How to Take Care of Your Hermès Bag

Hermès bags are true investment pieces that – when adequately cared for – last longer than a lifetime. Kept in pristine condition, you can also maintain or even elevate its value, given you ever want to RESELL YOUR HERMÈS BAG. Whether you opt for an iconic Birkin or dainty-sized Constance, with the following tips in mind, you can properly clean, store and protect your bag.

At-home cleaning routine

You can carefully clean the interior and exterior of your bag from home. Before executing any actions, we highly recommend you familiarize yourself with the origin of your Hermès bag’s leather: What does it need? Is it particularly delicate? Read our complete guide on Hermès leathers for a detailed overview.

Hermès Kelly 28 Epsom Poussière € 20.820,—

Hermès Haut à Courroies 40 Evercolor / Toile Graphite € 17.330,—

Hermès Kelly 32 Togo Menthe € 9.000,—

Collector’s Item

Hermès Kelly Doll Bag Charm Tadelakt Bleu Izmir / Vert Bosphore / Jaune Bourgeon / Bleu Brume € 4.200,—

Hermès Kelly 25 Epsom Céleste € 22.500,—

Hermès Rodeo Pegasus PM Swift Chai € 1.000,—

Hermès Kelly Twilly Tadelakt Rouge Vif € 2.500,—

Hermès Rodeo Pegasus PM Swift Étoupe € 1.000,—

Hermès Rodeo PM Swift So Black € 800,—

Hermès Evelyne 16 Clémence Jaune Poussin € 2.740,—

Collector’s Item

Hermès Kelly Mini Niloticus Lizard Vert Émeraude € 21.800,—

Hermès Kelly 28 Evercolor Bleu Glacier € 19.700,—

Hermès Jypsière Mini Evercolor Mauve Pâle / Nata € 6.550,—

Hermès Birkin 25 Togo Rose Pourpre € 18.875,—

Hermès Birkin 30 Epsom Ultraviolet € 15.800,—

Vintage

Hermès Birkin 35 Togo Raisin € 12.540,—

Vintage

Hermès Kelly 35 Togo Raisin / Sienne € 10.600,—

Vintage

Hermès Kelly 35 Box Black € 12.300,—

Hermès Kelly 28 Epsom Bleu Indigo € 21.680,—

Hermès 24/24 29 Clemence Anemone € 7.880,—

CLASSIC LEATHERS: Treat with caution

The safest way to pamper classic Hermès leathers – like grained Togo, embossed Epsom or soft Swift – is by using a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the bag’s exterior and interior. For more persistent dirt, you can try a commercial yet mild leather cleanser at your own risk. Always try it on an inconspicuous corner first and observe how the leather reacts.

DOs

• Use a dry lint-free microfiber cloth to remove minor dirt.
• For occasional cleaning, apply a premium leather cleanser. Carefully clean your bag’s surface in circular movements. Remove any residue with a soft microfiber cloth.
• Use a protecting leather conditioner when the leather feels dry. Apply it using a sponge or soft cloth, wipe off excess product, and gently polish.
• Use a microfiber cloth to remove loose dirt or dust from the hardware and a soft brush for hard-to-reach areas and fine cracks.
• Always let your Hermès bag dry naturally, and keep it away from direct sunlight or heat (radiators, blow dryers, etc.).

DON’Ts

• Avoid oily, alcohol-based or perfume-based products.
• Avoid scratching, especially on very smooth leather like Box or Swift.

VEAU DOBLIS SUEDE: Handle with utmost care

Veau Doblis is a very sought-after and rare suede leather used by Hermès artisans. The sensitive surface demands extra care, as colour transfer and external influences can damage it irreversibly. To keep it in shape long-term, Veau Doblis requires expert care.

DOs

• Use a suede brush for occasional grooming to remove dirt and restore the natural suede texture.
• Use a microfiber cloth to remove any loose dirt or dust from the hardware and a soft brush for hard-to-reach cracks.
• Hand it in for a professional bag spa treatment every 1–2 years.

DON’Ts:

• Avoid oily, alcohol- or perfume-based products.
• Avoid rubbing against dark, raw or embellished clothing.
• Keep away from water.

EXOTIC SKINS: Extremely delicate

You should always seek expert help when it comes to caring for your exotic Hermès bag. Exotic skins can dry out over time without proper nourishment, and Lizard scales, in particular, tend to crack. To find out more about Hermès’ precious skins, read our Exotics Guide.

DOs

• Use a dry lint-free microfiber cloth for occasional grooming, always in the natural direction of the scales (especially for Lizard).
• Use a microfiber cloth to remove any loose dirt or dust from the hardware and a soft brush for hard-to-reach cracks.
• Hand your bag in for a bag spa treatment every 1–2 years.

DON’Ts

• Avoid oily, alcohol- or perfume-based products.
• Avoid rubbing against dark, raw or embellished clothing.
• Keep away from water.

Optimum storage

As tempting as it may be, we recommend not carrying your Hermès bag every single day. Leather is an organic material that needs time to rest, breathe, and recover from environmental exposure. Ideally, you should empty your bag after each use and store it securely by following the tips below.

Storage tips

• Gently stuff your Hermès bag with acid-free tissue paper, a purse pillow, or bubble wrap to maintain its shape, and keep it in its dust bag.
• Make sure the top handles are not collapsed or squished.
• For long-term storage, wrap the hardware in lint-free cloth or the respective dust bags. Never use tape on Hermès hardware, as glue can damage the gold plating.
• If applicable, detach the shoulder strap and place it inside the bag or in a separate dust bag.
• If storing your bag in its box, leave the lid slightly open to allow air circulation. Alternatively, place the bag upright on an open shelf with enough space in a dark, well-ventilated room at room temperature.

Everyday protection for your Hermès bag

Taking the time to care for your Hermès bag can be challenging with a busy schedule. By following these simple guidelines, you can prevent damage and stains from the start.

Prevention tips

• Sharp objects like keys, nail files, pens or spillable makeup items should be kept in pouches to avoid scratches or marks on the leather inside your bag.
• Don’t place your bag on the floor to avoid exposure to dirt, glass shards or spilled liquids – not to mention the risk of someone stumbling over it. A portable handbag hanger can help you attach it securely to a table or chair.
• Don’t overstuff your Hermès bag, and avoid carrying overly heavy or bulky objects. This helps protect the handles from strain and preserves the bag’s shape.
• Always shield your bag from the rain. Severe water stains often require professional cleaning and restoration. If your Hermès bag does get wet, carefully wipe off the water using a lint-free cloth.

The Bag Spa

“If you are unsure about treating your bag, or if stains or deeper scratches remain, we recommend not to remove them forcefully, but to entrust your bag to a trained artisan or the house’s official spa service,” says Alexandra, Co-Founder of SACLÀB. “We have seen cleaning attempts that led to irreversible damage,” she explains.

While the Hermès bag spa comes at a cost, it is a reliable and safe way to restore your bag and ensure it maintains its beauty over time. As part of Hermès’ uniquely personal service, your bag may even be handed over to the very artisan who originally crafted it – a rare and meaningful gesture that reflects the brand’s exceptional standards of care.

Please be aware that the bag care instructions outlined above reflect our team’s experience and expertise with Hermès handbags. Naturally, incorrect at-home cleaning (or the wrong use of commercial products) bears a risk for your bag’s leather. We assume no liability for any damage caused by incorrectly executed cleaning or care attempts.