Cleaning, Care and Repair of Your Dior

[averagejoe]

Hi all,

I have a patent "white/ivory" Lady Dior from 2004 which I purchased from a large online LA consignment store in 2017; I was giving it a really thorough clean of all the patent leather, interior and hardware when I noticed a change to the surface of the reverse side of the 'O' on the metal charms. The markings look like water marks at first glance, however they are tactile and you can run your finger over them and feel a slight bumpiness for some of the marks.

This only occurs on the back of the 'O' and none of the hardware anywhere else on the bag has pitting or tarnishing or a change in the surface....just the usual micro scratches. There is also no issue with the surface quality of the patent leather.

At first I thought the markings was residue or muck on the metal so I used an alcohol wipe on the metal and then buffed it without any change. I should also mention the patent leather tag which sits behind the 'O' is clean and smooth patent leather.

Any ideas what this might be and if it is going to spread or get worse? I am really curious what could have caused it as I keep all my bags carefully stored and frequently polish the hardware on all my bags. Is there any way I can repair or fix this either though my own means or a luxury repairer? I have no authenticity card or DIOR receipt so Australian Dior won't touch the bag and will not assist me (I have been down this frustrating road before with other DIOR items)

Also I noticed there has been some discussion lately on the material the D.I.O.R charms are made of. Some have said they are a variant of palladium or brass, but are they genuine silver plated? I have been trying to find a suitable polish agent but most of the silverware polishes specifically advise against use on silver PLATED items.

Below are some photos - I have tried to capture the texture of the surface but it has been quite difficult...

The hardware is plated (not with silver, though), do it is best not to use a polish on it as it can take the plating off. I can't tell what those stains are, but they almost look like a liquid product that was applied to the leather which then dried up to form these crusty stains. May I suggest using a warm soapy towel against that surface (be careful not to let the towel touch the patent leather) and working a bit at the stains? They may moisten and come off if they are dried stains.

However, if they do not, then I suggest trying Windex applied to a cloth to see if that can take it off. If not, then try Goo-Gone or WD40 (while ensuring, once again, that none of these products get on the leather).

If none of these work, then hopefully someone else here can offer a different suggestion.

 

[Vespa_girl]

The hardware is plated (not with silver, though), do it is best not to use a polish on it as it can take the plating off. I can't tell what those stains are, but they almost look like a liquid product that was applied to the leather which then dried up to form these crusty stains. May I suggest using a warm soapy towel against that surface (be careful not to let the towel touch the patent leather) and working a bit at the stains? They may moisten and come off if they are dried stains.

However, if they do not, then I suggest trying Windex applied to a cloth to see if that can take it off. If not, then try Goo-Gone or WD40 (while ensuring, once again, that none of these products get on the leather).

If none of these work, then hopefully someone else here can offer a different suggestion.

Thank you for your reply Averagejoe; unfortunately these remedies did not work. I have established with the use of a jewellers magnifier that the marks are more surface stains of some kind. Using a wet cloth and fingernail did not result in any dirt being scraped off.

I might try some diluted silver polish with a qtip to see if it makes any difference.

 

[averagejoe]

Thank you for your reply Averagejoe; unfortunately these remedies did not work. I have established with the use of a jewellers magnifier that the marks are more surface stains of some kind. Using a wet cloth and fingernail did not result in any dirt being scraped off.

I might try some diluted silver polish with a qtip to see if it makes any difference.

Good luck. Yes, they do look like stains more than tarnish. If the polish takes some of the surface off, at least it is on the back side of the O charm, and not visible to others.

 

[Pylfie]

Hi, I'm new to this thread and I'm really hoping to get some advice or suggestions. I have a 2013 pink panarea tote which I've kept in storage for a long time. I've only used it 2 to 3 times. I took it out recently and discovered to my horror that the coated canvas is sticky, and when I brush my hand across the surface, bits of pink get all over my hands.

I brought it to Dior today and was told that there was nothing they could do. As I'm not the original owner, they told me they could not take in the bag even if I pay for the repair. It's ridiculous to me that they would not take in the bag just because I wasn't the one who bought it from the Dior boutique. I'm wondering if this is the case everywhere? I'm in Singapore.

Is there anything that can be done, like applying a new coat over the canvas?

 

[averagejoe]

Hi, I'm new to this thread and I'm really hoping to get some advice or suggestions. I have a 2013 pink panarea tote which I've kept in storage for a long time. I've only used it 2 to 3 times. I took it out recently and discovered to my horror that the coated canvas is sticky, and when I brush my hand across the surface, bits of pink get all over my hands.

I brought it to Dior today and was told that there was nothing they could do. As I'm not the original owner, they told me they could not take in the bag even if I pay for the repair. It's ridiculous to me that they would not take in the bag just because I wasn't the one who bought it from the Dior boutique. I'm wondering if this is the case everywhere? I'm in Singapore.

Is there anything that can be done, like applying a new coat over the canvas?

Seems like LV is doing the same thing, where they require proof of purchase to take an item in for repair, so I think this practice is becoming a standard with the luxury brands. It is that the after sales service is offered as a service only for the brands' original clients.

I don't think much can be done to remedy this, since the plastic looks like it has be exposed to humidity and warmth, which over time can cause it to become sticky and then peel. Applying a substance on the top can ruin the finish if it "dissolves" the finish of the bag. For instance, if you apply a varnish on top, the mere application of the varnish with a brush may smear the pink surface.

 

[Pylfie]

Seems like LV is doing the same thing, where they require proof of purchase to take an item in for repair, so I think this practice is becoming a standard with the luxury brands. It is that the after sales service is offered as a service only for the brands' original clients.

I don't think much can be done to remedy this, since the plastic looks like it has be exposed to humidity and warmth, which over time can cause it to become sticky and then peel. Applying a substance on the top can ruin the finish if it "dissolves" the finish of the bag. For instance, if you apply a varnish on top, the mere application of the varnish with a brush may smear the pink surface.

Thank you so much for your reply averagejoe!

 

[Myybags]

Hi all, i have had my lady dior since 2018 and it has tarnished quite abit on the strap and the rings that holds the “dior” letters. Please refer to pictures. Could anyone share their experience with dior tarnishing and how they can remedy or stop it from further tarnishing? Greatly appreciated thank you!

 

[averagejoe]

Hi all, i have had my lady dior since 2018 and it has tarnished quite abit on the strap and the rings that holds the “dior” letters. Please refer to pictures. Could anyone share their experience with dior tarnishing and how they can remedy or stop it from further tarnishing? Greatly appreciated thank you!

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It may be due to storage. Perhaps keep some desiccant packages in your closet to keep it from being humid, as moisture in the air can increase the tarnishing of metal.

Have you tried cleaning it off? Perhaps use a bit of water with dish detergent on the end of a cotton swab and gently work at the tarnish to see if it comes off. I've had success with Windex on a cotton swab, although you have to be careful not to get any cleaner or water on the leather part of the bag.

If that doesn't work, then bring it to Dior. They can replace the hardware for you, but potentially for a fee.

 

[Gigi_90]

Hello everyone,

I was just taking my bags out to dust and air. I noticed some darkening/ orange tint On the charms of my older LD in gunmental (I say old but brought end of 2019 -used once due to lockdown...)

can someone advise me on what to do or stop it from getting darker?
I know it’s hardly noticeable now but I don’t want to end up with more obvious issues
For reference I have been storing it in its dust bag and box like all my bag and don’t really live in a humid environment (London). I also took off the stickers since I brought to prevent tarnish.

I attached a comparison photo to my latest red LD .

also should I keep the stickers on my new LD is this happened to my old one with limited use

 

[averagejoe]

Hello everyone,

I was just taking my bags out to dust and air. I noticed some darkening/ orange tint On the charms of my older LD in gunmental (I say old but brought end of 2019 -used once due to lockdown...)

can someone advise me on what to do or stop it from getting darker?
I know it’s hardly noticeable now but I don’t want to end up with more obvious issues
For reference I have been storing it in its dust bag and box like all my bag and don’t really live in a humid environment (London). I also took off the stickers since I brought to prevent tarnish.

I attached a comparison photo to my latest red LD .

also should I keep the stickers on my new LD is this happened to my old one with limited use

Try cleaning the darkened hardware with an eyeglasses/sunglasses microfiber cloth moistened with soapy water. It may take the darkening off.

If that doesn't work, then I would leave it the way it is. It almost matches the gunmetal finish better as it gives it a bit of character, at least according to your picture.

I would keep the plastic film on the hardware. Oxidation and darkening occurs when the metal is exposed to air and moisture, but if the surface is covered, then it should reduce the reactions on the metal.

 

[sakuraboo]

hello! i've tried to search but wasn't able to find any answers - does anyone know how to clean ultramatte leather? I'm debating whether to get a slg in either the nude or the black but that would depend on how hard it is to maintain the ultramatte.. Any insights would be much appreciated!! TIA!

 

[guccism1]

Hi guys! I asked about this in diorama thread but maybe this one is suitable for my question. I am getting desperate about my diorama bag. It is from 2018. The shoulder strap is looking worn out. Is this normal and what can I do about it? how can I fix it? Does anyone else have the same issues?

 

[averagejoe]

hello! i've tried to search but wasn't able to find any answers - does anyone know how to clean ultramatte leather? I'm debating whether to get a slg in either the nude or the black but that would depend on how hard it is to maintain the ultramatte.. Any insights would be much appreciated!! TIA!

I would not suggest anything other than bringing it back to Dior. Rubbing the ultra matte leather while cleaning can cause it to look shiny, as can any creams that are applied.

 

[averagejoe]

Hi guys! I asked about this in diorama thread but maybe this one is suitable for my question. I am getting desperate about my diorama bag. It is from 2018. The shoulder strap is looking worn out. Is this normal and what can I do about it? how can I fix it? Does anyone else have the same issues?

It's normal for the metal to show some scratches and indentations after periods of wear. They're hard to see unless you look up close. If you really want to change the strap, then bring it back to Dior. They usually can replace parts for discontinued bags for a few years after they are discontinued. They may charge a fee, though, since the item isn't actually damaged from a quality issue.

 

[amanda.tnguyen]

hi !! i haven't been able to find anywhere that has answered this question, so wanted to see if anyone here has had experience with spray protecting their book tote ? how'd it turn out, do you recommend it, etc. - just got my first TDJ book tote and am eager to use it but wanted to make sure if i should spray protect it first !! (i've spray protected a lot of other bags before as well and had a great experience with it)