How to Clean and Care for your Louis Vuitton Bag

The life of a fashionista is undoubtedly forward-thinking and dynamic. Each new addition to a personal collection is chosen—cultivated even—to speak to the heart and soul of the wearer. And in every dedicated closet, there are staples that stand as a testament to authenticity and fine workmanship. While there are many notable designers with many notable pieces, there is no denying the unwavering perfection of a Louis Vuitton bag. Throughout the years, Louis Vuitton has established itself as the pinnacle of exquisite class. To adorn the designer name is to represent social grace and confidence. But with great power comes great responsibility. In order to truly walk the walk, you must know how to upkeep the quality and shape of your bags. Whether or not you had considered this precaution, it’s great that you’re here. We want you to protect your investment and learn how to clean Louis Vuitton bag.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE LOUIS

Before you can really understand the importance of care and cleanliness, you must first understand the reason why. The simple answer is craftsmanship. To don, a Louis bag is to embrace a status of elegance. Each wearer should, therefore, adhere to the same standard of excellence that inspired the piece in the first place. Education on the proper care and cleaning habits of your bag is about respecting craftsmanship.

A master trunk maker and revolutionizer of luggage locks, Georges Vuitton rose to prominence because he had extraordinary vision. That vision has evolved posthumously into the Louis Vuitton brand you know today. Though the brand has come a long way since its inception, there is an everlasting link that connects each chapter of the Vuitton story—a steadfast commitment to artistic ingenuity and a savoir-faire mentality.  

Thus, cleaning and caring for your Louis bag is much more than upkeep. It’s about pride. The painstaking measures that were taken to conceptualize and bring an LV bag to life should be matched by each wearer’s commitment to uphold that vision.  

CARE AND AFFECTION

Perhaps you already knew the incredible history of the Louis Vuitton brand, and perhaps the notion of protecting your Louis articles is already a given—but it’s always good to be properly educated on caring for your assets.

There’s no sense in purchasing a Louis bag if it’ll never see the light of day. Irrational fear over potential damage should never be the reason your beautiful accessory doesn’t adorn your shoulder. Instead, follow our tips for cleaning and caring for your LV bags:

LET IT BREATHE

You’ve probably heard the adage that wine needs to breathe in order to reach its full potential. There really is a lot of truth to that sentiment. Aerating wine in a decanter allows the surrounding air to warm the wine, thereby softening the flavor and maximizing the aromas. Similarly, your Louis bag needs the air to thrive. But instead of aerating your bag to taste, you’ll be allowing it to rest so that it can resume its natural shape, thus prolonging its life expectancy. Try and give your LV bag a break every once in a while by swapping it out with another piece in your collection. Though it may feel strange to retire your article every few months, you’ll be preserving your beloved bag for future occasions.

PROTECT YOUR BAG DURING RETIREMENT

When you’re ready to let your Louis rest, you’ll need to make sure you are investing in the proper care and storage practices. The best possible storage is actually the felt pouch that came with your bag during purchase. This felt case was designed for the purpose of protecting your piece and is, therefore, the best option. If you have lost or misplaced your felt pouch, fear not! There are other ways to keep your Louis bag safe. A pillowcase makes a great alternative. Conversely, plastic cases do not. Keep your bag away from any sources of heat, water, humidity, or oil. These common elements can dry out and damage your article.

CHECK YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Though this may seem meticulous and exhausting, check your surroundings. You wouldn’t put your fine jewelry on a dirty counter, would you? It’s important to take the same level of precaution with your Louis Vuitton bags. Avoid repeat exposure to rough surfaces like carpet, rugs, and even walls. These coarse surfaces can leave premature and unwanted scratches on your bag.

CARE FOR ANY COLLECTION

Louis Vuitton employs a strict level of excellence in all aspects of design—from concept to execution. A smart and focused vision has allowed the Louis Vuitton name to extend into more than one collection, enabling each and every wearer to pick a bag that speaks to their style. As such, the Vuitton name has diversified to serve an array of fashion desires, from leather aficionados and canvas seekers to exotic skin admirers. As you probably guessed, each of these collections comes with different instructions for care and maintenance.

LIVING FOR LEATHER

Louis Vuitton lives for leather. Only the finest materials are selected for use in Vuitton handbags, and they are brought together with exquisite craftsmanship. With such high-end execution and form, it’s no wonder that many owners are concerned over how to clean their Louis Vuitton bag. Rest easy. We have some tips for taking care of your LV leather:

CALFSKIN AND COWHIDE

It’s important to know the kind of leather your bag is made of. If your bag is made of cowhide or calfskin, it’s extremely vital that you do not use commercial cleaners on your bag’s leather. Commercial cleaners are too harsh and can easily damage your accessory. Instead, take care to gently dab your bag with a damp, soft cloth. Remember to always proceed with caution and be gentle. Rubbing too hard may compromise the structural integrity of your bag.

NATURAL LEATHER

Louis Vuitton’s natural, vegetable-tanned leather is a hallmark of the brand’s image. The natural, cowhide leather proves its authenticity through its gradual veins and wrinkles. As time goes on, your natural leather bag will develop a beautiful, amber patina—a metamorphosis that serves as a lovely note to the bag’s journey. Don’t fret—this change is normal. As your bag develops and its suppleness increases, you may find yourself worrying about the difference between gradual and damaging scratches. Just remember to be cautious. And if your bag does encounter any kind of water, oil, or dirt, it’s best to use a lint-free, light-colored cloth.

MONOGRAM AND DAMIER CANVAS

The Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas breaks away from the tradition of leather to represent a unique expression of social elegance. Through impeccable design, each Monogram Canvas bag is enriched with a well-dressed pattern that exudes the LV standard of class. In order to protect your coveted article, you need to avoid highly pigmented materials. Overexposure to color-saturated materials can lead to pigment transfer, which can permanently damage your Louis bag. If your bag does encounter any kind of water, oil, or pigment transfer, use a damp cloth with slightly soapy water. Remember to be gentle with your accessory.

PRINTED CANVAS

The biggest threats to printed canvas are abrasion and fading. This kind of aging is most often seen in the corners, folds, and bottom of the bag. A smart precaution is to keep your bag off of rough surfaces like carpets and rugs.

EXOTICS

Louis Vuitton offers a lovely collection of brilliantly designed exotic skin handbags, ranging from Crocodilien to Python. Handcrafted with exquisite form, these bags are processed naturally, and therefore require extra attention and care. Exotic skins must be kept away from heat and moisture at all possible costs. Any liquid encounter can leave a permanent stain, and heat can dry out the skin. In the event of an accident, be sure to use a lint-free cloth in a dabbing motion.

BEAUTY MARKS AND THE NATURAL PATINA

Now that we’ve covered the best practices for care and cleanliness, it’s time to discuss the nagging irritation of waiting for your LV bag to get that “vintage” look. Patience is a virtue—even in the world of fashion. Waiting for your leather to patina into a lovely amber can be vexatious. And while some owners are content with the natural aging process, others are eager to give their bag an antiquated look. As mentioned earlier in this post, it is incredibly important that you do not rush the patina process.

The natural cowhide leather used by Louis Vuitton is undyed and untreated. This means that the leather is especially susceptible to staining and scratches. This becomes especially risky when the leather is prematurely darkened. Attempting to deepen the color your leather’s patina is not only precarious, but it is irreversible. Remember that Louis Vuitton represents grace and sophistication. The natural aging process of your bag is simply a part of its beautiful journey. Disrupting or altering your bag’s development is simply not the Louis way.

THE EDUCATED WEARER

Whether you are a brand-new owner of an LV article or a seasoned curator, the savior-fair lifestyle synonymous with Louis Vuitton requires educated care. You already know that Louis stands as a symbol of pulchritude and poise. And now, you’re ready to represent that standard of refinement through the proper care and maintenance of your bags. You are fully-equipped, well-educated, and fashion-forward. Now go out into the world and proudly demonstrate your exquisite taste and know-how! Like your bag, you are the image of class—only ever aging with grace.

Check out The Chic Selection’s collection of Louis Vuitton bags here