What is Vachetta Leather?
It is untreated cowhide leather. It is not tanned or dyed like other leather types. As a result, it is exposed and vulnerable to water, dirt, light, and leather oils. In the process of natural aging, Vachetta changes its color from beige to dark caramel or brown.
Vachetta is the calling card of the famous Louis Vuitton brand. It is often combined with monograms or Damer azure on bags and suitcases.
Can I clean it?
If the Vachetta leather on your Louis Vuitton bag does not have a strong patina but shows water marks and dirt stains, the best solution is to give it time. As the patina darkens, many spots and stains will blend in and disappear completely. However, if they are severe or a sheen appears on the leather, and you don’t want to wait, you can remove them immediately with our cleaner (click here).
It does not contain oil, which can darken the skin, alcohol, or chemicals that can dry the skin.
We recommend cleaning the surface evenly, even those parts that are not very dirty. Avoid getting your cloth wet; your fabric should be slightly damp. It will begin to darken as you clean the leather, but don’t worry; this is a natural process of the leather’s appearance. Leave the roller bag to dry naturally. Do not use a hair dryer or a warm surface to dry a load.
As the leather dries out, you will see an improvement, and the leather will lighten back up. If necessary, repeat the process. After the cleaning, the skin is dehydrated; we recommend to use of a wax-free conditioner (click here)
Apply the conditioner evenly with a microfiber cloth (click here)
Even if you are not going to clean your handbag, we still recommend that you condition it every six months to keep it in good condition and prevent cracking.