Handbag Care 101: from Vachetta to Vegan

Keep your bags bougie. Or beat-up. Your call. Even that million-dollar Louis Vuitton Speedy, dripping in yellow crocodile and diamonds, could benefit from a proper wipe-down. A $3,000 handbag deserves better than sitting on the floor of a Starbucks bathroom. But even your $30 Amazon find shouldn’t be crusty, stained, and smelling like your car snacks. Whether you collect investment pieces or rotate fast fashion finds, your bags need care. Here's how to show them love—with expert tips from ;Havre de Luxe and no-nonsense tools for every budget.

The high-end protector that actually gives a damn

Vachetta leather is the bougie diva of the bag world—pretty, high-maintenance, and quick to catch feelings (and stains). That’s why Havre de Luxe Water & Stain Guard is more than just a spray—it's a ritual. According to the brand, the key is to test first, wipe immediately, and never let it sit. Skip the direct spraying and always go in with a clean mitt or cloth.

If your bag’s already been through it, the Havre de Luxe Fabric & Leather Cleansing Wipes offer a more controlled way to clean without flooding the leather. Results will vary, especially on marked Vachetta, but it’s your best bet before sealing in the mess.

Even better? Havre de Luxe carries a full range of leather, denim, and fabric care bundles—plus individual tools for different textures and tones. From stain shields to touch-up wipes, it’s a one-stop shop for bag rehab.

Prices vary 
Availability: havredeluxe.com

If you're rough on bags (and honest about it)

Let’s be real—some of us throw our totes into the back seat like we’re mad at them. That’s where Chamberlain’s Leather Milk No. 1 shines. This creamy conditioner revives sad, dry leather (finished only—no raw hides), smells faintly of almonds, and is easy to apply with a cloth. Think of it like a deep conditioning mask for your bag after a rough week.

Price: $18.95
Availability: Amazon

Budget baddies, rise up

Low price tag, high attitude. If you’re dealing with canvas, suede, or regular leather, Apple Brand Garde Rain & Stain Repellent is your lazy girl MVP. One light spray protects against sidewalk splash-back and rogue coffee drips. It’s perfect for your Target bags, weekend carryalls, and those cheap thrill dupes you’re not ready to let go of.

Price: $12.95
Availability: Amazon

Bottom line

A little protection goes a long way—especially if you care about resale value, aesthetics, or just not looking like a mess. Clean regularly. Protect early. And when it comes to Vachetta? Treat it like skincare and follow Havre de Luxe’s advice to the letter. Your bag deserves a main character moment—not a tragic arc.