Your Espe bag was made to go everywhere with you. Coffee runs, farmers' markets, weekend getaways, and the daily commute. And with a little care, it'll look just as good years from now as it did the day you brought it home.
The good news? Vegan leather is wonderfully low-maintenance. Here's everything you need to know.
What is Vegan Leather, Exactly?
All Espe bags are made from high-quality polyurethane (PU) vegan leather. A durable, flexible material that's 100% free of animal-derived components. PU vegan leather is smooth, easy to clean, and handles everyday wear beautifully. Understanding your material helps you care for it properly and avoid the mistakes that can shorten a bag's life.
Everyday Care: The Basics
A little daily attention goes a long way.
Keep it dry when you can. PU vegan leather handles moisture well, but prolonged exposure to rain or humidity can eventually affect the finish. If your bag gets caught in a downpour, pat it dry with a soft cloth and let it air dry naturally. Never use a hair dryer or place it near a heat source.
Wipe it down regularly. A quick wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth after use keeps dust and surface oils from building up. Think of it like wiping down your kitchen counter, a 30-second habit that makes a real difference over time.
Check your straps. The strap is the hardest-working part of any bag. Give it the same gentle wipe-down as the body, and check periodically for wear at the attachment points.
How to Clean Your Espe Bag
For light marks and everyday grime, you don't need anything fancy.
What you'll need:
• A soft, lint-free cloth (microfibre works great)
• Mild soap, a tiny drop of dish soap or gentle hand soap
• Lukewarm water
• A second dry cloth for buffing
The process:
1. Dampen your cloth with lukewarm water, not soaking wet, just lightly damp.
2. Add a tiny amount of mild soap and work it into the cloth (not directly onto the bag).
3. Gently wipe the soiled area in small circular motions.
4. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
5. Buff dry with a soft dry cloth.
6. Leave the bag open in a well-ventilated area to finish air drying.
That's it. No scrubbing. No harsh chemicals. Just gentle, consistent care.
What to Avoid
A few things that seem harmless but can damage your bag over time:
• Alcohol-based cleaners or hand sanitiser - these can dry out and crack the PU surface. If sanitiser gets on your bag accidentally, wipe it off promptly with a damp cloth.
• Baby wipes or bleach wipes - many contain chemicals that strip the finish.
• Acetone or nail polish remover - even a small amount can cause irreversible damage.
• Scrubbing brushes or abrasive cloths - always use soft materials only.
• Direct sunlight for extended periods - UV exposure can fade colour and dry out the material over time. Store your bag away from sunny windowsills.
• Overstuffing - this puts stress on the seams and distorts the shape. If you're carrying the world in your bag (we get it), give the structure a rest by swapping bags occasionally.
Storing Your Bag Properly
How you store your bag matters as much as how you clean it.
• Stuff it lightly. When your bag is not in use, stuff it with tissue paper or a soft cloth to help it hold its shape. Avoid newspapers; the ink can transfer.
• Store it upright. Letting a bag slump on its side for months can cause creasing and distortion. Stand it upright or lay it flat in a dust bag.
• Use a dust bag. Most Espe bags come with one. A dust bag protects against scratches, colour transfer, and dust build-up during storage.
• Keep it away from other leather goods. Dyes from genuine leather can transfer to PU surfaces over time.
• Avoid plastic bags for storage. Plastic traps moisture and can cause mildew or surface damage. A dust bag or pillowcase is always better.
Handling Colour and Hardware
For the hardware (zippers, rings, clasps), a dry soft cloth is all you need to keep things shiny. Avoid polish or chemical cleaners; they can dull the finish.
For bold or light-coloured bags, be mindful of colour transfer from dark denim or printed fabrics, especially when the bag is new. A quick wipe after wear helps.
When to Give Your Bag a Rest
Even your favourite bag deserves a day off. Rotating between bags extends the life of each one and gives the material time to breathe and recover from daily use. It's also a great excuse to explore more of the collection.
A Note on Repairs
If a zip sticks, a stitch loosens, or a clasp becomes tricky, reach out to us before assuming the bag is done. Small issues are almost always fixable, and we'd always rather help you extend the life of your bag than have it end up in a landfill.
Email us at info@espe.ca with your order number and a photo, and we'll figure it out together.
Vegan leather is genuinely easy to care for. Wipe it down, keep it dry, store it properly, and avoid harsh chemicals. Do those four things, and your Espe bag will be with you for years, looking just as joyful as the day you chose it.
Shop the full collection of PETA-approved vegan leather bags at espe.ca
Free shipping in Canada and the USA.
Still have questions about caring for your bag? Email us at info@espe.ca we're always happy to help.
2026 Espe Vegan Corp · Toronto, Canada