Perfect Bag? Not Really!

Stains found on the bag caused by the bag handles after barely one week of usage?

The counter assistant claimed that Neverfull is a perfect bag and no one had reported a similar problem. We've checked the Internet too, so far no complaints of stains... Why me? :(

DC did further research on the bag and found that the leather Vachetta used on the bag is untreated and care has to be taken to maintain it from dirt, grime and water. The leather straps will start out almost white and eventually turn into a honey color due to air and use.

They offered to remove the stains for me and guess what they used? An eraser! It's a really unexpected but quick fix. I think I've an eraser lying around somewhere in the house, gonna search for it just in case the bag got stained again!


Here are some other suggestions to clean and clear the bag that I found from the Internet:

1. VACHETTA

Vachetta is the untreated leather trim that is found on many Louis Vuitton bags. Since it is untreated, it has plenty of opportunities to pick up dirt and grime. It starts out almost white and eventually patinas due to air and use into a honey color.

TREAT IT! This will slow down the patina process and make it less susceptible to stains. One great leather protector is Shining Monkey Spray. It may darken the vachetta at first, but will dry clear. Apple Guarde and Kiwi also make a leather protector. Look at your local megastore in the leather care section (car or cleaning) or search online for the brands above.

If you have bought a used bag off ebay or did not treat your vachetta and it is getting a little grimy, you can remove surface dirt with baby wipes. Look for alcohol free ones, they don't dry out your bag as much. Baby wipes are also excellent for blending in watermarks if you did not treat your bag.

If baby wipes don't remove all of the dirt, try a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Dampen the eraser and gently scrub at the vachetta. If the dirt is set in, you may need a few applications. Allow vachetta to dry between each one. WARNING: While Magic Erasers are wonderful at removing set in dirt, they do strip the vachetta of its natural oils and dry it out. It is helpful to apply a moisturizer such as Apple Guarde or Coach Leather Moisturizer.

2. CANVAS & EPI
Mono and damier bags are made out of treated canvas. The canvas has been treated to withstand most everything. Baby wipes are excellent for cleaning up messes on canvas. Baby wipes are also great for Epi as it is treated leather!

3. VERNIS
Vernis is Louis Vuitton's patent leather. As with all patent leather, it is susceptible to color transfer. Once color transfer is on your bag, it is permanently there. There is no way to remove it. Take care as to where you set your bag (avoid newspapers or other printed papers) and avoid wearing a new pair of dark jeans with the bag. Basically if something can transfer onto you or other fabrics, be careful! Because with vernis it is permanent.

Scuffs: Over time, vernis may develop scuffs from use. These are white or black and sit on top of the vernis. The scuffs are different from color transfer, which actually permeates the patent leather. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a great product to get rid of scuffs. PLEASE USE LIGHTLY. If scrubbed too hard, it is possible to remove the top layer of patent from the leather. It is always better to scrub lightly and have to do two applications than rushing through and harming your leather.



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