Cleaning, Care and Repair of Your Dior

[Cubey]

Hi everyone,

I have 2 Dior bags that I bought around 8 or 9 years ago, one for myself and one for my mom. I didn’t even know the names of those bags until I found the “Identify this Dior” thread and checked every single page (yay!)

It was my first designer purchase and I made the mistake of getting both bags in a white/cream colour. My white lambskin soft Lady Dior medium hobo looked super miserable after a couple of overseas trips (dirty/scuffed/colour transfers) and after hiding it in my cupboard for many years I finally decided to send it to a spa service. It came back looking quite good and shiny white but the leather texture has changed and not as soft and smooth. And I think because they painted over all the threads the surface of the bag is a bit prickly when you run your hand over the cannage pattern (is this normal with spa service??). The bag still means a lot to me but unfortunately I don’t reach for it anymore.

I was recently at my mom’s place and noticed the leather on her perforated East-West Bag has yellowed a bit and has this yellow/green tinge (it was originally this an off-white/cream colour that’s hard to describe). There are also a few dark patches which I assume are dirt or colour transfers. The leather under the Dior ring has also turned black from rubbing against the ring and the charms.

I would be grateful if someone could please let me know what would be the best way to restore her bag? I’ve already tried to rescue it’s shape by stuffing it with tissue paper (and did the same to all her other nice handbags).

Sorry the photo looks really yellow - I couldn’t get the lighting right...

Many thanks!

 

[averagejoe]

Hi everyone,

I have 2 Dior bags that I bought around 8 or 9 years ago, one for myself and one for my mom. I didn’t even know the names of those bags until I found the “Identify this Dior” thread and checked every single page (yay!)

It was my first designer purchase and I made the mistake of getting both bags in a white/cream colour. My white lambskin soft Lady Dior medium hobo looked super miserable after a couple of overseas trips (dirty/scuffed/colour transfers) and after hiding it in my cupboard for many years I finally decided to send it to a spa service. It came back looking quite good and shiny white but the leather texture has changed and not as soft and smooth. And I think because they painted over all the threads the surface of the bag is a bit prickly when you run your hand over the cannage pattern (is this normal with spa service??). The bag still means a lot to me but unfortunately I don’t reach for it anymore.

I was recently at my mom’s place and noticed the leather on her perforated East-West Bag has yellowed a bit and has this yellow/green tinge (it was originally this an off-white/cream colour that’s hard to describe). There are also a few dark patches which I assume are dirt or colour transfers. The leather under the Dior ring has also turned black from rubbing against the ring and the charms.

I would be grateful if someone could please let me know what would be the best way to restore her bag? I’ve already tried to rescue it’s shape by stuffing it with tissue paper (and did the same to all her other nice handbags).

Sorry the photo looks really yellow - I couldn’t get the lighting right...
View attachment 4206846
Many thanks!

It is normal for the texture of the leather to change when it is redyed. As you said, it is just painted over with a leather spray paint, and with white/light-coloured bags, there is no other way to restore the colour.

As for this bag, the black marks can be cleaned off with a neutral leather cleaning cream using a Q-tip. Be sure to test the cream on a spot that you cannot easily see on the bag (i.e. the interior tag) to see if the leather will darken with the cream. If it doesn't, then try it on the black marks. If that works, then use the neutral cream all over the bag (don't use too much. Just use a bit on a soft white cloth). You can get the bag redyed, even to a different colour, but I don't recommend that because the interior tag will have a different colour from the outside, and the texture of the leather will change.

 

[Cubey]

It is normal for the texture of the leather to change when it is redyed. As you said, it is just painted over with a leather spray paint, and with white/light-coloured bags, there is no other way to restore the colour.

As for this bag, the black marks can be cleaned off with a neutral leather cleaning cream using a Q-tip. Be sure to test the cream on a spot that you cannot easily see on the bag (i.e. the interior tag) to see if the leather will darken with the cream. If it doesn't, then try it on the black marks. If that works, then use the neutral cream all over the bag (don't use too much. Just use a bit on a soft white cloth). You can get the bag redyed, even to a different colour, but I don't recommend that because the interior tag will have a different colour from the outside, and the texture of the leather will change.

Thank you so much @averagejoe! Really appreciate the advice Do you have a good leather cleaning cream that you would recommend? I do have a Collonil conditioning/waterproofing cream but sounds like I need a dedicated cleaning cream for this task.

 

[averagejoe]

Thank you so much @averagejoe! Really appreciate the advice Do you have a good leather cleaning cream that you would recommend? I do have a Collonil conditioning/waterproofing cream but sounds like I need a dedicated cleaning cream for this task.

The Collonil one sounds fine.

 

[Cubey]

The Collonil one sounds fine.

That’s great thanks heaps!

 

[LeNeo]

I got this color transfer on my new diorama and it's just the second time I pulled it out of its dustbag
Never had any issues with color transfer/stains/etc but all of my bags are black or in dark colors..
I managed to rub most of it off with a piece of cloth dampened with some soapy water, but I'm afraid I'll rub it too hard and cause another mark. It looks like a very thin delicate calfskin. After a little online research I know I should have used some type of protective coating, but now I have to get rid of that pinkish mark first. How do I do that?

I have a protective leather spray that I use on my shoes and it's really great. Can I use it on my bag?
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[averagejoe]

View attachment 4335759 View attachment 4335766
I got this color transfer on my new diorama and it's just the second time I pulled it out of its dustbag
Never had any issues with color transfer/stains/etc but all of my bags are black or in dark colors..
I managed to rub most of it off with a piece of cloth dampened with some soapy water, but I'm afraid I'll rub it too hard and cause another mark. It looks like a very thin delicate calfskin. After a little online research I know I should have used some type of protective coating, but now I have to get rid of that pinkish mark first. How do I do that?

I have a protective leather spray that I use on my shoes and it's really great. Can I use it on my bag?
Any help would be appreciated.

I answered your question in the main forum. Sorry I missed this post.

 

[Mkh1234]

Hi there does anyone know how to clean the canvas ( I think it’s canvas) bag strap? I was going to send it to dry cleaning but I don’t want the stains to set. Appreciate any help [emoji173]️[emoji173]️

 

[averagejoe]

Hi there does anyone know how to clean the canvas ( I think it’s canvas) bag strap? I was going to send it to dry cleaning but I don’t want the stains to set. Appreciate any help [emoji173]️[emoji173]️

Dry cleaning may ruin the strap. I find some dry cleaners aren't careful and they can burn the fabric and make parts glossy when they try to "iron" the product, and I wouldn't trust them with the strap. If it isn't soiled, then a simple moist cloth with a very tiny bit of dish soap should suffice, followed by a moist cloth with no soap, and drying overnight. Do not get any of the leather parts wet.

 

[Mkh1234]

Ok
I’ll
Give that a dry thank
You !

 

[MrChris]

Hiya - I have a question about Dior's Oblique Canvas material. Would you recommend applying some sort of stain protector spray on it? I have an Oblique Canvas Tote and avoid bringing it out in wet weather. My SA said they don't recommend spraying the material with anything, but I thought I'd check in with other folks to see what they do. TIA!

 

[itzsybitzy]

Hi,

I have been using a lady dior for close to 10 years and found that the 2 handles (inner sides) are peeling. Is that normal? I am thinking if this is caused by normal wear and tear? And if so, what can I do to repair it? Same for the strap too where I can see scuffing.

I tried sending it back to the boutique but they refused to take my bag because my authenticity card is not stamped and I don't have the receipt anymore. Thanks in advance!

 

[averagejoe]

Hi,

I have been using a lady dior for close to 10 years and found that the 2 handles (inner sides) are peeling. Is that normal? I am thinking if this is caused by normal wear and tear? And if so, what can I do to repair it? Same for the strap too where I can see scuffing.

I tried sending it back to the boutique but they refused to take my bag because my authenticity card is not stamped and I don't have the receipt anymore. Thanks in advance!

A leather specialist should be able to fix that for you. Ask your local luxury department store to see which cobbler/leather specialist they recommend.

 

[Mina77]

Hi,
Could I get advice on how to care for the delicate calf skin on my new 30 Montaigne bag in blush color? When it gets scratched should I use a lotion or cream, any recommendations for which brand?
Also, it came wrapped in felt fabric. When I store it, should I keep it wrapped in that or take it out and let it breath (but keep in a dust bag)? Should I leave the felt inside the flap (like how some people keep Chanel Lambskin flap)?
It looks beautiful now but I’m nervous about keeping it in good condition.. thanks so much in advance for your advice!

 

[averagejoe]

Hi,
Could I get advice on how to care for the delicate calf skin on my new 30 Montaigne bag in blush color? When it gets scratched should I use a lotion or cream, any recommendations for which brand?
Also, it came wrapped in felt fabric. When I store it, should I keep it wrapped in that or take it out and let it breath (but keep in a dust bag)? Should I leave the felt inside the flap (like how some people keep Chanel Lambskin flap)?
It looks beautiful now but I’m nervous about keeping it in good condition.. thanks so much in advance for your advice!

Congratulations! It's really pretty.

I suggest storing it with the felt, and with the stuffing that came inside. It will keep the bag pristine during storage.

Also, if it gets scratched, then you can use a microfiber cloth (i.e. the one for eyeglasses lenses) and gently rub the scratch in circular motions. It may remove or lessen the scratch. I do not suggest applying product on it because it can darken the leather. If you do use a product, then I suggest testing it on a spot under the flap or at the bottom of the bag that is less visible. Don't test it on the lining as it is a different leather.