First, the good news: vegan leather is much 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 is the complete guide: from routine cleaning and stubborn stains to proper storage.
The 3-step routine for regular cleaning
- Empty and shake out: Empty your bag, turn it upside down, and gently shake it. You can reach crumbs in the corners using a lint roller or your vacuum cleaner's upholstery attachment on the lowest setting.
- Wipe clean: Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water, wring it out well, and gently wipe down the outer surfaces. For visible dirt, add a drop of mild soap or dishwashing liquid to the water.
- Wipe dry: Go over the bag with a dry cotton cloth and let it dry open in the air – never on a radiator or in direct sunlight.
Doing this routine once a month is more than enough. After a rainy day, simply wiping it dry is all it takes – vegan leather doesn't absorb water and won't get water stains.
What to do with stubborn stains?
- Make-up and cream: Remove immediately with a dry cloth, then wipe with soapy water – do not rub, just dab gently.
- Ballpoint pen: The trickiest case. Dab with soapy water early on; the longer the ink sets, the harder it is to remove. Do not use nail polish remover – it will damage the surface.
- Grease: Put a little dish soap directly onto a damp cloth, work around the stain in circles, and wipe clean with clear water.
- Dark scuff marks (e.g. from jeans): Gently rub the area with a white eraser, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
5 things you should avoid
- Harsh cleaners, alcohol, acetone, and solvents can damage the surface.
- Leather grease and leather balm are unnecessary for vegan leather and will leave a greasy residue.
- Abrasive sponges and coarse microfibre can cause scratches.
- Heat: Heaters, blow dryers, and direct summer sun in the car cause the material to age faster.
- Overfilling: Bags that are constantly overloaded lose their shape – this applies to any material.
Proper storage
When a bag is taking a break: lightly stuff it with tissue paper so it keeps its shape, and store 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 any pressure marks.
A little refresh: swap the strap instead of buying new
When your bag starts to feel "old," it's rarely the material—it's usually just that you're used to it. The quickest way to freshen it up is with a new strap: thanks to our interchangeable strap system, you can transform any MAKANI in seconds—from classic (Classic Straps) to patterned (Braid Straps) and elegant (Chain Straps). And if a clasp or zipper ever wears out, you'll find replacements in our spare parts collection instead of having to replace the whole bag.
Want to dive deeper? Our comprehensive guide to vegan handbags covers everything you need to know about materials and styles, and our article What is vegan leather? compares the materials in detail.