Chanel Lambskin - how do I clean it/care for it?

[Jaded81]

I asked Chanel SA and was told to not use anything. You can always take the bag to boutique fir repair if needed.

they can’t repair it. will have to replace the leather which will cost a bomb

 

[pursekitten]

This bag is 10 yrs old.. years of using colonil products... colonil gel and the waterproofing spray. Although it left a shiny finish i think it dried out the leather over the years.

Recently tried the Saphir Renovateur but although it moisturised it and gave it a shine, it removed A LOt of color and left a sticky finish that i couldn’t stand and color kept coming off when i buffed days later... and make the wrinkles more pronounced.

I then applied Cadillac lotion and it did remove color as well (beginning to think it is this particular lambskin) but it helped soften some of the wrinkles/ceases at the back of the flap but not in front as showed. Took away the stickiness too.

Is there ANYTHING i can do about these wrinkles? Nothing I use seem to smoothen it out or hydrate it.

I have Apple conditioner on the way. Might try that.

I heard good things about Meltonian delicate that is being sold at a ridiculous price on ebay... would that help? Don’t mind paying the price if it will

Also does Apple Garde Spray (read it contains silicones.. which is supposed to dry leather) dry leather in the long term? anyone been using this in their lambskin for 10 years or more?




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I'm so sorry to hear this! Many of the wrinkles appear to be dried out cracks in the leather. This doesn't seem like anything you did at this point if this is a second-hand piece. Many factors over the years, including the quality of the leather, could have caused the leather to crack. You may want to call Leather Surgeons for a quote if the cracks are too prominent for you.

This TPF user also had a Chanel Chevron with cracked leather they sent to Leather Surgeons, and here are the after pictures when she received the bag back from them. I'm wondering if that line is more prone to cracking.

 

[carolsr]

Hi everyone
Just wanted to share my recent experience with lambskin. This is a series 1 mini red from 1990. The leather was dry and corners showed some discoloration. I started with famaco red lotion (it’s bee wax based so very nourishing while helps the discoloration issue) then I mixed a bit of it with a teeny tiny bit of urad on a q-tip especially for the very discolored corners and let it dry for a whole day. Afterwards the leather looked much better colour wise but I missed some shine só finished with a urea based lotion applied very gently and rubbed off. No colour transfer, leather feels soft and it shows the right amount of shine here are some before and after!

 

[Ricks Krispies]

Hi everyone
Just wanted to share my recent experience with lambskin. This is a series 1 mini red from 1990. The leather was dry and corners showed some discoloration. I started with famaco red lotion (it’s bee wax based so very nourishing while helps the discoloration issue) then I mixed a bit of it with a teeny tiny bit of urad on a q-tip especially for the very discolored corners and let it dry for a whole day. Afterwards the leather looked much better colour wise but I missed some shine só finished with a urea based lotion applied very gently and rubbed off. No colour transfer, leather feels soft and it shows the right amount of shine here are some before and after!

You’re bag looks great!
Do you ever get worried about (since you use wax base products) the leather of the bag not allowing it to breathe and eventually will become more dried out?

 

[Ricks Krispies]

This bag is 10 yrs old.. years of using colonil products... colonil gel and the waterproofing spray. Although it left a shiny finish i think it dried out the leather over the years.

Recently tried the Saphir Renovateur but although it moisturised it and gave it a shine, it removed A LOt of color and left a sticky finish that i couldn’t stand and color kept coming off when i buffed days later... and make the wrinkles more pronounced.

I then applied Cadillac lotion and it did remove color as well (beginning to think it is this particular lambskin) but it helped soften some of the wrinkles/ceases at the back of the flap but not in front as showed. Took away the stickiness too.

Is there ANYTHING i can do about these wrinkles? Nothing I use seem to smoothen it out or hydrate it.

I have Apple conditioner on the way. Might try that.

I heard good things about Meltonian delicate that is being sold at a ridiculous price on ebay... would that help? Don’t mind paying the price if it will

Also does Apple Garde Spray (read it contains silicones.. which is supposed to dry leather) dry leather in the long term? anyone been using this in their lambskin for 10 years or more?




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Highly recommend Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner.
I use this one all my Black Chanel products and it leaves them super clean, super smooth, low shine, completely like new again!

yes it says “Car Interior” but it works just as great on all leather products. Think of it this way, why the heck is there womens and men shampoo? It’s just shampoo! Think of it as a trick/tip. Anyway, i recommend it 110%.

 

[carolsr]

Thanks! Definitely something to think about, that’s why I only use beeswax based products as they are considered “natural oils” that won’t prevent the leather to breathe

You’re bag looks great!
Do you ever get worried about (since you use wax base products) the leather of the bag not allowing it to breathe and eventually will become more dried out?

 

[pursekitten]

Hi everyone
Just wanted to share my recent experience with lambskin. This is a series 1 mini red from 1990. The leather was dry and corners showed some discoloration. I started with famaco red lotion (it’s bee wax based so very nourishing while helps the discoloration issue) then I mixed a bit of it with a teeny tiny bit of urad on a q-tip especially for the very discolored corners and let it dry for a whole day. Afterwards the leather looked much better colour wise but I missed some shine só finished with a urea based lotion applied very gently and rubbed off. No colour transfer, leather feels soft and it shows the right amount of shine here are some before and after!

The difference is night and day—incredible job on this bag! The leather look so much more supple after treatment. She's ready for a day out on the town.

 

[curated_lux_collection]

hey ladies! With your colored lambskin bags (mine is red), the rule is not to wear jeans and dark clothing right? If I wear white or camel it should be fine right?

 

[Plathughes]

I just got a vintage lambskin bag, and I am looking to condition the leather in some way. I am worried after reading that it can take the black dye out...any suggestions? I was thinking of trying Cadillac Select.

 

[Plathughes]

hey ladies! With your colored lambskin bags (mine is red), the rule is not to wear jeans and dark clothing right? If I wear white or camel it should be fine right?

You should be fine wearing light coloured clothing. I had a white lambskin bag that I was careful with, and I didn’t have any colour transfer.

 

[Plathughes]

You’re bag looks great!
Do you ever get worried about (since you use wax base products) the leather of the bag not allowing it to breathe and eventually will become more dried out?

Many factors over the years, including the quality of the leather, could have caused the leather to crack.

Would Saphir Renovateur also dry out lambskin over time? It is mink oil based, but it says it is mixed with waxes. I’m wondering whether to use the Cadillac Select or Saphir Renovateur. My leather isn’t cracking or anything, but I don’t want to use the Renovateur if it is going to cause damage in the long run.

 

[Ricks Krispies]

Would Saphir Renovateur also dry out lambskin over time? It is mink oil based, but it says it is mixed with waxes. I’m wondering whether to use the Cadillac Select or Saphir Renovateur. My leather isn’t cracking or anything, but I don’t want to use the Renovateur if it is going to cause damage in the long run.

I think you should be fine. It has some alcohol in there, but i believe only a very small amount. I wouldnt really worry too much about it though.

 

[pursekitten]

Would Saphir Renovateur also dry out lambskin over time? It is mink oil based, but it says it is mixed with waxes. I’m wondering whether to use the Cadillac Select or Saphir Renovateur. My leather isn’t cracking or anything, but I don’t want to use the Renovateur if it is going to cause damage in the long run.

I've used Saphir Renovateur 1x per year for two years and my lambskin is still soft and supple. Very interested to know if anyone has used this product for 10+ years and their results.

 

[robin-A-hood]

Hi, everyone. I'm new in this forum. I just decided to join 'cause I'm facing a bit of conundrum. My Chanel Medium Flap in lambskin have a some of its color at the back removed as it got attached to one of my other bag in storage (I know. Silly me for not keeping it in the box after I use it). Before I bring it to a handbag clinic, I would like to see if I can fix it myself. Can anybody give any suggestion on how I can fix it? Please see the photo attached. Your recommendations and suggestions will be highly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[jsmile]

I heard good things about Meltonian delicate that is being sold at a ridiculous price on ebay... would that help? Don’t mind paying the price if it will

I used to use Meltonian and really liked it for lambskin bags however they have discontinued that product because it had formaldehyde in it which is cancer causing. This is why the price is so high on ebay.