Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[dgphoto]

I need help, please-this is out of my comfort zone. I’m not familiar with this “cervo” suede. This bag needs serious cleaning and I’m not sure where to start. Can I dunk suede and will it hurt the 1941 lining and/or inside kisslock at all? Haven’t really dunked anything with this type of lining. Should I pre-treat or pre-brush? Help!




Look how filthy it is:

 

[katev]

I need help, please-this is out of my comfort zone. I’m not familiar with this “cervo” suede. This bag needs serious cleaning and I’m not sure where to start. Can I dunk suede and will it hurt the 1941 lining and/or inside kisslock at all? Haven’t really dunked anything with this type of lining. Should I pre-treat or pre-brush? Help!
View attachment 4172913
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Look how filthy it is:
View attachment 4172918

I have never rehabbed a cervo suede bag before, but with an expensive bag like that I would probably try surface cleaning it first. You can always dunk later if it is necessary. I have dunked other bags with kisslocks and that didn't harm the kisslock mechanism so I don't think it should hurt a rogue bag kisslock, but I haven't tried it.

Maybe you could try surface-scubbing with a soft brush and using Leather Therapy Laundry Solution:
https://absorbine.com/products/leather-care/leather-therapy-leather-laundry-rinse-dressing/

 

[Kell bell00]

Hey all, back again, I finally washed the lining of my Riley op art bag, I am not sure if I should stuff it with towels or dry it flat with its best? I know i got suggestions on both. Some of the actual bag is wet also, unavoidable and i did dry out the creed with a blow dryer on cool. Not sure which drying method is best here...I am regretting not washing the entire bag but I'm so nervous about the purple leather straps that wrap around.

 

[katev]

Hey all, back again, I finally washed the lining of my Riley op art bag, I am not sure if I should stuff it with towels or dry it flat with its best? I know i got suggestions on both. Some of the actual bag is wet also, unavoidable and i did dry out the creed with a blow dryer on cool. Not sure which drying method is best here...I am regretting not washing the entire bag but I'm so nervous about the purple leather straps that wrap around.

I like to stuff it with towels and shape it and let it try for a day and then remove the towels and let it continue drying in the proper shape.

It's up to you, but when I think that a bag really needs a bath I usually go ahead and give it a bath because I know that I won't feel comfortable carrying it if it still seems dingy or dirty - and I usually wind up going back and dunking it later and doing the rehab over.

 

[Lake Effect]

I need help, please-this is out of my comfort zone. I’m not familiar with this “cervo” suede. This bag needs serious cleaning and I’m not sure where to start. Can I dunk suede and will it hurt the 1941 lining and/or inside kisslock at all? Haven’t really dunked anything with this type of lining. Should I pre-treat or pre-brush? Help!
View attachment 4172913
View attachment 4172914
View attachment 4172915
View attachment 4172916
Look how filthy it is:
View attachment 4172918

I have only dealt with a vintage Berkley (dunked) and a seude haversack circa 2012 (put through a washing machine ) so I am no help, sorry : /

 

[dgphoto]

I have only dealt with a vintage Berkley (dunked) and a seude haversack circa 2012 (put through a washing machine ) so I am no help, sorry : /

No worries! It’s in the bath now...EEEK! It’s so filthy, I just don’t think I’ll be happy if I didn’t dunk it-regardless of how it turns out.

 

[Cyanide Rose]

I was thinking about what whateve said about rehabbing an actual coach, instead of a different brand which completely makes sense. My main issue is that I would really like to do that, but I’m afraid to ruin them. I ended up giving away my intended bag to test on to someone and then the sonoma? (pebbled leather one) and two other vintage coach bags to a friend that does coach rehabs, to rehab for me.

I’m not confident enough to know if I’m doing it correctly. Has anyone ever ruined a bag? Or Is it that the leather quality of coach’s vintage bags are just more forgiving?

I totally agree with Katev’s point of being more comfortable carrying a clean bag 1000%. The washing seems simple enough, except if the bag doesn’t get clean after the first wash. Should you take it out and do the drying process and then wash it again or just wash it longer initially. My other concern is the stuffing and drying part. Are hand towels better or paper towels? Do you lay them flat with the flap open to dry or closed but not fastened? I tried to reshape a bag after cleaning and conditioning it while it dried and it didn’t go well. Unfortunately, the seller flattened it to ship to me and the only thing that helps it now, is an organizer to keep its shape better.

I have done repairs on other vintage bags I collect like kieselstein, Vicenza, siso etc. but they are mainly dyeing or leather repair, followed by conditioning. Not really able to wash any of them. My worry too is if I ruin them, then I’d have to try to find a replacement in decent condition. Not having much luck finding replacements so far.

These are the first ones I’d like to try and rehab first. Not sure of their styles or names, to even look for a replacement if needed. The brown one has slot on the front, does anyone know the purpose of it? Also with the larger one having that lining, can that one even be washed? Not sure at all.

 

[valv54]

I was thinking about what whateve said about rehabbing an actual coach, instead of a different brand which completely makes sense. My main issue is that I would really like to do that, but I’m afraid to ruin them. I ended up giving away my intended bag to test on to someone and then the sonoma? (pebbled leather one) and two other vintage coach bags to a friend that does coach rehabs, to rehab for me.

I’m not confident enough to know if I’m doing it correctly. Has anyone ever ruined a bag? Or Is it that the leather quality of coach’s vintage bags are just more forgiving?

I totally agree with Katev’s point of being more comfortable carrying a clean bag 1000%. The washing seems simple enough, except if the bag doesn’t get clean after the first wash. Should you take it out and do the drying process and then wash it again or just wash it longer initially. My other concern is the stuffing and drying part. Are hand towels better or paper towels? Do you lay them flat with the flap open to dry or closed but not fastened? I tried to reshape a bag after cleaning and conditioning it while it dried and it didn’t go well. Unfortunately, the seller flattened it to ship to me and the only thing that helps it now, is an organizer to keep its shape better.

I have done repairs on other vintage bags I collect like kieselstein, Vicenza, siso etc. but they are mainly dyeing or leather repair, followed by conditioning. Not really able to wash any of them. My worry too is if I ruin them, then I’d have to try to find a replacement in decent condition. Not having much luck finding replacements so far.

These are the first ones I’d like to try and rehab first. Not sure of their styles or names, to even look for a replacement if needed. The brown one has slot on the front, does anyone know the purpose of it? Also with the larger one having that lining, can that one even be washed? Not sure at all. View attachment 4173130View attachment 4173131View attachment 4173132View attachment 4173133

I kinda ruined a bag, I made the mistake of using oxy clean, hot water, and I scrubbed it with a hard with a scouring sponge, almost all the color came out of the leather and made it look blotchy and stripped. I was upset because the bag was yellow and a yellow coach is hard to find. Just be gentle, and just let it soak. Vinegar and dawn dish soap are the best for cleaning.

 

[sallellen]

I was thinking about what whateve said about rehabbing an actual coach, instead of a different brand which completely makes sense. My main issue is that I would really like to do that, but I’m afraid to ruin them. I ended up giving away my intended bag to test on to someone and then the sonoma? (pebbled leather one) and two other vintage coach bags to a friend that does coach rehabs, to rehab for me.

I’m not confident enough to know if I’m doing it correctly. Has anyone ever ruined a bag? Or Is it that the leather quality of coach’s vintage bags are just more forgiving?

I totally agree with Katev’s point of being more comfortable carrying a clean bag 1000%. The washing seems simple enough, except if the bag doesn’t get clean after the first wash. Should you take it out and do the drying process and then wash it again or just wash it longer initially. My other concern is the stuffing and drying part. Are hand towels better or paper towels? Do you lay them flat with the flap open to dry or closed but not fastened? I tried to reshape a bag after cleaning and conditioning it while it dried and it didn’t go well. Unfortunately, the seller flattened it to ship to me and the only thing that helps it now, is an organizer to keep its shape better.

I have done repairs on other vintage bags I collect like kieselstein, Vicenza, siso etc. but they are mainly dyeing or leather repair, followed by conditioning. Not really able to wash any of them. My worry too is if I ruin them, then I’d have to try to find a replacement in decent condition. Not having much luck finding replacements so far.

These are the first ones I’d like to try and rehab first. Not sure of their styles or names, to even look for a replacement if needed. The brown one has slot on the front, does anyone know the purpose of it? Also with the larger one having that lining, can that one even be washed? Not sure at all. View attachment 4173130View attachment 4173131View attachment 4173132View attachment 4173133

Looks like a 9590. If you don't want to buckle it, you can just insert the strap through the slot.

 

[Lake Effect]

@Cyanide Rose
Welcome to the world of rehab and refurbishing. I have dunked over 2 dozen bags, some more than once. My confidence comes from doing it. I do believe that the vintage leather can be forgiving , but it can depend on the leather, style, how much it was used or abused obviously and if or how much the purse was conditioned. More opinions are welcome.
I have not ruined a bag , per se, by dunking, but I try to screen my candidates carefully! I have learned alot by reading posts all over this forum and because the thrifting by me was hit of miss by me (my luck is changing in that dept!) I posted online listings here to see what others thought about rehab potential of a bag. Like a Barclay with a chewed dowel! The Would You Rehab this Bag thread can help too. Because rehabs can be unpredictable when all is said and done, personally I limit how much I spend on a bag. Your budget will vary!
I micromanage the drying process and fuss over the bag like no one's business lol. I prefer towels and old flannel for the main compartments and use paper towels for small pockets. I am not afraid of *storage squash* as I have gotten some fantastic deals with listings online due to crappy pics and a flattened bag. Edited to add, sometimes the shape is restored simply by stuffing intuitively with towels and other times a little creativity is needed. This thread can be very helpful.
I started by dunking two vintage Coach black bags I had already in good condition, just to believe I could, actually submerge a leather bag in water (and I needed to actually do that to belive it lol lol ). Then I picked up water stained Puttyand BT bags at a flea market, $10 bucks each, purely to test and see what could be done for the stains and squash. And see how the leather resonded to products.
Yes, I have dunked lined bags. Just check here first with a lined bag. There is a specialty line from Italy that may not fare well with dunking.
Lastly, read read read old posts. I love the search feature.
Good luck and let the dunking begin

 

[Cyanide Rose]

I kinda ruined a bag, I made the mistake of using oxy clean, hot water, and I scrubbed it with a hard with a scouring sponge, almost all the color came out of the leather and made it look blotchy and stripped. I was upset because the bag was yellow and a yellow coach is hard to find. Just be gentle, and just let it soak. Vinegar and dawn dish soap are the best for cleaning.

Looks like a 9590. If you don't want to buckle it, you can just insert the strap through the slot.
View attachment 4173303

Valv54, thanks so much for your reply and your suggestions. Hopefully you found another yellow coach or will find another yellow coach in the future. Thanks so much again [emoji4]

Sallellen thank you so much for identifying my bag. Chocolate brown is my favorite color and I just love the style of this bag. Thank you for helping me [emoji4]

 

[Cyanide Rose]

@Cyanide Rose
Welcome to the world of rehab and refurbishing. I have dunked over 2 dozen bags, some more than once. My confidence comes from doing it. I do believe that the vintage leather can be forgiving , but it can depend on the leather, style, how much it was used or abused obviously and if or how much the purse was conditioned. More opinions are welcome.
I have not ruined a bag , per se, by dunking, but I try to screen my candidates carefully! I have learned alot by reading posts all over this forum and because the thrifting by me was hit of miss by me (my luck is changing in that dept!) I posted online listings here to see what others thought about rehab potential of a bag. Like a Barclay with a chewed dowel! The Would You Rehab this Bag thread can help too. Because rehabs can be unpredictable when all is said and done, personally I limit how much I spend on a bag. Your budget will vary!
I micromanage the drying process and fuss over the bag like no one's business lol. I prefer towels and old flannel for the main compartments and use paper towels for small pockets. I am not afraid of *storage squash* as I have gotten some fantastic deals with listings online due to crappy pics and a flattened bag.
I started by dunking two vintage Coach black bags I had already in good condition, just to believe I could, actually submerge a leather bag in water (and I needed to actually do that to belive it lol lol ). Then I picked up water stained Puttyand BT bags at a flea market, $10 bucks each, purely to test and see what could be done for the stains and squash. And see how the leather resonded to products.
Yes, I have dunked lined bags. Just check here first with a lined bag. There is a specialty line from Italy that may not fare well with dunking.
Lastly, read read read old posts. I love the search feature.
Good luck and let the dunking begin

Thank you Lake Effect, that was very informative. I had no idea there was a thread to determine whether a bag is rehab worthy. The before and afters I see here are amazing! I’m always reading this forum and screenshooting technique used. Thanks so much again, I definitely have to take the plunge literally and just see what happens [emoji16]

 

[Lake Effect]

Thank you Lake Effect, that was very informative. I had no idea there was a thread to determine whether a bag is rehab worthy. The before and afters I see here are amazing! I’m always reading this forum and screenshooting technique used. Thanks so much again, I definitely have to take the plunge literally and just see what happens [emoji16]

You're very welcome. We are an informal gang. Ask here as well. Also , I was not shy about asking questions when someone posted a pic of their rehabbed bag, if I wanted to know something about what they did or used. I have found most here to be generous with their experience.
Lol, dunk it, dunk it . . .

 

[dgphoto]

I was thinking about what whateve said about rehabbing an actual coach, instead of a different brand which completely makes sense. My main issue is that I would really like to do that, but I’m afraid to ruin them. I ended up giving away my intended bag to test on to someone and then the sonoma? (pebbled leather one) and two other vintage coach bags to a friend that does coach rehabs, to rehab for me.

I’m not confident enough to know if I’m doing it correctly. Has anyone ever ruined a bag? Or Is it that the leather quality of coach’s vintage bags are just more forgiving?

I totally agree with Katev’s point of being more comfortable carrying a clean bag 1000%. The washing seems simple enough, except if the bag doesn’t get clean after the first wash. Should you take it out and do the drying process and then wash it again or just wash it longer initially. My other concern is the stuffing and drying part. Are hand towels better or paper towels? Do you lay them flat with the flap open to dry or closed but not fastened? I tried to reshape a bag after cleaning and conditioning it while it dried and it didn’t go well. Unfortunately, the seller flattened it to ship to me and the only thing that helps it now, is an organizer to keep its shape better.

I have done repairs on other vintage bags I collect like kieselstein, Vicenza, siso etc. but they are mainly dyeing or leather repair, followed by conditioning. Not really able to wash any of them. My worry too is if I ruin them, then I’d have to try to find a replacement in decent condition. Not having much luck finding replacements so far.

These are the first ones I’d like to try and rehab first. Not sure of their styles or names, to even look for a replacement if needed. The brown one has slot on the front, does anyone know the purpose of it? Also with the larger one having that lining, can that one even be washed? Not sure at all. View attachment 4173130View attachment 4173131View attachment 4173132View attachment 4173133

I would also use towels to stuff (but don’t overstuff) instead of paper towels, except for the pockets. Paper towels work well in the pockets. If you overstuff, you could stretch the leather and that can’t be undone. I am also a helicopter mom when it comes to drying. I take care to make sure it’s shaped right and remove the towels when it’s dry enough to keep its shape by itself.

 

[katev]

...There is a specialty line from Italy that may not fare well with dunking....

I have actually given baths to at least 2 of the Italian Coach bags from the 1990s. One was a suede-lined Gramercy Zip with pics at the first link below; and the other was a fabric-lined, red Madison Domed Bristol Satchel, second link below. They both survived the dunking just fine. I hesitated to dunk the Italian bags for a long time but the Gramercy was so dirty there was nothing else to do so finally "I took the plunge!" Actually, I gave the Madison both a sink bath and then I cycled it through the washer!

I also like to stuff my bags with towels and clean rags but use paper towels for the pockets.

https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/now-a-cousin-has-come-over-from-italy-to-join-the-family.717893/

https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club.624452/page-628#post-24816934