[bunnymasseuse]

We have SO MANY wonderful coachies on this board, that I figured it would a wonderful idea to have a thread where we talk bout tips or tricks that we have used to avoid issues we have, or prevent ones from occurring or re-occurring (hey, even cleaning tips, things you use to make it faster/easier). I know we have a thread about conditioning already, and items you can use to condition/clean your bags, but maybe some others we haven't considered?

I've figured out the best item I'm going to use in any bags I have that "smell" is to use the baking soda method, but w/o the mess.

I'm using that now, so I just pop it in the bag, zip the top up(or put it in something to help absorb odor) and check it in a bit. Atleast the sensor on the product helps you know when it's reached it's end of life!

I also use compressed air while standing outside to blow out any crumbs or particles that have gathered in the pockets (upside down so I'm not blowing it towards the seams!) and use hair rollers to gather anything else that might have remained (cat hair, my hair, etc).



Anyone else have anything they think should be shared with others :) ?

[greenpixie]

That is a great idea Bunny!

My Coach tricks:

- Apple condition everything leather! I can't say enough good things about this product. www.leatherstuff.com ships it fast and has good CS.

- Protect it! I use Wilson't TLC leather protector spray and it works great - plus it never changes the color or texture of my leathers.

- Ask to have it gift wrapped! I use the boxes I get that way to store all my Coach bags and accessories neatly.

[Sophia1025]

When I store my bags I put the stuffing back inside the bags to prevent more sagging and creases.

[Nancy in VA]

Apple rain and stain repellent spray on the bag lining - helps keep dirt away and may come in handy if something leaks in your bag

[lovecoachmore]

That's so strange you mention compressed air! I work in a factory and all of our tools are run off compressed air. I blow my bags off all the time. Like the Leigh for instance, you get dust, crumbs etc in the crevises of the front pockets so I use air for the outside too, those timy hard to reach places! ALSO, I have cleaned a khaki signature Carly with palmolive dish soap and a VERY SOFT BRUSH! I had only paid $40 for it so I didn't have much to lose. The bag was soiled but not stained and all the soil came clean. I did end up getting the leather trim wet during the rinse off but I conditioned it right away after air drying and all was well.

MY NEWEST TIP: I have recently started stuffing my bags while they are not in use to keep their shape better. I take a small garbage bag and stuff it with either newspaper or bubble wrap (that I am lucky enough to get free from work) to the approx fill capacity of the bag. This makes it so handy when switching out bags to just grab the stuffed plastic bag out of it PLUS no newspaper print will rub off on your interior if you have to use newspaper to stuff your bags. I'm in the process of creating my boutique and find it will help to display them better aswell.

[Hisgeekygrrrl]

Baby wipes are great to clean the inside lining of the bags with. Just pull the lining outside of the bag and gently wipe it down and let it dry out and shape it back inside the bag.

[Pursanista]

Always carry a big plastic bag (like a small kitchen garbage bag size) in case you get caught in the rain or snow so that your purse doesn't get wet.

Use baby wipes or Tide to Go pens to clean Legacy lining. If you get the lining wet, use a hair dryer on low to prevent watermarking.

I love the baking soda idea for neutralizing any smells. I wish more eBay sellers did that instead of putting a fabric softener sheet inside!

Keep your purses in sleeper bags or white pillowcases when they are not being used. Also stuff with tissue to maintain the shape of the purse.

I second the Apple conditioner, greenpixie. It really is the best there is for leather.

Great idea for a thread bunny!!

[bunnymasseuse]

I also used oxy clean mini spray to clean out an ink stain in the bottom lining of a signature shiny lining of a purse and with a little bit of rubbing, turning the liner inside out and gently using my nail, it came out!

[Sophia1025]

If the leather on the bag gets wet, do not blow dry. Let it air dry naturally. I heard the heat from the blow dryer can affect the leather.

[CoachJunkie1908]

Another Coachie mentioned that using those Armor All seat wipes worked really well on leather bags, and I want to say that includes Legacy.

One of the best things I've found to use to buff a bag is a nice clean white sock that is missing a mate, or is old! You can get your hand in there and buff away.

[greenpixie]

That's what I do CoachJunkie! A nice clean white sock works perfectly to buff and condition my bags.

[New2Coach]

I mentioned this earlier in another thread.

I put a dab of super glue on my hangtags to keep them from falling off accidently.

I 2nd using baby wipes to clean the lining of the bag. I swear by baby wipes. If they can take poop off a baby they can clean anything

[abandonedimages]

This is an excellent thread! Thank you everyone who has contributed already

I am also an advocate for baby wipes! I asked about them for use on my COACH wristlets way back when (I even found the thread! haha: Is it safe to use these baby wipes on COACH nylon?), and they worked amazingly!

[kristinmcd]

I used the Tide pen on a mark on the Legacy lining and it came right off. YAY!

[abandonedimages]

What about for fabric lining? What would you say works best? Baby wipes, Tide-To-Go, OxyClean, etc. I don't have any of those products currently so I can't test myself. I use one of my wristlets to hold make-up and my eyeliner pencil made some marks on the fabric