A bag is not just an accessory: it is a travel companion, a work partner, a companion for special evenings. And like every precious thing, it deserves attention. The good news? Caring for a bag takes only a few minutes a month — and those minutes turn into years of extra beauty. In this guide, we explain how to clean and store bags made of genuine leather, ecopelle, and raffia, the three main materials featured in our catalog.

How to Clean a Genuine Leather Bag

Genuine leather is a living material: it breathes, softens with use, and develops a unique patina over time that makes it even more beautiful. For this reason, it must be treated gently.

Regular Cleaning

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth, following the grain of the leather.
• For light dirt, slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with lukewarm water and wipe the surface without rubbing. Immediately dry with a dry cloth.
• Every 2-3 months, apply a colorless nourishing cream specifically for leather with circular motions: it keeps the leather soft and prevents cracking.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Never use cleansing wipes, alcohol, or solvents: they dry out the leather irreversibly.
• Never dry near heat sources (radiators, hairdryers): the leather stiffens and can crack.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which fades the deeper tones.

If you’re wondering about the differences between materials, you can find everything in our guide Genuine Leather vs Ecopelle.

How to Clean an Ecopelle Bag

Ecopelle is easier to maintain, which is why it’s perfect for everyday use. But it also has its rules.

• Quick cleaning: use a damp cloth with a drop of neutral soap, then dry with a soft cloth. This is sufficient in most cases.
• Stubborn stains: try a solution of water and Marseille soap, dabbing without rubbing.
• Hydration: occasionally, a layer of neutral moisturizing cream (even a common unscented hand cream) keeps the surface elastic and prevents the typical cracks of aged ecopelle.

Be careful with color transfer: new dark jeans can stain light-colored ecopelle bags. If you have a beige or cream bag, keep this in mind during the first washes of your denim garments.

How to Clean a Raffia or Straw Bag

Raffia bags are the queens of summer: light, natural, full of character. Being woven plant fibers, however, they fear two things: excess water and deformation.

• Dust with a soft brush (a clean makeup brush works perfectly) to remove sand and dust from between the weaves.
• For stains, dab with a slightly damp cloth and neutral soap, then let dry in the open air but in the shade. Never soak the bag completely.
• If it loses shape, stuff it with tissue paper and let it rest for a few days: the weaves will return to their position.

Our raffia bags with ecopelle details require extra care on the finishes: treat them as described in the ecopelle section.

How to Store Bags When Not in Use

Storage is half the work. Here are the golden rules that apply to every material:

• Fill the bag with tissue paper or an old scarf to maintain its shape.
• Use a cotton dustbag or a breathable pillowcase: never plastic bags, which trap moisture.
• Store upright, on a shelf, without stacking bags on top of each other.
• Let chain straps breathe by placing them inside the bag to prevent them from marking the leather.

Small Gestures, Long Life

A well-cared-for bag ages well, like things made to last. All it takes is a soft cloth, a bit of attention, and the right place in the wardrobe: the rest is done by the quality of the materials.

And if your next favorite bag isn’t yet in your wardrobe, you’ll find it among our New Arrivals: woven raffia, handcrafted crochet, and genuine Italian leather, ready to be loved — and cared for — for a long time.

Wear Italy. Feel You.