the excess powder away.
    • This method works best if you can get to it immediately, as the powder will have a chance to absorb the oil faster than the leather.
  4. You can rub, not scrub, vachetta leather with a lightly dampened MagicEraser. Focus on each spot for no more than 15 seconds as spending too much time can dry it out. [2]
    • The leather will look considerably darker after doing this, but don’t panic, it will soon start lightening.
    • If you’re worried about damaging your Louis Vuitton leather, or you have a stain that just won’t budge, consider paying for a professional clean. Getting a technician to clean your leather can really help remove anxiety about the process and even save you from making any costly mistakes. [3]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning Coated Canvas

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  1. Water-based cleaners are ok for the canvas part of your Louis Vuitton, so it is generally easier to clean than the leather straps or handles. For light stains, gently wipe the canvas clean using baby wipes.
    • Choose a fragrance-free and alcohol-free brand that won’t dry out the coated canvas. [4]
  2. [5] Monogram Louis Vuitton canvas can sometimes gets scuff marks through daily use or if not properly stored. Remove these more difficult-to-budge spots by using a small amount of specialised leather cleaner, like Apple, dabbed onto a damp cloth or baby wipe. [6]
  3. You can apply an antibacterial cleanser for extra protection from bacterial build-up. [7]
    • Simply mist a fine spray evenly over the canvas and then leave it to air dry for an hour or two.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Leather

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  1. Louis Vuitton products are made from natural, vegetable-tanned cowhide leather, which reveals natural markings, veins, and wrinkles over time. This delicate, easily scratched leather will develop a rich amber patina, unique to each bag, and a greater suppleness in time.
    • Don’t try to clean your Louis Vuitton product if it is stained before this patina develops. Instead, allow the leather to naturally darken and stains will become less apparent. [8]
  2. Use a specific leather conditioner regularly to help prevent darkening and cracks. [9] Don't clean with any soaps, solvents, chemicals, or commercial cleaners as they can compromise the quality and integrity of the leather over time. [10]
    • A good conditioner, such as Apple or Cadillac, will re-hydrate, without darkening, the leather. [11]
  3. The color of your Luis Vuitton leather may fade if it is exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. You should also keep vernis leather away from any materials that may transfer color pigments, such as magazines, denim, or other leathers. [12]
  4. Louis Vuitton uses a combination of brass and gold-tone metal for the padlocks and zipper teeth, and plated metal for zipper pulls and handle rings. Clean these parts regularly with a damp cloth, but if they are heavily tarnished you may want to opt for a metal polish like Brasso.
    • Be careful that none of the metal polish comes into contact with the leather straps though or it could leave stains. [13]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you repair scuffed leather?
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Expert Answer
    Scuffed leather can usually be treated using filler creams. Any good filler cream can be used to even out and buff the scuffed surface. After, touch up the area with a matching pigment or polish.
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      References

      1. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.lollipuff.com/blog/223/how-to-refurbish-a-louis-vuitton-bag#comment-start=end
      3. ↑ https://thehandbagspa.com/blog/louis-vuitton-handbag-cleaning-and-restoration/
      4. ↑ https://coutureusa.com/blogs/news/how-to-safely-clean-louis-vuitton-bags
      5. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.
      6. ↑ https://coutureusa.com/blogs/news/how-to-safely-clean-louis-vuitton-bags
      7. ↑ https://thehandbagspa.com/blog/what-is-coated-canvas/
      8. ↑ https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/faq/products/leather-goods-product-care
      9. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.
      1. ↑ https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/faq/products/leather-goods-product-care
      2. ↑ https://www.lollipuff.com/blog/223/how-to-refurbish-a-louis-vuitton-bag#comment-start=end
      3. ↑ https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/faq/products/leather-goods-product-care
      4. ↑ https://coutureusa.com/blogs/news/how-to-safely-clean-louis-vuitton-bags

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