A well-made designer bag can last for decades. Most of the pre-loved pieces we sell at NewToYouLuxuries are proof of that. The difference between a bag that ages beautifully and one that doesn't usually comes down to a few simple habits. Here's how we recommend looking after yours.
Contents
- Storing your bag
- Everyday habits
- Cleaning and conditioning
- Care by material
- Spills, rain and stains
- When to see a professional
Storing your bag
- Use a dust bag. A breathable cotton dust bag keeps dust off and lets leather breathe. Avoid plastic bags and airtight boxes, which can trap moisture.
- Keep its shape. Fill the bag lightly with acid-free tissue paper or a bag pillow. Avoid newspaper, as ink can transfer.
- Store it upright. Stand bags on a shelf rather than piling them on top of each other, and give them a little space so they don't press against each other.
- Don't hang by the handles. Hanging bags for long periods can stretch handles and straps.
- Avoid sun and heat. Direct sunlight fades colour and dries leather, and radiators and hot cupboards can crack it. A cool, dry, dark wardrobe is ideal.
- Protect the hardware. Wrap chains and metal straps in tissue and tuck them inside so they don't scratch the leather.
- Let it breathe. Take stored bags out every few months to air and check them.
Everyday habits
- Handle your bag with clean, dry hands, especially light leathers and untreated trims.
- Apply hand cream, perfume and fake tan well before picking up your bag.
- Don't overfill it. Overstuffing strains seams, handles and zips and pulls the bag out of shape.
- Keep pens capped and in a pouch, and put make-up and anything that might leak in a separate case.
- Be careful with dark denim and dyed clothing against pale leather, as colour can transfer.
- Put your bag on a chair or bag hook rather than the floor.
- Rotate your bags so no single piece takes all the wear.
Cleaning and conditioning
- Dust regularly with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
- Spot-clean gently. For smooth leather, a barely damp cloth is usually enough. Don't soak the leather.
- Always patch test. Try any cleaner or conditioner on a hidden area first and leave it to dry before using it more widely.
- Condition sparingly. A good-quality leather conditioner applied occasionally can keep smooth leather supple. Too much can darken leather or leave it sticky.
- Avoid household products. Baby wipes, alcohol, washing-up liquid and general cleaning sprays can strip colour and finishes.
- Clean the inside too. Empty the bag, turn out crumbs and dust, and use a lint roller on fabric linings.
Care by material
Coated canvas (Louis Vuitton Monogram, Gucci GG Supreme)
Coated canvas is hard-wearing and can usually be wiped with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dried straight away. Take care around any leather trims and stitching.
Vachetta leather
The untreated natural leather used on many Louis Vuitton handles and trims darkens to a honey colour with age and light. This patina is normal and loved by collectors. Vachetta marks very easily with water, oils and hand cream, so keep it dry and handle it with clean hands.
Smooth and grained leather
Grained leathers such as caviar and Saffiano are among the most durable. Smooth leathers such as lambskin are softer and scratch more easily, so they need extra care with rings, keys and hardware.
Patent and Vernis leather
Glossy leathers can pick up colour from other items, so store them in their own dust bag, away from printed fabrics and other bags. Wipe gently with a soft cloth.
Suede and nubuck
Use a soft suede brush and keep suede away from water. For marks, a specialist suede eraser is safer than any liquid.
Exotic leathers
Crocodile, python and other exotics need gentle handling and stable conditions, and they're best cleaned and conditioned by a specialist. See our Exotic Leather collection.
Spills, rain and stains
- If it gets wet, blot gently with a clean, dry cloth. Don't rub.
- Dry it naturally at room temperature, stuffed lightly with tissue to hold its shape. Never use a hairdryer or radiator.
- For spills, blot straight away. Don't spread it by rubbing.
- Ink and oil stains are hard to remove at home without damaging the finish, so take valuable pieces to a professional rather than experimenting.
When to see a professional
A specialist leather care or bag repair service can help with deeper cleaning, colour restoration, edge repainting, re-stitching, worn corners, replacement zips and hardware. For valuable pieces, professional work is usually worth it and protects the bag's resale value.
Some brands offer repairs on genuine pieces through their boutiques, although availability and cost vary.
Find your next piece
Every bag we sell is checked, photographed in detail and honestly described, so you'll know exactly what condition to expect. Browse New Arrivals, shop by designer, or read our Guide to Buying Pre-Loved Designer Bags.
This guide is for general information. Always follow any care instructions specific to your item, and patch test before using any product.
