The good news first: Vegan leather is significantly easier to care for than animal leather. It doesn’t need leather grease, waterproofing sprays, or special products - in most cases, a soft cloth, lukewarm water, and a drop of mild soap are all you need. Here you’ll find the complete guide: from routine cleaning and removing stubborn stains to proper storage.
The 3-step routine for regular cleaning
- Empty and shake out: Empty the bag, hold it upside down, and gently shake it out. You can reach crumbs in the corners with a lint roller or the upholstery attachment of a vacuum cleaner on its lowest setting.
- Wipe with a damp cloth: Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water, wring it out well, and wipe the exterior surfaces in gentle strokes. For visible dirt, add a drop of mild soap or dish soap to the water.
- Wipe dry: Go over the bag with a dry cotton cloth and leave it open to air-dry - never on a radiator and not in direct sunlight.
This routine once a month is perfectly sufficient. After a rainy day, simply wipe it dry - vegan leather does not absorb water and won’t develop water spots.
What to do about stubborn stains
- Makeup and cream: Remove immediately with a dry cloth, then wipe with soapy water - don’t rub; dab instead.
- Ballpoint pen: The most difficult case. Dab with soapy water as soon as possible; the longer the ink soaks in, the more stubborn it becomes. Do not use nail polish remover - it damages the surface.
- Grease: Apply a little dish soap directly to a damp cloth, work around the stain, and wipe with clean water afterward.
- Dark scuff marks (e.g. from jeans): Carefully rub the area with a white eraser, then wipe with a damp cloth.
These 5 things should be avoided
- Harsh cleaners, alcohol, acetone, and solvents - they damage the surface.
- Leather grease and leather balm - unnecessary for vegan leather and may leave greasy residue.
- Abrasive sponges and microfiber cloths with a coarse texture - risk of scratches.
- Heat: Radiators, hair dryers, and direct summer sunlight in the car cause the material to age.
- Overfilling: Bags that are permanently overloaded lose their shape - this applies to every material.
Proper storage
If a bag is going to be stored for a while, lightly stuff it with tissue paper so it retains its shape, then place it upright on a shelf or in a fabric bag - not in plastic, as the material needs to breathe. Remove the straps and store them flat to prevent pressure marks.
A little refresh: change the strap instead of buying new
If your bag feels “old,” it’s rarely because of the material - it’s usually just familiarity. The quickest refresh is a new strap: Thanks to the interchangeable strap system, you can transform any MAKANI in seconds - from classic (Classic Straps) and patterned (Braid Straps) to elegant (Chain Straps). And if a carabiner or zipper pull ever gives out: You’ll find replacements in the spare parts collection, so you don’t have to replace the entire bag.
Want to dive deeper? In the comprehensive guide to vegan handbags, you’ll learn everything about materials and styles, and in What is vegan leather? we compare the materials in detail.