Downsizing! Restorative Cleaning on Vuitton Cabas Piano

[Rachel]

I love my Cabas Mezzo but I load it down with too much stuff, so I decided to bid and buy a Cabas Piano. Much smaller than it’s larger sister but I am hoping this doesn’t hurt my back to carry since it’s smaller.

Not much wrong with the bag really. Some wear (tearing) in one spot on one strap. I’m making sure to Hydrate this area and let it slow dry. I’ve had the bag about four or five days now so I’m only through using Prep, Clean and Rinse. It didn’t have a lot to come off of it. Some dirt and pen marks.

Before10664106651066610667

After10668106691067010671

Probably a few more days to allow to dry and then it should be ready to go.

[Roger Koh]

Are you happy with the result?

[Rachel]

I was pleased with the outcome. The leather is still nice and soft and the “close”
smell is that distinctive leather smell. I’m noticing a lot more people with these folder style bags. I wish they would bring some of them back. The zippers are more secure and the straps thicker than the new style bags.
I did opt for putting an organizer inside this one so it will keep its shape a little better.
I completely prefer the results with this over the traditional saddle soap method. It’s more time consuming but the softness stays this way.

[Roger Koh]

>>> I completely prefer the results with this over the traditional saddle soap method.

Saddle soap was originally used in the tannery with neatsfoot oil but was abandoned a long time ago.
Saddle soap is alkaline (pH value higher than 7) and it will denature the leather since leather has a pH value of 3 to 5. The side effects of using saddle soap alone are, the leather will brown out, become stiff, and the scum remaining on the surface of the leather grains attracts soiling like magnets.


>>> It’s more time-consuming but the softness stays this way.

All wet cleaners have to be rinsed off, rinsing with a low pH value product also strengthens the leather pH integrity. Logically, just like a cloth or a dishwashing machine, it is the rinsing cycle that removes all the soiling. The suppleness or softness with strength comes from the fatliquor (fat and oil) and a 14% content keeps the leather soft with tensile strength. The tactile-feel of the leather for Vachetta is a “draggy-feel”, and using Protector-D with heavy wax ingredient fills and camouflage light scuff for a better appearance.

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Roger Koh
Leather, Skin, Hair, Eye & Acne Care System Formulator
Consultant / Practitioner / Instructor / Coach
web: www.leatherdoctor.com (http://www.leatherdoctor.com)
forum: www.leathercleaningrestorationforum.com (http://www.leathercleaningrestorationforum.com)
email: [email protected]