Bag Care Guide

The pieces you invest in deserve to last. Here's how to help them.

A note before you begin

Every bag is different. Materials, age, hardware, and construction all affect how a piece should be handled. The guidance below is general in nature and intended as a starting point—not a substitute for professional care.

Mercer Vintage is not responsible for any damage resulting from at-home cleaning or care attempts. When in doubt, consult a professional leather goods specialist. A $2,000 bag deserves a professional, not a YouTube tutorial.

General Care—All Bags

Keep your bag away from direct sunlight and heat. Both cause leather to fade, crack, and dry out over time—even brief repeated exposure adds up.

Store your bag stuffed. Use acid-free tissue paper or a soft cloth insert to help the bag hold its shape. Never store a bag flat or crushed.

Store in its dustbag. If your bag came with one, use it. If not, a soft pillowcase works well. Avoid plastic bags—they trap moisture and can cause mildew.

Avoid overstuffing. Carrying too much distorts the shape of the bag over time, stresses the handles and seams, and can cause permanent structural damage.

Keep away from moisture. If your bag gets wet, blot (never rub) with a clean dry cloth and allow it to air dry naturally away from heat. Never use a hair dryer.

Rotate your bags. Carrying the same bag daily accelerates wear. Giving pieces rest time extends their life significantly.

Leather Bags

Condition regularly. Leather is skin—it dries out without moisture. A leather conditioner applied every few months keeps it supple and prevents cracking. Always test on a hidden area first.

Clean gently. For light surface dirt, a barely damp soft cloth is usually sufficient. Avoid household cleaners, baby wipes, and alcohol-based products—these strip leather of its natural oils and can cause irreversible discoloration.

Know your leather. Lambskin is delicate and shows marks easily. Caviar leather is more durable. Saffiano is scratch-resistant. Suede requires entirely different care than smooth leather. If you're unsure what you have, don't guess—ask a professional.

Canvas & Coated Bags

Coated canvas (common in Louis Vuitton, Goyard, and similar brands) is more resilient than leather but still requires care. A soft damp cloth removes most surface dirt. Avoid abrasive cloths or solvents.

For stubborn marks on canvas, a very small amount of mild soap diluted in water applied with a soft cloth is generally safe—but test first and dry immediately.

Exotic Skins

Python, crocodile, ostrich, and other exotic skins require specialist care.
Do not attempt to clean these at home. Take them to a professional with specific experience in exotic leather care.

Hardware

Polish hardware gently with a soft dry cloth. Avoid metal polishes unless specifically recommended for the hardware type—many contain chemicals that damage coatings and plating.

Keep hardware away from perfume and hairspray. The chemicals in both accelerate tarnishing significantly.

Interior Care

Empty your bag regularly and shake out debris. For fabric interiors, a lint roller or soft brush removes dust and particles. For leather interiors, a barely damp cloth is usually sufficient.

For stains on interior fabric, resist the urge to scrub. Blot from the outside in with a clean damp cloth. Aggressive cleaning often spreads stains rather than removing them.

When to See a Professional

Some things are beyond at-home care—and attempting them yourself can cause permanent damage.
Seek a professional leather goods specialist for:

Deep stains or color transfer

Hardware repair or replacement

Strap replacement or reinforcement

Structural repairs (broken zippers, torn seams, collapsed bases)

Full cleaning and reconditioning of high-value pieces

Finding a Professional

Houston-area clients can reach out at hello@mercervintage.com and we'll share our current recommendations based on your specific piece and needs.

Questions?

DM us at @shop_mercer or email hello@mercervintage.com.

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