I won't quote everyone's responses - but it doesn't change my vote for buy/no-buy a bag. I DO want to start finding fun fro-fros to hang from my bags - but that seems like another crazy collection to start 
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- Thread starter greenpixie
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Suede with lining question... Would you toss this in the washing machine? Baby soap in a pillow case with towels? Or do you think there’s a better way to remove so much grime? I’ve already brushed the daylights out of it since I took these pics and I still wouldn’t carry it like this.
OMG, be careful! It's a terrible obsession. Ask me how I know.I won't quote everyone's responses - but it doesn't change my vote for buy/no-buy a bag. I DO want to start finding fun fro-fros to hang from my bags - but that seems like another crazy collection to start
Yes I would throw it in the washing machine.
I would rub the surface of the bag with laundry soap, like Woolite, and then scrub it all over with a soft brush - like a nail brush. They I would put it inside a laundry bag or a pillowcase and run it through the washer with more Woolite, good luck!
Thank you!!! Doing it now. I’ll let you know how it turns out
Should I stuff with a towel, washcloths and reshape to dry like I’ve done with smooth leathers? Or do you think I should pin up the lining and hang it by the strap buckles or something similar so the color doesn’t bleed while drying? If I did that, the flap would be open - not so great for reshaping. It doesn’t seem to have bled much on the lining while I scrubbed it by hand. I used dreft baby soap because our Woolite isn’t ‘HE washing machine safe’ ♀️ I had hoped the tub water would be more grimy than bloody.
Thanks for all of your help!!! I have a whole collection of things to wash so I’ll surely be back for more advice
Usually with lined bags, I pull the lining out to dry, then once it is dry, I tuck it back in and stuff the bag to shape.Should I stuff with a towel, washcloths and reshape to dry like I’ve done with smooth leathers? Or do you think I should pin up the lining and hang it by the strap buckles or something similar so the color doesn’t bleed while drying? If I did that, the flap would be open - not so great for reshaping. It doesn’t seem to have bled much on the lining while I scrubbed it by hand. I used dreft baby soap because our Woolite isn’t ‘HE washing machine safe’ ♀ I had hoped the tub water would be more grimy than bloody.
Thanks for all of your help!!! I have a whole collection of things to wash so I’ll surely be back for more advice
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Oh heck no. They annoy me so I usually remove them. I do keep them in case I decide to rehome the bag though.
I am inexplicably drawn to a hang tag, lol. I have joked I would buy a piece of leather if it came with a decent hangtag. It is not a necesssity, but it feels like a bonus! Can not explain. Completeness, maybe?
I have two more bags that I’m cleaning. One is a black Bleecker shoulderbag with a flap and the other is a whisky legacy shoulderbag, the one with two turnlock pockets in front.
I’ve dunked the Bleecker already. The lining was absolutely filthy, filled with inches of dog hair, ink stains and grime. The leather is in awesome shape, no tears or wearing at the corners. I let it dry and conditioned it a bit while damp then again a few days later. The lining is still a bit grey but I can’t remove it for cleaning or while drying. It’s sewn in at the seams. I can dunk it again but I’m not sure it’ll help the lining at all. Any suggestions?
The legacy arrived with a LOT of verdigris. I cleaned it out with toothpicks and then haven’t done anything but a bit of conditioner. The lining is in great shape and the leather looks good but it’s a bit misshapen at the pockets and the back has a huge unseemly crease. I think they’ll get better with wear if I just load things inside and use it for a bit. There are also a few spots where the verdigris stained the lining. Should I just spot clean it and call it a day? Or is it better to get under the rivets and other hardware with a toothbrush? Would a wash affect the patina or the lining?
thank you!!
I’ve dunked the Bleecker already. The lining was absolutely filthy, filled with inches of dog hair, ink stains and grime. The leather is in awesome shape, no tears or wearing at the corners. I let it dry and conditioned it a bit while damp then again a few days later. The lining is still a bit grey but I can’t remove it for cleaning or while drying. It’s sewn in at the seams. I can dunk it again but I’m not sure it’ll help the lining at all. Any suggestions?
The legacy arrived with a LOT of verdigris. I cleaned it out with toothpicks and then haven’t done anything but a bit of conditioner. The lining is in great shape and the leather looks good but it’s a bit misshapen at the pockets and the back has a huge unseemly crease. I think they’ll get better with wear if I just load things inside and use it for a bit. There are also a few spots where the verdigris stained the lining. Should I just spot clean it and call it a day? Or is it better to get under the rivets and other hardware with a toothbrush? Would a wash affect the patina or the lining?
thank you!!
That's annoying about Bleeckers having the lining sewn in. I've had that problem. I don't think dunking again is necessary. You can turn the bag inside out and work on the lining with spray cleaner, taking care not to let it soak through the leather.
Legacy bags have a huge verdigris problem. Polishing the hardware isn't recommended as the finish doesn't go all the way through the metal. It does help to get under the hardware with a toothpick to remove the verdigris. Try to work on it dry as if it gets wet, it will stain the leather. I don't know if it will clean off the lining. I think people here have washed Legacy bags but I wouldn't if I was on the fence.
Should I stuff with a towel, washcloths and reshape to dry like I’ve done with smooth leathers? Or do you think I should pin up the lining and hang it by the strap buckles or something similar so the color doesn’t bleed while drying? If I did that, the flap would be open - not so great for reshaping. It doesn’t seem to have bled much on the lining while I scrubbed it by hand. I used dreft baby soap because our Woolite isn’t ‘HE washing machine safe’ ♀ I had hoped the tub water would be more grimy than bloody.
Thanks for all of your help!!! I have a whole collection of things to wash so I’ll surely be back for more advice
View attachment 4816142
I usually stuff and shape it for a several hours and then remove the towels and pull the lining out; but everybody has their own method.
Super annoying. I guess it’s because of the structure of the bag. I just realized that the back slip pocket and interior bag compartment are only separated by the lining. I can put my hand in the zipper pocket by the creed and provide some barrier between the lining and the leather. Maybe put a washcloth there too to keep the cleaner away from the leather. Flip it up the flap as well as needed.
Regarding the verdigris, so gross! I didn’t take before pics because the thought of it on the bag made me itch - I had to GET IT OFF! I know the only way to stop oxidation is to sand and reseal the brass but that just seems impossible without removing it. Also, I would have to apply a waxy sealant to keep the same look (rather than high gloss) and it would need to be reapplied again in future. I guess I’ll just have to keep an eye on it and not neglect it in a dust bag for years. I just wish there was a better way.
I am on the fence about dunking it so I’ll refrain. I like it just fine the way it is and don’t want to ‘fix something that isn’t broken’