How to Clean Longchamp Bags & Remove Stains

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The official Longchamp instructions + creative home cleaning hacks
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Whether you’re carrying around the iconic Le Pliage canvas tote or a chic leather purse, there comes a time when you need to clean your Longchamp bag. Luckily, it’s easy to remove dirt, stains, and scuff marks with simple household products. In this article, we’ll tell you about Longchamp’s official cleaning guidelines, plus show you some other home cleaning hacks that Longchamp lovers have used successfully (including how to wash your canvas bag in the washing machine). Read on to learn more!

Easy Ways to Clean a Longchamp Purse

Wipe leather bags with a damp cloth and let dry, then apply a colorless leather wax or cream and buff it out. Clean canvas with neutral soap and water or machine wash, then let it air dry. Home remedies for stains include rubbing alcohol, dish soap, baby wipes, or Magic Erasers.

Section 1 of 4:

Official Guidelines for Cleaning Leather Longchamps

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  1. Dampen a soft, microfiber cloth with clean water and use it to gently wipe all the leather areas of your bag. Then, wipe down the areas you cleaned with a dry microfiber cloth. Simply leave the bag to sit for 24 to 48 hours to air dry completely. [1]
    • Do not leave your bag to dry in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as light and heat can damage or discolor it.
  2. Apply a colorless leather wax or cream to the leather areas. Place a small amount of wax or cream onto a soft, microfiber cloth. Then, rub it into the leather using small circular motions. Let the wax or cream dry for 2 to 8 hours. Then, buff it off with a clean cloth using circular movements. [2]
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  3. Protect the leather with a waterproofing agent . Since water can damage leather, apply a leather conditioner to the leather portions of the bag after cleaning it. Simply place a small amount of waterproofing agent on a clean, microfiber cloth and gently buff it into the leather using small circular motions. Continue buffing until the product disappears into the material. [4]
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Section 2 of 4:

Official Guidelines for Cleaning Canvas Longchamps

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  1. Clean the canvas with a neutral soap and water. Some Longchamp bags are partially made of a nylon-canvas material. To clean it , mix a bit of neutral white soap that’s free of dyes or perfumes with lukewarm water. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the soapy water and wipe down the canvas. Then, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any soapy residue. [6]
    • You can clean both the outside and inside of the bag using soap and water. Just make sure to remove the contents from the bag before you clean it.
    • As an alternative , Longchamp also suggests simply wiping down the canvas with a damp cloth. [7]
    • Warning : Do not let water spill onto any leather portions of the bag. Water can damage leather.
  2. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the canvas and absorb any excess moisture. Then, place the bag upside down in a well-ventilated room or hang it on a hanger to air dry for 24 to 48 hours. [8]
    • For instance, set the bag upside down on a clothes drying rack or prop it up over some towels.
    • Keep the bag out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources as it dries. Light and heat can damage or discolor your bag.
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Section 3 of 4:

Home Hacks for Removing Stains

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  1. For surface stains that cannot be scrubbed away with a cloth, like ink stains, use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Simply soak a cotton swab with either product and gently rub the stain. [9]
    • When finished, let the bag air dry.
    • Use on : Leather and canvas.
    • Tip : Before applying the rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer all over your bag, test it on a hidden part to ensure it doesn’t stain or discolor the fabric.
    • Warning: The only recommended cleaning methods are Longchamp’s official methods. The alternate stain removal options here are usually safe, but they are more likely to cause damage. So, use them at your own risk and proceed with caution.
  2. Combine about 2 cups (500 ml) of warm water with a few drops of mild, dye-free liquid dish soap. Dip a soft, microfiber cloth in the soapy water and wring out the excess moisture. Then, gently wipe away all the dirt and grime on the bag. Use a damp, clean cloth to wipe off the soapy water, followed by a dry cloth to dry the bag. [10]
    • Use this solution to clean the outside and inside of the bag. Just make sure to remove everything in the bag before you clean the inside.
    • After drying the bag with a cloth, let it air dry for 1 hour or so, especially if you cleaned the inside. The inside of the bag should be thoroughly dry before you put anything back inside it.
    • Use on : Leather and canvas. Only allow the leather parts of the bag to get slightly moist; do not soak or submerge them, as water can damage leather. Use the mildest soap possible to minimize the risk of dehydrating or damaging the leather.
  3. Use baby wipes to wipe down the bag for a quick clean. Use a non-alcoholic, fragrance-free baby wipe to remove fresh stains, dirt, and light marks. Simply rub the wipe into the spot using circular motions. Then, let your bag air dry. [11]
    • Use on : Leather and canvas.
  4. Scrub off stains with a Magic Eraser . Wet a Magic Eraser with water and wring it out so it’s just slightly damp. Then, gently rub it into any stubborn stains on your bag, such as dirt, food, ink, scuffs, and dye transfer. Simply wipe the bag with a dry cloth to remove any leftover moisture. [12]
    • Note : Magic Erasers are abrasive and can potentially remove the dye and protective leather coat from your bag. Spot-test the eraser on a hidden part of your bag before proceeding.
    • Use on : Leather and canvas.
  5. For deep and set-in stains, mix equal parts cream of tartar and lemon juice into a paste. Apply a generous amount onto the stained area and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, wipe off the paste (and stain) with a clean, dry cloth. [13]
    • Wipe off any leftover paste with a damp cloth and let your bag air dry completely.
    • Deep stains include blood, wine, and many food or drink stains.
    • Use on : Leather and canvas.
  6. Mix 1 part white distilled vinegar with 2 parts linseed oil . Then, dip a clean, soft microfiber cloth into the solution and rub a generous amount over the entire surface of the leather bag. Work in small, circular buffing motions and allow the solution to soak into the leather for 15 minutes. Then, buff the leather with a dry, clean cloth. [14]
    • Conditioning leather prevents it from drying out and cracking. It also helps make the leather more stain-resistant in the future.
    • Use on : Leather.
  7. If you’re dealing with stubborn stains that refuse to come out, visit your local dry cleaners to see if they can help. Dry cleaners use special cleaning products that can remove tough, set-in stains.
    • If you live near a Longchamp boutique, take your bag into the store to see if a sales associate can help you out. Visit Longchamp’s website to find a store near you.
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Section 4 of 4:

Machine Washing Canvas Longchamp Bags

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  1. Treat any stains with a stain remover or laundry detergent. Spray or rub any stubborn stains with a fabric stain remover. Or, massage a small bit of detergent into the stain. Then, let the stain remover or detergent sit for 10 to 15 minutes. [15]
    • Note : Only wash nylon-canvas bags that have small bits of leather on them in the washing machine (such as the Le Pliage tote).
    • Warning : Water can damage leather. While most people report that machine washing their bags did not damage any leather parts, there is the potential that it can. Water might lead to bubbling, peeling, or discoloration.
  2. Put the bag in a mesh laundry bag and set it in your empty machine. Remove everything from inside your bag. Then, place it inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect it from damage as it gets washed. Ensure the washing machine is empty and then place your bag inside. [16]
    • Do not wash your bag with any other clothing or items. Other items might damage your bag, or the dyes might run and discolor your bag.
  3. Choose your machine’s “Gentle,” “Delicate,” or “Hand Wash” cycle and set the water to cold (around 40° F or 4° C). Do not add any detergent and simply start the machine. [17]
    • Choosing a delicate cycle and cool water helps prevent your bag from getting damaged by the agitation and high temperatures.
    • Optional step : Add a very small amount of dye-free and fragrance-free liquid detergent to the machine if your bag is very dirty. Do not use more than ¼ cup (59 ml) of detergent. [18]
  4. Remove the bag from the washing machine and hang it from its straps on a clothes hanger. Or, drape it upside down over a clothes drying rack or towel. Then, let it air dry for about 24 hours, or until it is completely dry. [19]
    • Speed up the drying process by placing the bag in a well-ventilated room and turning on a fan.
  5. Apply a coat of leather conditioner to the leather parts. Place a dollop of leather conditioner on a clean, soft microfiber cloth and buff it into the leather portions of the bag. This helps to soften the leather and protect it from further stains and possible water damage. [20]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What do you use to clean nylon bags?
    Community Answer
    First try baby wipes, or a damp towel and mild soap. Most nylon Le Pliage bags can handle machine washing as described above, but some lines have more delicate leather handles that could fade or wear.
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  • Question
    I washed my bag and now it's covered in air bubbles. How do I remove these bumps?
    Community Answer
    A defect in 2006 Le Pliage bags causes the lining to separate and bubble. The only "home fix" is to temporarily flatten it with a dry iron and starch powder. Other Longchamp bags made from bonded leather may also blister; you can try a leather fill product for those.
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  • Question
    Where can I have my Longchamp repaired?
    Community Answer
    You can take your bag to any authorized Longchamp retailer. Alternatively, contact the Longchamp repair center at customer.service@longchamp.com. In the United States, call (888) 216-0103 or email repairs@longchampusa.com.
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      Tips

      • When you’re not using your bag, keep it in Longchamp’s storage bag with a few sheets of tissue paper. [21]
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      • If your bag is damaged, reach out to Longchamp’s Repair Center at (888) 216-0103 or customercare@longchamp.com. Or, visit one of their boutiques. Longchamp may be able to fix the damage for free or for a fee. [22]
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      • Always spot-test new cleaners on a hidden part of your bag to ensure they don’t damage or discolor the fabric.
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      Warnings

      • Water can damage leather. Be careful about using water on or around Longchamp bags or other leather bags.
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      Things You'll Need

      Official Guidelines for Leather

      Official Guidelines for Canvas

      Other Ways to Remove Stains

      Machine Washing Longchamp Bags

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.longchamp.com/us/en/maison-longchamp/savoir-faire/fixing-and-care.html
      2. ↑ https://www.longchamp.com/us/en/maison-longchamp/savoir-faire/fixing-and-care.html
      3. ↑ https://www.longchamp.com/us/en/maison-longchamp/savoir-faire/article-ensure-bag-longevity.html
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/wG9JR0ui1H4?feature=shared&t=170
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/tDlo2C3IEIg?feature=shared&t=80
      6. ↑ https://www.longchamp.com/us/en/maison-longchamp/savoir-faire/article-ensure-bag-longevity.html
      7. ↑ https://www.longchamp.com/us/en/maison-longchamp/savoir-faire/fixing-and-care.html
      8. ↑ https://www.longchamp.com/us/en/maison-longchamp/savoir-faire/article-ensure-bag-longevity.html
      9. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/ph/clothing-care/how-to-clean-a-longchamp-bag.html
      1. ↑ https://www.mywomenstuff.com/2022/10/how-to-clean-leather-bags/
      2. ↑ https://www.mywomenstuff.com/2022/10/how-to-clean-leather-bags/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/MTYnq2NV_OI?feature=shared&t=138
      4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/ph/clothing-care/how-to-clean-a-longchamp-bag.html
      5. ↑ https://www.klickitatcounty.org/387/Polishes
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/k78ZtJHxuok?feature=shared&t=51
      7. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/ph/clothing-care/how-to-clean-a-longchamp-bag.html
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/Dofne6kHPyw?feature=shared&t=49
      9. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/ph/clothing-care/how-to-clean-a-longchamp-bag.html
      10. ↑ https://www.longchamp.com/us/en/maison-longchamp/savoir-faire/fixing-and-care.html
      11. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/ph/clothing-care/how-to-clean-a-longchamp-bag.html
      12. ↑ https://www.longchamp.com/us/en/maison-longchamp/savoir-faire/fixing-and-care.html
      13. ↑ https://www.longchamp.com/us/en/after-sales-repairs-and-services/repairs/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To wash a Longchamp bag, first remove everything inside of it and place it in your washing machine. Add a mild detergent, which should be dye-free and fragrance-free if possible, so you don’t damage the bag. Set the machine to the “delicate” setting and use cool or warm water which will be gentler on the bag. After the cycle is done, remove the bag and hang it from its straps on a hanger to air dry. Finally, use a soft rag to buff leather conditioner in the leather portions of the bag, which will keep it in good condition To learn how to wash your Longchamp bag by hand, read on!

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