Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
- Thread starter greenpixie
- Start date
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I know this bag isn't coach but it's vintage Dooney and Bourke which doesn't have an active rehab thread that I could find. I used this bag a lot in college but haven't used it in 3 years or so. I noticed there's mold that keeps showing up on the outside and appears to be coming from the inside. Is this bag okay to soak? I was concerned about the interior.
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I don't recommend soaking it, because the moisture will only encourage the mold to bloom. You have to get rid of the mold first. Here are some suggested treatments:
http://cleaning.lovetoknow.com/Remove_Mold_from_Leather
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/mildewmoldtest
http://oureverydaylife.com/mold-out-leather-purses-31437.html
(I have not tried any of these.)
In general, it is possible to wash vintage AWL Dooneys. There is a fairly recent Dooney rehab thread where you might find more general tips: http://forum.purseblog.com/threads/dooney-rehab-thread.811268/
However, with mold involved, I would advise against soaking or dunking that bag.
Hi,
fyi, there is a sale going on at http://www.statelinetack.com/Search.aspx?query=leather conditioner for Leather Therapy. I am not affiliated, but this is where I got my conditioner.
-Hilary
fyi, there is a sale going on at http://www.statelinetack.com/Search.aspx?query=leather conditioner for Leather Therapy. I am not affiliated, but this is where I got my conditioner.
-Hilary
Do you have method for determining which to product to use on which purses? I have the Lexol, Leather CPR, and Apple - but am stumped which one to use...
TYIA!
If you are rehabbing bags, of those three, I would use Leather CPR. I find Lexol too thin, and I find Apple better for maintaining newer purses. Leather CPR is thicker and seems to do better for rehabs. Many on this forum use it.
Personally, for really dry bags, I tend to prefer Leather Therapy or Montana Pitch-Blend Leather Oil, but it is all a matter of personal preference.
In my opinion, Lexol and Apple are light conditioners that can be used for bags that are already in great condition, either new bags or bags that have already been rehabbed. CPR is usually the first conditioner I use in a rehab, but not the last. If you post a picture of your purse, I might be able to provide more specific recommendations. Some conditioners darken so the color of the purse and the color you desire as a final outcome may affect your decision.
Thank you so much! I actually just ordered four purses to try so I'm doing research while I wait on their arrival. I caught the rehab bug and couldn't stop
Watching everyone's work is contagious!
Hello Everyone!
This Coach bag will be a gift (with the idea that I would rehab it), but have no experience with this kind of leather.
How would I go about cleaning & conditioning this kind of leather, and will those water spots improve?
It's from the 1980s I think and is pretty worn - do you think I can make it look better?
Any thoughts or ideas greatly appreciated!
This Coach bag will be a gift (with the idea that I would rehab it), but have no experience with this kind of leather.
How would I go about cleaning & conditioning this kind of leather, and will those water spots improve?
It's from the 1980s I think and is pretty worn - do you think I can make it look better?
Any thoughts or ideas greatly appreciated!
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Leather Therapy cleaner kills and inhibits mold, then use the conditioner after(maybe not for the awl leather portion though- but on the actual leather I use it)
Good luck!Beautiful bag! This kind of leather can be improved with a bath and conditioning. The water spots should improve or disappear. I see some faint reddish marks near the top edge...is that ink, do you think? I also see a ding on the piping. I've used a mixture of Fiebing's Leather Cement tinted with Meltonian shoe cream to fill small holes. You can also use fabric puff paint if you can find a close match.
Here's what I would do:
1. Vacuum it out thoroughly.
2. Polish the zipper pull and brass rings. I mask them off with a piece of plastic wrap, then polish with Cape Cod Polishing Cloths for Fine Metals.
3. Give it a 15-20 minute soak in tepid water and Dawn or liquid castille soap. Scrub gently with a soft brush.
4. Rinse very thoroughly and add vinegar to the rinse.
5. Hang upside down briefly (2 minutes or less) until it stops dripping.
6. Shape with towels inside (don't overstuff) and let it dry flat on a towel, turning periodically.
7. While still damp, start applying conditioner. I use Leather CPR. Keep applying conditioner, letting it dry overnight after each application. You might need 2 - 3 coats. After the last coat, let it dry overnight and then put on a light coat of Blackrock Leather n Rich. Wipe off excess with paper towel, let dry overnight, then buff with horsehair brush or soft cloth.
I think the lucky recipient of your gift will be pleased!
Thank you so much Catbird9!
(Not sure if the red mark is ink. Never fixed a ding before, this will be my first.)
I am so encouraged that these steps are similar to what I've followed for Sonomas - I now have a lot more confidence that I can pull this off.
And is great to think that it'll look better when I'm done.
Can't wait to fix her up in time for Christmas!
Thanks again
Hi guys, i just want to seek your advise how i could clean these babies at home. Without sending them to a bag expert coz cleaning services costs a lot.. i got them from a thrift ********** 20 dollars hoping i can restore them mk is on pebble leather while coach is a cowhide leather