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

[MissBambina]

Does anyone have any advice on how to get indentations out of lambskin???? When I placed the bag down the chain was under it & there are a few indentations on the back now Maybe send it to Chanel? THANKS!

 

[tutushopper]

Does anyone have any advice on how to get indentations out of lambskin???? When I placed the bag down the chain was under it & there are a few indentations on the back now Maybe send it to Chanel? THANKS!

If it wasn't stored that way very long, they should come right out, with maybe a bit of finger rubbing to "coax" them out. I did have a SA give me a tip for taking them out of long-term indented bags (I had a Chanel boutique once store the bag incorrectly when they sold it to me while I was traveling, and found out when I returned home that it was totally dented by the unwrapped chains) that you can use a clothes steamer with a towel over it (he told me they used that there). I would be slow and careful if you decide to use this method, and be sure you're not "ironing" your bag.

 

[MissBambina]

If it wasn't stored that way very long, they should come right out, with maybe a bit of finger rubbing to "coax" them out. I did have a SA give me a tip for taking them out of long-term indented bags (I had a Chanel boutique once store the bag incorrectly when they sold it to me while I was traveling, and found out when I returned home that it was totally dented by the unwrapped chains) that you can use a clothes steamer with a towel over it (he told me they used that there). I would be slow and careful if you decide to use this method, and be sure you're not "ironing" your bag.

thanks so much! I'm going to give these methods a try! Hopefully they come out w/ just simple rubbing

 

[tutushopper]

thanks so much! I'm going to give these methods a try! Hopefully they come out w/ just simple rubbing

You are so very welcome. I actually used a combination of the steaming and rubbing method, and it actually worked! Again, I'm not saying everyone should use or try this, and if you do, be sure you have a towel over your bag and not let the steamer drop onto your bag or touch your bag, but it definitely worked for me (just like my Chanel SA said it did for them). Happy camper here!

 

[whimsic]

If it wasn't stored that way very long, they should come right out, with maybe a bit of finger rubbing to "coax" them out. I did have a SA give me a tip for taking them out of long-term indented bags (I had a Chanel boutique once store the bag incorrectly when they sold it to me while I was traveling, and found out when I returned home that it was totally dented by the unwrapped chains) that you can use a clothes steamer with a towel over it (he told me they used that there). I would be slow and careful if you decide to use this method, and be sure you're not "ironing" your bag.

I want to try that but I'm too afraid

 

[tutushopper]

Not sure if this was posted before...but I recently sent my medallion tote in for repair (I had to replace the pipping). Upon speaking with the repair specialist, she asked me if I ever cleaned this bag (it was in super good condition) and I told her "no, not really, just with baby wipe from time to time". Then she looked at me and said, "You realize that if you treat your own Chanel bag, the next time you send it in for a cleaning, Chanel might not take it?" She then went on to tell me that she had clients who sent their bag in for cleaning and was denied that request because they had (1) either applied some other cleaning products onto the bag or (2) had some other cleaner (not Chanel) applied some other cleaning product onto the bag. Apparently Chanel "scans" and "tests" for products applied onto their bags, and if your bag comes back with a substantial amount of conditioner/cleaning products they can refuse the right to clean/repair your bag.

I just wanted to put this out there. This was the first time I've ever heard of this, then again, this was my first repair at Chanel.

I've been thinking about this since it was posted, and the more I think about it, and the longer I ponder, I think the SA was just giving you a line of misconception. I highly doubt the company that Chanel sends bags out to on the east coast (Leather Surgeons in PA) has sophisticated chemical analysis machines that they are using to figure out the chemical composition of anything on the bag. It just doesn't make any sense economically for them to invest all that money on such equipment just to see if anyone has put a product on a bag. Since they do send their bags out for cleaning and such, I also doubt that Chanel themselves have invested in this expensive equipment. I know this certainly won't deter me from conditioning my bags when they need it (and I don't over-condition, in fact until this past year I never did anything to them at all, but I have now for some bags, and will continue to do so). It also won't stop me from expecting Chanel to repair my bag, as I've not done anything major (in fact, what I've put on my bags is less damaging than baby wipes) to alter the appearance or feel of the bag. Even Chanel boutiques, as well as major department stores admit to using products on their bags, so if Chanel were going to buy chemical analysis equipment, how would they know who applied the chemicals to the bag, you (the inclusive "you") or a sales associate?

 

[simonesato]

first and foremost, store your lambskin in a cool, airy, dry place and away from sunlight. if it's a little dry you can use your hands to condition it or use a high quality leather oil to preserve and protect the leather. test a small area and make sure it does not darken the leather, if it does just reduce the amount used. hope this helps

 

[mf19]

I just noticed a scratch on my new chanel... I believe it's superficial and you can only see it when the bag is tilted towards light. Its approximately 1 inch in length and runs parallel to the stitching towards the bottom front of the bag. It's not noticeable unless under scrutiny but I tried rubbing it with my finger but it didn't make it go away. I then used collonil premier gold polish which made it less noticeable but still technically there.

Is this what most people mean by rubbing their scratches - it's not noticeable "really" unless you look hard for it? Will scratches still show once the patina forms?

I only used collonil on the one spot but I plan to continue to do in the future to remove scratches and possible color transfer (no color came off onto the sock nor qtip I used to apply). Has anyone sealed their bag with collonil waterstop spray though as well?

 

[mf19]

Also, a follow up question - if yous are actually able to remove the scratches completely is it with cadillac or melatonin? Do you recommend a type of material to buff in the creams? Does it matter if you switch creams? Should you just stick to one?

I tried using my pinky finger to buff it out but I have extremely dry hands. And since my sunglasses come with a black cloth I'm scared of color transfer on my red jumbo.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[tutushopper]

I just noticed a scratch on my new chanel... I believe it's superficial and you can only see it when the bag is tilted towards light. Its approximately 1 inch in length and runs parallel to the stitching towards the bottom front of the bag. It's not noticeable unless under scrutiny but I tried rubbing it with my finger but it didn't make it go away. I then used collonil premier gold polish which made it less noticeable but still technically there.

Is this what most people mean by rubbing their scratches - it's not noticeable "really" unless you look hard for it? Will scratches still show once the patina forms?

I only used collonil on the one spot but I plan to continue to do in the future to remove scratches and possible color transfer (no color came off onto the sock nor qtip I used to apply). Has anyone sealed their bag with collonil waterstop spray though as well?

Also, a follow up question - if yous are actually able to remove the scratches completely is it with cadillac or melatonin? Do you recommend a type of material to buff in the creams? Does it matter if you switch creams? Should you just stick to one?

I tried using my pinky finger to buff it out but I have extremely dry hands. And since my sunglasses come with a black cloth I'm scared of color transfer on my red jumbo.

Thanks again everyone!

If you have extremely dry hands, that might account for you not being able to rub out any small scratch with your finger, as it's the oils from your hand that do this. If you decide to use Cadillac or Meltonian, you can use them interchangeably; you needn't always use only the one product. It's really up to you which you prefer, but as always, do a test first in an inconspicuous place and let that dry before using on your bag. I have things of all colors inside my light color bags and have not had any color transfer issues. I'd not suggest putting wet things inside your bag, but dry shouldn't be an issue. If you think your sunglasses cloth might be a problem, try it out for colorfastness first so you'll know. I have not personally used any product to waterproof my bags, and I've not treated them before using them.

 

[mf19]

If you have extremely dry hands, that might account for you not being able to rub out any small scratch with your finger, as it's the oils from your hand that do this. If you decide to use Cadillac or Meltonian, you can use them interchangeably; you needn't always use only the one product. It's really up to you which you prefer, but as always, do a test first in an inconspicuous place and let that dry before using on your bag. I have things of all colors inside my light color bags and have not had any color transfer issues. I'd not suggest putting wet things inside your bag, but dry shouldn't be an issue. If you think your sunglasses cloth might be a problem, try it out for colorfastness first so you'll know. I have not personally used any product to waterproof my bags, and I've not treated them before using them.

Thank you tutu (again)! I just ordered the delicate meltonian in case it works better at removing scratches than my collonil. Since I'm hopefully beginning my collection I'm sure it will be useful to have this product anyways since it is delicate, while my other is just a premier polish. Do you use any specific kind of cloth when you do it (I will test my cloth for colorfastness like you said) but if it doesn't work out I'll have to find something else...

Also, on your handbags that developed a patina - do you still see the scratches or does the patina cover them?

Thanks for your help again!

 

[Nico_79]

Thank you tutu (again)! I just ordered the delicate meltonian in case it works better at removing scratches than my collonil. Since I'm hopefully beginning my collection I'm sure it will be useful to have this product anyways since it is delicate, while my other is just a premier polish. Do you use any specific kind of cloth when you do it (I will test my cloth for colorfastness like you said) but if it doesn't work out I'll have to find something else...

Also, on your handbags that developed a patina - do you still see the scratches or does the patina cover them?

Thanks for your help again!

I have two vintage pieces that have a nice patina and you do see some scratches, but only if you hold it to the light at a certain angle. It's really not very noticeable unless you are really up close and inspecting it for scratches.

 

[mf19]

I have two vintage pieces that have a nice patina and you do see some scratches, but only if you hold it to the light at a certain angle. It's really not very noticeable unless you are really up close and inspecting it for scratches.

Thanks nico that's good to know! I'm ready for mine to get some use I actually think it will be okay (knock on wood).. I just keep telling myself to not go over every inch looking for scratches and holding it up to light to see if there are any marks at certain angles. It's a bag... it's meant to be used... just breathe

 

[Nico_79]

Thanks nico that's good to know! I'm ready for mine to get some use I actually think it will be okay (knock on wood).. I just keep telling myself to not go over every inch looking for scratches and holding it up to light to see if there are any marks at certain angles. It's a bag... it's meant to be used... just breathe

I know how you feel though, when I got my first lambskin I babied it a bit, but realized if I'm so worried to use this I shouldn't buy it. Once you take it out a few times you'll learn to relax and not worry about it.

 

[tutushopper]

Thank you tutu (again)! I just ordered the delicate meltonian in case it works better at removing scratches than my collonil. Since I'm hopefully beginning my collection I'm sure it will be useful to have this product anyways since it is delicate, while my other is just a premier polish. Do you use any specific kind of cloth when you do it (I will test my cloth for colorfastness like you said) but if it doesn't work out I'll have to find something else...

Also, on your handbags that developed a patina - do you still see the scratches or does the patina cover them?

Thanks for your help again!

I actually use a white t-shirt cut into pieces (it's 100% cotton). I'd not use a black cloth to polish bags with, because it will get wet with the product, and you don't want to set the bag up to possibly get any of the dye from the cloth onto the bag. I thought you were asking about the black cloth as a cover for your glasses inside your bag, not to use to polish/condition with!

I suppose you might see scratches if you hold it up to the light and look for them or with a zoom lense magnifying it, but with the naked eye just looking at the bag, I don't notice scratches on my bag. They must be there (I can see small ones on the turnlock under photo magnification), but I don't usually look at my bags microscopically. The SA whom has seen my bags also think they look fabulous, and he doesn't examine them with a microscope either. This forum is the first place I've seen people look at their bags so closely and intensely. I just use mine and enjoy them.