Care of your Hayden Harnett

[jennirane]

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to share a freak-out yesterday that turned out to be not so very scary after all... my new Euc Havana (I thought Euc, Ginger, and Lagoon were "naked"... I'm wrong?) Anyway, I took her to the Post office to mail some packages, and in my rush to squeeze in the huge line, I allowed her to brush against a still slightly-damp (ink) mailing label. Didn't notice until getting out in the car, and then devastation. A palm-print-sized mostly-light smear of ink (mottled), with a few darker spots. Crying. Wailing...

But got home and remembered that I'd treated it with two coats of the Wilson's protector spray, so here went nothing, hauled out the TLC cleaner/conditioner and it was like magic. The rag lifted ALMOST all of the ink (there's still a nickle-sized spot which doesn't look so much like ink as like a darkening or roughing spot that's hardly noticeable). It was like magic... the ink just came OFF.

So here's my question, Stormy. Should I have Lexol on hand for simple cleaning like this instead of the TLC cleaner/conditioner combo because of your above suggestion that there's a chance the conditioner can set it? Either way, KUDOS to the protector spray!!!!

[skydive nikki]

Stormy, I tried to search for the answer to this question , but just got frustrated. Sorry if you have had to answer this before. I need to know what to spray on a cobalt havana to protect it. I don't want the color to change due to the spray. Can you please help me?? You always do! We are so lucky to have someone as knowledgeable and willing to help as you. There would be a lot of messed up bags if you were not here.

[EYE HEART BAGS]

Any opinions as to whether this bag is salvageable? Thanks You Hot Hotties!!
Hayden Harnett Paule Marrot Anthropologie Tote Bag - eBay (item 180385675972 end time Jul-22-09 18:42:01 PDT)

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by EYE HEART BAGS

Any opinions as to whether this bag is salvageable? Thanks You Hot Hotties!! Hayden Harnett Paule Marrot Anthropologie Tote Bag - eBay (item 180385675972 end time Jul-22-09 18:42:01 PDT)

No, it's hopeless

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by skydive nikki

Stormy, I tried to search for the answer to this question , but just got frustrated. Sorry if you have had to answer this before. I need to know what to spray on a cobalt havana to protect it. I don't want the color to change due to the spray. Can you please help me?? You always do! We are so lucky to have someone as knowledgeable and willing to help as you. There would be a lot of messed up bags if you were not here.

Thanks Nikki ! I am trying to save the world one handbag at a time.
If it's Cobalt, it's an older one, so it should be clean and conditioned before you use protector spray. Wilsons TLC or KIWI spray will not change the color. If you choose to condition it first, TLC lotion hasn't affected color on my brighter bags, including Cobalt Havana, ( the TLC wipes do leave dark marks so avoid those bad boys.) As always, don't rub too hard and if you see color coming off on your cloth, stop. Use your spray in an even fine mist, double coats on bottom, around pockets and flaps, and straps.
Great bag, one of the best HGs!

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by jennirane

So here's my question, Stormy. Should I have Lexol on hand for simple cleaning like this instead of the TLC cleaner/conditioner combo because of your above suggestion that there's a chance the conditioner can set it? Either way, KUDOS to the protector spray!!!!

Hi Jen,

Yes! Exactly ! The two steps would have given you better results. Thank goodness you had the protector on, Remember to respray the area after cleansing and conditioning. The barrier has proven it's worth once again.

Regarding Euc... it's natural but not naked, although she can be treated as a nudie to preserve the minimal finish. Rich conditioners would not be appropriate for the bags but I'd use them for my boots (and accept a darker, shinier look) before splashing in puddles.

I will do a double blind with controls using 3 UV options..... me and my mad experiments....

[skydive nikki]

Thanks Stormy! Your a savior. I appreciate your fast responses

[skydive nikki]

Ok, so I am gonna get my "babies" together and spray all the new ones with TLC. Lagoon Havana, ginger carryall, BB clara and I think thats it. All of those can handle the Wilsons right? Just don't do anything to the moonbeam? Sorry if these are repetitive questions. I hope I am not bugging you Stormy!

[jennirane]

Thanks, Stormy! I'd wondered if I needed to re-spray the area after cleaning/conditioning it. I will. And I'll get some Lexol for basic cleaning.

[Minnifer]

Hi Stormy - I recently purchased a used KP Corc, which is in great condition, except the KP feels kinda sticky all over. I also have a BP Corc which doesn't have this problem, so not sure if this is a KP thing, or just a this-bag thing. Is there anything I can do, like maybe wipe it down all over w/a slightly water-moistened cloth, or anything else you'd suggest? Thanks!

[cellista]

Holy cow, Stormy! thank you for this information--I never would have had the slightest inkling how to do this properly. You are so kind to help us hhotties keep our bags looking their best!!!

Cellista

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by cellista

Holy cow, Stormy! thank you for this information--I never would have had the slightest inkling how to do this properly. You are so kind to help us hhotties keep our bags looking their best!!! Cellista

You're very welcome Celli !

It took awhile ~ lots of research & trial and error ~ for me to find the best way to wash leather with a machine, after perfecting the techniques by hand (which was often heavy work). I do my goatskin, cow, calf, lamb, pigskin, deer, moose and elk just this way, including the hides I tint with handmade vegetable dyes. 'Course then I just stretch and hang the hides and maybe cool iron them, sometimes between waxed paper for an interesting finish....but that's another book entirely.
I know it's a time commitment refreshing a bag, but the benefits of good care are 1) saving $, 2) more enjoyment of your treasured pieces 3) Longevity, and for some, 4) resale value.
A lot of our bags are extinct, and we'd replace them if that were possible. I suppose the fashion world would like it better if we beat them to death so we'd buy new ones.
But only we decide what are Classics !

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by skydive nikki

Ok, so I am gonna get my "babies" together and spray all the new ones with TLC. Lagoon Havana, ginger carryall, BB clara and I think thats it. All of those can handle the Wilsons right? Just don't do anything to the moonbeam? Sorry if these are repetitive questions. I hope I am not bugging you Stormy!

I love your good questions, Nikki!

You are on the right track for all you mentioned.

Moonbeam can take TLC lotion if she feels dryish.

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by Minnifer

Hi Stormy - I recently purchased a used KP Corc, which is in great condition, except the KP feels kinda sticky all over. I also have a BP Corc which doesn't have this problem, so not sure if this is a KP thing, or just a this-bag thing. Is there anything I can do, like maybe wipe it down all over w/a slightly water-moistened cloth, or anything else you'd suggest? Thanks!

UH OH.....
"Something is not right"
Miss (Sister) Clavel

What did the previous owner do to the Corc ! ??
Did she apply a product which could have damaged the finish ? (many chemicals, spray products, perfume or alcohol can degrade the outer layer) which is why I say don't use ANYTHING...
Does she have toddlers with grape-jelly hands ?
Smoker (can leave sticky residue) ??
Extreme heat climate or set on radiator (slightly melts the outer layer) ?
Hand lotion addict ? mineral oil can damage patent....

Anyway, ask the original owner for clues. Lacking, those, I'd get out some old T shirt rags and mild soap, rinse with damp cloth and wipe dry ~try on a small area to see if cleaning is all that's needed.
{{fingers crossed}} IF the KP still feels sticky, you have an irreversible problem. Your BP is proof how it should feel.

keep us posted, Minn

[jennirane]

Stormy, Sister Clavel gave me NIGHTMARES as a kid!!

Just thought I'd add to the KP Corc issue, mine got sticky all over after Pittsburgh (much higher humidity). It's now squeaky and my skin sticks to it. Not like grape jelly sticky, but like bare thighs on those vinyl car seat covers your grandparents used sticky. In south Texas heat. I'm just assuming it'll go away now that it's back here in the desert... haven't used it yet though.