Handbag Care Guide

Traditional Leathers

Luxury leather bags deserve a light hand, a gentle touch, and thoughtful attention. Each type of leather behaves differently — what’s suitable for durable caviar leather may be too harsh for delicate lambskin. Below is your essential guide to safely caring for your handbag at home.

Everything starts by knowing your leather — understanding what kind of leather your handbag is made from ensures you care for it the right way.

Traditional luxury leathers such as caviar, lambskin, and calfskin are celebrated for their timeless elegance and durability. Caviar leather is a pebbled calfskin with a distinctive textured surface resembling tiny beads, making it highly resilient and resistant to scratches and wear. Lambskin is softer and more delicate, while calfskin sits comfortably between the two in terms of robustness. These leathers generally require minimal upkeep—regular gentle wiping and occasional conditioning to keep the leather supple and well-protected.

Patent and suede leathers, on the other hand, need more specialised care due to their unique finishes and sensitivities.

Below is our guide on how to care for your handbag, including stain removal and overall polishing:

Caviar & Calfskin Leather

• Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to clean surface dirt.
• A pH-neutral leather cleaner is safe for occasional use—always test in an inconspicuous area first.
• Apply leather conditioner sparingly if the leather appears dry or dull. We recommend conditioning caviar leather every 6 to 12 months, as its pebbled texture is naturally durable and less prone to drying. Calfskin, with its smooth surface, benefits from conditioning every 4 to 6 months to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking.

Lambskin Leather

• Use only a dry, ultra-soft microfiber cloth to lightly dust.
• Avoid moisture, friction, and any cleaning products not specifically formulated for lambskin.
• Condition sparingly — typically once a year or only when the leather shows signs of dryness. Lambskin is delicate and overly frequent conditioning can damage its soft texture.

Patent Leather

• Wipe gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove smudges and fingerprints.
• For more stubborn marks, use a slightly damp cloth or a patent leather cleaner.
• To reduce stickiness, lightly dust with talc-free baby powder.
• Store away from dark fabrics, as color transfer is common and often permanent.
• Usually, no conditioning is required because of its glossy, coated finish. Instead, keep it clean and protected from scratches and stickiness.

Suede or Nubuck

• Use a suede brush (preferably crepe or rubber) to lift dirt and maintain the nap.
• For dry stains, gently use a suede eraser.
• Never apply water or liquid products—suede stains and stiffens easily.
• For oil or wet stains, blot immediately and seek professional care.

General advice for caring for all leather types includes avoiding direct sunlight and heat, which can cause fading and drying. Never soak leather or use excessive water, as moisture can damage most finishes—especially delicate ones like suede and lambskin. Be mindful of color transfer, particularly with patent leather and light-colored lambskin. To maintain your bag’s shape, avoid hanging it by its straps and instead store it upright. For detailed guidance, please see our storage tips below.