This guide repeats what the houses and conservators listed under Sources advise; it is not professional advice. Test anything on a hidden area first, and for valuable, damaged or exotic pieces use the house's own repair service or a professional conservator.
- How to care for a leather bag
Calfskin, lambskin and natural vegetable-tanned leather, as Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton advise, with the conservator view on creams and saddle soap.
- How to clean coated canvas (Monogram, Damier)
Louis Vuitton's own instructions for Monogram, Damier and printed canvas.
- Caring for exotic skins: crocodile, alligator, python, lizard
What Hermès and Louis Vuitton advise for precious and exotic leathers, and why both say to leave cleaning to the house.
- How to care for suede and nubuck
House advice from Chanel, Gucci and Tod’s on brushing, water and colour transfer, and the conservator note on erasers.
- Caring for bag hardware: chains, clasps and plating
What Hermès and Chanel say about plated hardware, and the conservator advice on metal touching leather.
- How to store a designer bag
Humidity, light, stuffing and dust bags: house storage advice set against museum conservation guidance.
See also the glossary of leathers and canvases.