...
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

According to the customer relations office of Louis Vuitton, an authentic canvas handbag costs between $750 and $4,800. Make a fashion statement by keeping your handbag clean, which also preserves it. Then your bag retains its value and lasts for many years. Select a smooth surface to prepare your bag for cleaning.

Cover smooth, flat surface with two layers of towel to absorb drips. A sheet of plastic between the layers also is an option to protect the surface finish from moisture, debris and cleaning solutions.

Empty your handbag. Remove personal items from inner and outer storage compartments, zippered partitions and buttoned pockets. Hold bag upside down over the covered surface. Gently shake the handbag to remove loose particles and debris. Set contents aside.

Put one hand inside your handbag. Use your palm to support canvas, which will help maintain shape. With your other hand gently wipe the canvas with a dry cloth, which loosens dirt. Wipe with a moist baby towelette to remove traces of cosmetics and natural oils.

Wipe bag with a damp cloth to rinse. Dry with a fresh cloth.

Care for leather trim, such as shoulder straps, carrying handles and tassels. The House of Vuitton recommends using light pressure to wipe with a dry cloth. Another option is to dip the tip of a dry cloth in leather lotion. Apply to each section in small circular motions. Repeat as needed to remove stains and maintain color consistency.

Wipe trim dry with fresh cloth.

Shine brass and metallic finishes, such as nameplates, key rings, chains, locks, studs, buttons, zippers and snaps. Vuitton recommends removing smudges with nickel cleaner and cotton swabs. Polish with a flannel cloth, which adds luster to hardware and protects custom finishes.

Clean the inner lining, which is made of canvas, fabric or suede. Step two provides instructions to clean canvas. "Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook" suggests renewing suede with suede cleaner and a sponge. Follow manufacturer's instructions to clean fine fabrics, such as silk.

Air dry the lining until it is dry to the touch. For resistant stains, such as hand lotion, lipstick and ink, contact Louis Vuitton for care instructions.

Tip

Wear gloves to protect trim from natural oils. This also will protect your hands.

Warning

Leather lotion will darken leather; however, it will lighten when dry.