First, the good news: Vegan leather is much easier to care for than animal leather. It doesn’t require leather conditioner, waterproofing sprays, or special products—in most cases, all you need is a soft cloth, lukewarm water, and a drop of mild soap. Here you’ll find complete instructions: from routine cleaning to dealing with stubborn stains to proper storage.
The 3-Step Routine for Regular Cleaning
- Empty and shake out: Empty the bag, hold it upside down, and shake it gently. You can remove crumbs from the corners using a lint roller or the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner set to the lowest setting.
- Wipe with a damp cloth: Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water, wring it out thoroughly, and wipe the exterior surfaces using gentle, even strokes. If there is visible dirt, add a drop of mild soap or dish soap to the water.
- Wipe dry: Wipe it down with a dry cotton cloth and let the bag air dry with the opening open—never on a radiator or in direct sunlight.
Doing this once a month is more than enough. After a rainy day, simply wipe it dry—vegan leather doesn't absorb water and won't get water stains.
What should you do about stubborn stains?
- Makeup and lotion: Remove immediately with a dry cloth, then wipe with soapy water—do not rub, but pat gently.
- Ballpoint pen: The toughest stain. Blot it with soapy water as soon as possible; the longer the ink soaks in, the harder it is to remove. Do not use nail polish remover—it will damage the surface.
- Grease: Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to a damp cloth, rub in a circular motion over the stain, then wipe with clean water.
- Dark scuff marks (e.g., from jeans): Gently rub the area with a white eraser, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Here are 5 things you should avoid
- Harsh cleaners, alcohol, acetone, and solvents—they damage the surface.
- Leather grease and leather balm—not necessary for vegan leather; they leave a greasy residue.
- Abrasive sponges and coarse-textured microfiber cloths—risk of scratches.
- Heat: The car's heater, hair dryer, and direct summer sunlight can cause the material to age.
- Overfilling: Bags that are constantly overloaded lose their shape—this applies to any material.
Store Properly
If a bag isn't going to be used for a while: lightly stuff it with tissue paper so it keeps its shape, and store it upright on a shelf or in a cloth bag—not in plastic, since the material needs to breathe. Remove the straps and store them flat to avoid pressure marks.
A Little Refresh: Replace the Straps Instead of Buying a New One
If your bag feels “old,” it’s rarely because of the material—most of the time, it’s just a matter of getting used to it. The quickest way to give it a fresh new look is with a new strap: Thanks to the interchangeable strap system, you can transform any MAKANI in seconds—from classic (Classic Straps) to patterned (Braid Straps) to elegant (Chain Straps). And if a carabiner or zipper ever gives out, you’ll find replacements in the spare parts collection instead of having to replace the entire bag.
Want to dive deeper? In our comprehensive guide to vegan handbags, you'll learn all about materials and styles, and in "What Is Vegan Leather?", we compare the materials in detail.