In short: Chanel bags mainly use two leathers: soft, smooth lambskin that marks easily, and firmer grained calf leather. The two cannot be handled the same way, and the chain strap woven with leather has to be worked separately.
This article explains how each material fails, how much you can keep up yourself and when restoration is needed. For the full service see bag cleaning. Foxpro is an independent service provider and is not an authorised dealer for any brand mentioned in this article.
- Lambskin, caviar leather and the chain
- Common faults
- How much you can keep up at home
- When cleaning is not enough
- Real results
- Pricing
- Frequently asked questions
Lambskin, caviar leather and the chain
Lambskin
Soft, smooth and beautiful in the light, but also the easiest leather to mark. A fingernail pressed hard, or the bag resting against a table edge for a while, leaves a dent. Cleaning lambskin has to be very gentle, never rubbing the same spot back and forth.
Grained calf leather
The grained surface hides scratches better and tolerates slightly firmer cleaning. In return, dirt settles between the grains, so it has to be worked area by area rather than wiped over in one pass.
Quilting stitches
The quilted diamonds are where dust and cosmetics collect. Work along the stitching, because rubbing across it frays the thread and stretches the diamonds.
Leather-woven chain strap
The metal and the leather woven through it fail in different ways: the chain loses its plating, while the leather wears and fades where it rubs the chain. They are separated and masked before either is treated.
Common faults
- Faded corners and bottom edges: most obvious on pink, beige and pale blue bags.
- Dents in lambskin: from knocks or heavy objects resting on the bag.
- Colour worn off the front flap: the part opened and closed many times a day.
- Frayed leather woven through the chain: friction against the metal while carrying it.
- Cosmetics on the lining: foundation and lipstick marks soak into the lining over time.
How much you can keep up at home
- Dust it with a soft dry cloth every few wears, especially the base.
- Dab lambskin gently, never rub. On grained leather, wipe in small circles within each quilted diamond.
- Keep the bag off dark denim, especially a pale coloured bag.
- Store it packed with white paper, and do not hang it by the chain for long or the strap leaves marks.
- Blot cosmetics straight away, never rub. Dried foundation is very hard to lift out of pale leather.
The general steps for leather bags are in how to clean a leather bag at home.
When cleaning is not enough
- Faded or worn colour on the flap and corners: needs bag colour restoration. It can be touched up area by area, or the whole bag redyed if you want a colour change.
- Deep scratches in lambskin: the surface is treated and then the colour touched up, see scratched bag restoration.
- A broken leather strand in the chain: new leather or new handles matched in colour.
- Dull chain and clasps: polishing or re-plating, see bag clasp repair.
Real results
Pricing
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Luxury bag cleaning | 600,000d – 900,000d |
| Leather bag colour restoration | 850,000d – 1,500,000d |
| Edge paint touch-up | 550,000d – 850,000d |
| New straps and shoulder straps | 550,000d – 950,000d |
| Hardware polishing | 750,000d – 1,600,000d |
Guide prices, confirmed once the technician has seen the actual bag or the photos you send on Zalo. See the full list at bag cleaning pricing and bag repair pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does cleaning a Chanel bag cost?
It is priced in the Luxury tier at 600,000d – 900,000d. Colour touch-ups or polishing the hardware are quoted separately as their own items.
Can dents in lambskin be removed?
Light dents usually improve a lot after cleaning and conditioning. A deep dent that has broken the surface only fades; the technician says beforehand what is achievable, so your expectations are right.
Can I have the bag dyed a different colour?
Yes, that is the redyeing item. The technician keeps the stitching and metal details intact, but think it over, because a colour change is hard to reverse.
Where do I send the bag and how long does it take?
Bring it to the shop at 1/56 Nguyen The Truyen, Tan Son Nhi, Tan Phu, open 8:00 to 18:00 every day, or book a slot and we collect it anywhere in Ho Chi Minh City. Turnaround depends on the material and condition; the technician tells you with the quote.