Caring for Your Hermès and Chanel Bags | Ones Vintage
1｜Introduction
Chanel Lambskin
3 | Chanel pebbled calfskin
Chanel tweed
5 | Hermès Pupi
6 | Hermes Special Leather
1｜Introduction
Hermès and Chanel bags are classic luxury items, so maintenance is paramount. Regular care and attention to the environment are key to maintaining the appearance and value of Hermès and Chanel bags. For bags, we generally recommend using care products specifically designed for leather, avoiding products containing solvents, oils, and waxes. Regular use of leather protectant can help prevent liquid stains and dye transfer, while maintaining the leather's suppleness and durability. Additionally, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and humid environments to avoid damage. It is recommended to use care products specifically designed for leather and avoid using unsuitable products. Clean the bag's surface regularly to prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt. Also, avoid prolonged exposure to water and high temperatures to prevent the leather's texture and color from being affected. Keeping your bag in a dry, well-ventilated area will extend its lifespan and maintain its appearance.
Chanel Lambskin
The iconic design of Chanel's classic Flap bag is crafted from smooth lambskin. What is lambskin, and how should it be properly cared for? Known for its supple qualities, lambskin is made from the skins of very young sheep and is softer than other leathers. It is particularly prized for its delicate appearance, smooth texture, and buttery feel. Lambskin is easily damaged and requires careful care. Due to its fragility, it is susceptible to scratches, stains, and discoloration. Lambskin leather is water-sensitive and should not be wetted or washed, as excessive water can leave watermarks and encourage mold growth. Furthermore, lambskin is susceptible to color transfer, especially on lighter-colored leathers, and stains can occur from friction with clothing or contact with makeup.
Regular care can extend the life of sheepskin leather. Waterproofing your bag can enhance its resistance to water, especially rain. However, not all leather waterproofers are suitable for all leather types; it's recommended to use one specifically formulated for delicate leathers. It's crucial to choose a high-quality handbag leather protector—never use shoe protectors! Also, avoid products containing solvents, oils, and waxes. Effective protectors help prevent liquid stains and dye transfer, making daily cleaning easier because dirt won't penetrate the leather.
3 | Chanel pebbled calfskin
Pebbled calfskin is the epitome of timeless style and luxury! Like any fine accessory, your Chanel pebbled calfskin handbag requires careful care to maintain its beauty. Chanel's pebbled leather is durable and scratch-resistant. Its fine grain texture creates a refined and luxurious feel. While durable, regular maintenance is crucial to maintain the leather's quality and appearance.
Don't overpack your bag as this will put unnecessary pressure on it. Arrange items evenly and use a bottom shaper or bag organizer from OnesVintage to maintain their shape. When not in use, return your Chanel pebbled leather handbag to its original dust bag and make sure to store it in a closet, storage room or on a shelf away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. For daily cleaning, wipe away any dust or dirt with a soft, dry cloth. Gently massage with leather cleaner to remove stains or dirt. Lightly pad your Chanel bag with acid-free tissue paper to support the shape and avoid marking the leather, place the chain inside the bag and fill it with padding. It is best to store your Chanel bag in its dust bag and original box, or store it upright on a shelf and protect it with a dust bag.
4 | Chanel Other Fabrics
Tweed is a woven yarn made primarily of wool, often artfully woven between other fabrics such as cotton, velvet, lace, and even interestingly striped fibers like denim and leather. Chanel's tweed is crafted by some of the world's finest artisans, primarily at the Maison Lesage in Paris, one of the oldest embroidery workshops in the world. Lesage's tweed is almost always woven by hand, rather than by machine.
When it comes to care, it's recommended to blot spills rather than wipe to reduce friction that can damage the fabric. Additionally, hand-wash tweed with mild soap and water in cold water; never use a washing machine. Always let your bag air dry naturally; avoid using heat to speed up the drying process. Finally, when cleaning accessories, it's recommended to choose a high-quality brass or nickel cleaner to allow the accessories to age gracefully or polish to your preference. Depending on the tweed you choose, there may be brass or nickel hardware—make sure the cleaner you use is suitable for the corresponding metal.
5 | Hermès Pupi
Hermès bags are true investment pieces that, when properly cared for, will last far longer than a lifetime. If you decide to resell your Hermès bag, keeping it in pristine condition will help maintain or even increase its value.
The safest way to protect classic Hermès leathers like Togo, Epsom, or Swift is to gently wipe the exterior and interior of the bag with a dry microfiber cloth. For stubborn stains, you may consider using a commercial leather cleaner, but proceed at your own risk. Hermès leather care kits are designed to gently clean, moisturize, and protect. Always test the product on an inconspicuous area first to ensure the leather will not react adversely to the product. For a full cleaning, use a damp sponge to carefully clean the bag's exterior using circular motions, then wipe any residue from the leather with a soft microfiber cloth. Follow with leather conditioner, applying it with a sponge or soft cloth, wiping off any excess, and gently buffing. Use a microfiber cloth to remove any loose dirt or dust from the hardware, and use a soft brush to clean hard-to-reach crevices. Always let your Hermès bag air dry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources (such as radiators or hair dryers). Avoid using oil-based, alcohol-based, or perfume-based products to prevent scratching, especially on very smooth leathers like Box or Swift. Hermès leather is quite low maintenance.
To preserve the quality and longevity of the leather, it's important to protect your bag from water droplets and avoid using it on rainy days. Water can damage the material, causing stains, discoloration, and even damage to the bag's structure. If your bag gets wet, gently pat it dry with a soft cloth and allow it to air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat. Additionally, on rainy days, it's best to choose another bag or use a protective case to protect your beloved bag from the elements and preserve its pristine condition.
6 | Hermes Special Leather
Specialty leathers, including crocodile and lizard, are among Hermès' most prized. When caring for your Hermès bag, you should seek expert help, especially for special leathers, which require proper nourishment to prevent drying out, especially since lizard scales can easily break. It's recommended to use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to comb the leather, clean the hardware, and regularly take your bag to a professional for a spa treatment. Avoid using oily, alcohol-based, or perfumed products, avoid contact with dark, untreated, or embellished clothing, and keep it away from water.
We recommend against daily use of Hermès bags, as leather, as an organic material, needs time to rest, breathe, and recover from environmental conditions. We recommend emptying the bag after each use and lightly padding it with acid-free tissue paper, a purse pillow, or bubble wrap to maintain its shape before storing it in a dust bag. Ensure the top handle is not folded or crushed, and wrap the hardware with a lint-free cloth or the appropriate dust bag. Never use tape to avoid damaging the gold plating. If applicable, remove the shoulder strap and place it inside the bag or in an additional dust bag. If storing the bag in a box, leave the lid open to allow the leather to air, or store it upright in a dark, well-ventilated area at room temperature.
