Discovering Vintage Bag Restoration on TikTok
Spending my sabbatical year in France has some fantastic perks—one being how the social media algorithms seem to curate fascinating profiles for me perfectly. On TikTok, I stumbled upon Anna Poetro, who lives in the South of France. Anna runs a charming vintage online shop, but her true passion lies in restoring, caring for, and breathing new life into designer handbags. She repairs Louis Vuitton canvas and leather bags, and the best bit is that she sells the products she uses to clean them, along with easy-to-follow, step-by-step tutorials.
Why Caring for Louis Vuitton Canvas Bags Is Essential
In one post where Anna showed how to care for a Louis Vuitton canvas bag, a user commented: “Ok, but seriously, why take care of canvas if it’s basically plastic?” Anna clarified brilliantly: “Taking care of coated canvas is just as important as caring for leather—because although it’s coated, it’s still fabric underneath. Over time, dirt, oils, and friction degrade the coating, causing cracks and peeling. Once coated canvas cracks, it can’t be restored. Regular cleaning prevents buildup that accelerates wear, while conditioning maintains flexibility and prevents brittleness. Just as you wouldn’t neglect a leather bag, treating your canvas extends its lifespan and keeps it looking fresh for years. Plus, a well-maintained bag always retains its value.“
What Exactly Is Coated Canvas?
The coated canvas is fabric coated with a protective layer, giving it durability but requiring care similar to leather.
Benefits of Regular Canvas Maintenance
- Prevents cracks and peeling
- Maintains flexibility
- Extends the bag’s lifespan
- Preserves value
Essential Products to Keep Your Designer Bag in Top Condition
Anna Poetro sells these specialist products online and ships worldwide. You can buy them individually or as a convenient kit:
- Foam Cleaner & Conditioning Lotion: Gentle yet effective care for canvas.
- Vachetta Leather Cream: Specifically designed for Vachetta leather.
- Lining Shampoo: Cleans and refreshes bag interiors.
- Saddle Soap: Targets specific stains.
- Ink Remover: Removes ink stains.
- Brush & Applicator Brush: Ensures precision and ease during application.
- Microfibre Cloth: Removes residue and buffs surfaces perfectly.
- Hardware Cleaner & Polishing Cloth: Restores shine to metallic details.
- Mink Oil: Revitalises old, cracked leather.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Odours from Your Vintage Bag
On her website and TikTok, Anna demonstrates exactly how to use these products. But here’s an extra tip to eliminate odours from that Louis Vuitton canvas bag you’ve inherited from your grandma:
- First, clean it thoroughly with the foam cleaner, leather moisturiser, and lining shampoo—this alone greatly reduces odours.
- Fill a small container with baking soda, place it inside the bag, and close the zipper.
- Put the bag into a bin liner, seal it tightly, and leave it overnight (around 12 hours).
How to Style Your Vintage Louis Vuitton Bag for a Modern Look
Even if your Louis Vuitton isn’t the season’s hottest “it-bag,” it remains a timeless classic—especially the iconic Speedy bag. Pair yours with wide-leg jeans, a white tee, a sleek car coat, and trainers, and its vintage charm will effortlessly elevate your outfit.
Read Also: Gucci or Guccy – How to Know if Your Bag is Real or Fake
All images from @Anna Poetro