bag care · Dec 29, 2024

5 Easy Ways To Keep Your Vegan Leather Bag Looking Brand New

Vegan leather bags can change the game for fashion lovers who care about being sustainable and ethical. They're stylish, animal-friendly and made from unique materials ‒ showing off your style without compromising your values.

But honestly, after investing in an amazing vegan leather bag, it's only natural that you'd want it to look fresh and trendy for a long time.

Here's the good news: it's simple to keep your faux leather bag looking like new. With a bit of care, you keep it in great shape and make sure it stands out. This article provides 5 easy and useful tips to clean and take care of your vegan leather bag.

What Are Vegan Leather Bags?

Vegan leather is a material made from synthetic substances or plants that looks like real leather.

It's often created using things like polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or even natural options such as cork or apple fibers. Here at Grace's Bags, we use semi-vegan leather that's 100% cruelty-free: synthetic leather blended with other non-animal products.

People who support sustainable fashion like it because it's cost-effective and good for the environment. However, there are some who believe that it wears out faster than non-vegan leather products and needs gentle care to last long.

While that isn't really true, proper care does go a long way if you want to keep your vegan leather bags for long.

Here are some key features that make vegan leather like Grace's Bags a popular choice.

Eco-friendly. Created with sustainable materials, reducing harm to the environment.
Affordable. Offers a fashionable and ethical choice at a lower cost.
Versatile. Comes in multiple textures, colors, and designs to suit preferences.
Non-porous. Resists liquid absorption, making cleaning faster and more effective.
Durable with care. Proper maintenance helps preserve its quality and overall lifespan.

Five Tricks to Keep Your Vegan Leather Bag Look New

With just a few easy steps, you can maintain your vegan bag's fresh and polished look for longer.

1. Use Baby Wipes for Quick Clean-Ups

If there's a need for a fast clean, baby wipes help clean vegan leather bags without harming it. These wipes remove light dirt and smudges, but ‒ important detail ‒ always choose alcohol-free ones and don't scrub too hard to protect the surface and keep your bag looking fresh.

Choose alcohol-free wipes. Avoid wipes containing chemicals that might dry or damage vegan leather. Of course, you can also just use a damp cloth that you wet with warm water.
Wipe gently. Use soft strokes to clean dirt and avoid scratches on the leather surface.
Test first. Try on a hidden area to check for any adverse reactions.

2. Repurpose Silica Gel Packets to Prevent Moisture

Vegan leather and moisture don't mesh well. This is why we recommend that you air dry completely before putting it into its proper storage.

For keeping moisture away from your bag, silica gel packets work well. They soak up water in the air ‒ diminishing the chance of mold or mildew growing, which harms vegan leather over time. This easy trick helps the bag stay in good condition when not in use.

Place inside the bag. Insert silica gel packets to reduce moisture levels during storage.
Replace regularly. Swap out used packets to keep moisture control consistently effective.
Avoid direct contact. Keep packets in a pouch to avoid residue or chemical contact.

3. Try DIY Plant-Based Protective Spray

A DIY plant-based protective spray can shield your vegan leather bag from water and stains. It’s an eco-friendly alternative that helps create a barrier against spills and dirt. Always test the spray on a small area before applying it fully to avoid unexpected reactions.

Mix mild ingredients. Combine equal parts water and vinegar with a gentle oil.
Spray lightly. Mist the bag evenly and let it air dry thoroughly.
Reapply regularly. Repeat the process every few weeks to maintain proper protection.

4. Store with a Pillowcase Instead of Dust Bags

If you don’t have a dust bag, a clean cotton pillowcase works as an excellent alternative. It protects the bag from dust and dirt while allowing air to circulate. This trick is budget-friendly and helps preserve the condition of your bag during storage.

Use breathable material. Cotton pillowcases prevent moisture buildup while shielding from dust.
Ensure cleanliness. Wash the pillowcase to avoid transferring stains, odors, or bacteria.
Store upright. Position the bag properly to maintain its shape and overall structure.

5. Use Cornstarch for Oil Stains

Cornstarch is a simple yet effective way to tackle oil stains on vegan leather. It absorbs the oil without requiring harsh scrubbing, preserving the material's finish. Repeat the process if needed for tougher stains, ensuring the bag stays in pristine condition.

Apply cornstarch. Generously sprinkle cornstarch on the oil stain and leave it overnight.
Wipe gently. Use a soft cloth to remove cornstarch without scratching the surface.
Repeat if necessary. Reapply cornstarch until the oil stain is fully absorbed.

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Vegan Leather

While vegan leather is relatively easy to maintain, some common mistakes can shorten its lifespan or ruin its appearance. Avoid these mistakes to keep your bag looking polished and new for years to come.

1. Using Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia strip the finish, cause discoloration, and break down the material over time, leading to cracks and permanent damage.

Solution:

Use gentle cleaning agents like mild soap and water.
Dab lightly with a soft cloth for stubborn stains instead of scrubbing.
Test cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area first.

2. Storing in Improper Conditions

Direct sunlight or humid environments weaken vegan leather, causing fading, warping, mold, or unpleasant odors, which shorten the lifespan of your bag.

Solution:

Store the bag in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight.
Use a breathable dust bag or a clean cotton pillowcase.
Ensure proper airflow to prevent moisture buildup.

3. Overloading the Bag

Overloading stretches vegan leather, causing warping, weakened seams, and permanent damage, making the bag less functional and less visually appealing.

Solution:

Carry only the essentials to minimize strain.
Distribute weight evenly, especially in larger bags.
Avoid placing excessive stress on straps and handles.

4. Neglecting Regular Maintenance

Lack of cleaning and conditioning allows dirt and oils to build up, dulling the appearance and texture of the vegan leather over time.

Solution:

Wipe the bag lightly after each use with a microfiber cloth.
Condition periodically with a vegan leather conditioner.

Bonus Tip: Rotate Usage

Rotating between different bags is an easy way to extend the life of your vegan leather. Switching bags regularly prevents wear and tear on one bag, keeps it’s shape, color and quality. This habit also reduces strain on straps, handles and seams which are prone to damage from continuous use.

Distribute usage. Avoid relying on one bag daily to reduce stress on key areas.
Rest bags in storage. Give your vegan leather bag time to recover between uses, like when you're not traveling on your eco-friendly trip.
Match bags to occasions. Use lighter bags for errands and reserve larger ones for heavier loads.

Keep Vegan Leather Bag Looking New Today

Taking care of your vegan leather bag is easier than it seems. Whether you're carrying a work tote bag or a brunch crossbody, these five tips will definitely keep your bag looking fresh and lasting longer.

Good care doesn’t just maintain the bag’s style but also makes sure that it remains a go-to piece for years. So, treat your bag with love and attention, and it’ll stay a versatile, reliable staple in your wardrobe, perfect for any occasion. And of course, if you want good quality pieces, make sure your shop Grace's Bags collections today!